MEDIA ADVISORY: USDA Official to Announce Availability of New Farm to School Grants Connecting Local Producers with Local Schools

(HARWOOD, MD., April 16, 2012) Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will join state and local officials to announce national funding for farm to school programs to help eligible schools improve the health and well-being of their students and connect with local agricultural producers. Officials will also highlight USDA’s new farm to school program, as well as the specific efforts of students and staff at Southern High School. An effort of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the funding is made possible through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act signed by President Obama in December 2010.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 10 a.m.

WHAT:
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will join state and local officials to announce national funding for farm to school programs to help eligible schools improve the health and well-being of their students and connect with local agricultural producers.

WHO:
Kathleen Merrigan, Agriculture Deputy Secretary, USDA
Buddy Hance, MDA Secretary
Dr. Kevin Maxwell, AACPS Superintendent
Robin Ziegler, MSDE’s Chief of School and Community Nutrition Programs
Patricia Plitt, Principal, Southern High School
Courtney Metcalf, Student FFA Chapter President

WHERE:
Southern High School
4400 Solomons Island Rd
Harwood, Md.  20776

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