Officials Kick-off Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week

LOVEVILLE, MD (September 9, 2011) – Educators, farmers, and state and local officials gathered with Benjamin Banneker Elementary School students in St. Mary’s County to kick off the 4th annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week by eating healthy lunches, full of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Students (and officials) also enjoyed special classroom activities and hands-on outdoor educational activities with farmers.  To draw attention to the connection between healthy food and the local farms that grow it, Governor Martin O’Malley officially designated September 12-16, 2011, as Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week.

“It is critically important that students learn and understand where our food comes from before it gets to the store, and how important our agriculture industry is to Maryland’s environment, economy, and quality of life,” said Governor O’Malley. “We are extremely encouraged that nearly all 24 of our public school systems and many private schools are participating in this important, educational program.”

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance underscored the importance of Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week and agricultural education. “Our goal is to see more local, fresh food in school lunches, not only to improve childhood health but also to help them learn about the importance of our farms to our environment and daily lives. The Homegrown School Lunch week not only provides effective learning activities, it’s also a lot of fun for students and other participants.”

Today, more than 600 students at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School in Loveville, St. Mary’s County, enjoyed lunches that included yellow squash casserole, cucumbers, zucchini, corn on the cob, cherry and grape tomatoes, and watermelon.  The fresh fruits and vegetables were purchased from nearby farms.

“Education research tells us that proper nutrition leads to strong student achievement,” said Interim Maryland State Superintendent Bernard Sadusky, Ed.D. “Our State’s agricultural community provides for our children some of the best building blocks for achievement that are available.”

Prior to lunch, farmers and government officials visited with about 85 fifth graders and participated in hands-on educational activities.  Participants circulated through three activity stations that illustrated the connection between farms and food to enhance student understanding of where their food comes from, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet. One popular activity station included a variety of farm animals where students learned about livestock from active farmers; another gave students a hands-on demonstration on how to plant crops; and a third included a presentation on the importance of recycling. University of Maryland Extension organized the farmers and planting stations while St. Mary’s County Economic Development organized the farm animals.

“The Maryland Homegrown School Lunch program is an outstanding program that embraces the rich agricultural heritage of our community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Ed.D. “This is a wonderful opportunity to share this heritage with our students who may not have the experiences of farm life and the value of homegrown products.”

St. Mary’s County Public Schools have observed Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week since it began in 2008 and have been among the pioneer systems in the state to incorporate fresh, local foods in student lunches.
“Our students are excited about the opportunity to experience hands-on activities that demonstrate the care and skill of producing quality products that promote healthy living,” said Mrs. Debra Bowling, principal, Benjamin Banneker Elementary School. “These activities are incorporated into all aspects of our instructional program.”
Students also received a surprise visit from Cornelia, a corn cob mascot who teaches students about the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle and its relation to fresh farm food. Cornelia’s debut was made possible by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.

The Homegrown School Lunch Week, an element of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program, was created during the 2008 Session of the Maryland General Assembly when SB 158 Farm-to-School Program – Activities and Promotional Events, sponsored by state Senator Jamie Raskin and state Delegate Sheila Hixson of Montgomery County, was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley in May, 2008.

More information about Maryland’s Farm to School program, including educational materials, menus, places to find local products, brief video soundbook with photos and interviews, plus much more for parents, teachers, and food service staff, visit: www.marylandfarmtoschool.org.  For information on the school meals programs, visit: www.eatsmartmaryland.org.

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