Officials Kick Off Maryland Home Grown School Lunch Week
HURLOCK, MD (September 18, 2012) – Educators, farmers, and federal, state and local officials gathered with North Dorchester High School students in Dorchester County to kick off the 5th annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week by eating healthy lunches, full of locally-grown fruits, vegetables and bison. Students (and officials) also enjoyed special displays and interaction with local farmers whose products were featured during lunch throughout the day. To draw attention to the connection between healthy food and the local farms that grow it, Governor Martin O’Malley officially designated September 17-21, 2012, 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 all 24 of our public school systems and some 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 500 students at North Dorchester High School in Hurlock, Dorchester County, enjoyed lunches that included bison burgers and sweet potatoes. Throughout the week, Dorchester County students will also enjoy Maryland apples, tomatoes and watermelon. The bison meat, the first to be served in a school lunch program on the East Coast, and fresh fruits and vegetables were purchased from nearby farms.
“Proper nutrition helps to fuel great learning in our schools, and fresh products from local farms is a wonderful way to make that happen,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery. “Homegrown School Lunch Week offers a terrific opportunity for our students to learn about what they eat and exactly why it is important to them.”
Prior to lunch, farmers and government officials spoke with about 50 students about 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. Speakers included Principal Lynn Webber, Superintendent Dr. Henry Wagner, Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance, Maryland State Department of Education Representative Stewart Eidel and 2012 Caroline-Dorchester County Fair Queen Olivia Jackson.
All of the North Dorchester High School students had the opportunity to check out the displays and talk with local farmers, plus sample bison bbq and sloppy joe, Maryland apples and pickles. Displays were provided by S.B. Farms (bison), Simmons Center Market (Cambridge-based produce distributer), Emily’s Produce and Chicone Farms (peppers and sweet potatoes). Dorchester County purchased produce from additional farms located within a few miles of North Dorchester High School for its Homegrown School Lunch Week promotions including: Friendship Farm (apples), Humphrey Farm (sweet potatoes and tomatoes). Additionally, Loyal Purpose Farm donated watermelons.
“We are honored to host the statewide kick off for Maryland Homegrown School Lunch program. Agriculture is core to the economy of Dorchester County. This program is a wonderful opportunity for us to support our local farmers and encourage students to eat healthy foods,” said Superintendent of Dorchester County Public Schools Dr. Henry Wagner, Ed.D. “For the past few years, we have enjoyed showcasing our agricultural heritage for students who may not have the experiences of farm life and the value of homegrown products.”
Dorchester 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 – especially with creative, local protein sources (bison burgers, crab meat and chicken).
This year, other county schools are also creatively incorporating local protein and developing infrastructure for local farmers into the 2012 Homegrown School Lunch Week. Northern Garrett County High School (Garrett Co.) agricultural students raised hogs, thanks to a national FFA grant, which were made into sausage. The students also raise chickens that produce 60 dozen shelled egg per week for the school system’s meals. Students from Southern Garret County High School grew hydroponic lettuce for the school system.
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) are using cheese from Palmyra Farms (Washington Co.) as part of the Chesapeake Mac & Cheese being served this week. WCPS high schools are also being served Italian Chicken Sausage made by Hoffman Meats with Perdue chicken. Harford County Public Schools recently installed a central walk-in cooler for local farmers to deliver directly to the school system and the school system will distribute the local product to its schools. More details about activities in other counties are available online at: www.mda.maryland.gov/pdf/2012F2Sactivities.pdf.
“The demands placed on high school students today are tremendous. It is critically important to have nutrition addressed,” said Ms. Lynn Webber, principal, North Dorchester High School. “We are fortunate in the rural area of Hurlock to have access to a variety of fresh food options. Agriculture is one of the economic underpinnings in our community. North Dorchester High School is honored to host this year’s kick-off event for Homegrown School Lunch Week.”
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. More on the benefits of buying local is available online at: www.mda.maryland.gov/pdf/buylocalbenefits.pdf.
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