MEDIA ADVISORY: Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week Kick-Off Event at Crellin Elementary on Sept. 26

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Students in public schools across the state will get a taste of fresh, Maryland-grown and produced food in their lunches during the ninth annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, Sept. 25-29. A statewide celebration with a speaking program, tour of Crellin’s “Sunshine Farm” and lunch featuring local products with students, local food suppliers, federal, state and local officials will take place at Crellin Elementary School in Oakland (Garrett County) from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 26. All 143 kindergarten through fifth grade Crellin students will also have the opportunity to experience the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation’s Ag Products Mobile Science Lab.

Homegrown School Lunch Week is an element of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program, signed into law in 2008. The program is designed to help students learn about the origin of their food, how it is produced,  the benefits of a healthy diet, and to expand markets for Maryland farmers. More information: www.marylandfarmtoschool.org.

WHAT:          Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week Statewide Kick-off Event                        

WHEN:          Tuesday, Sept. 26

10:30 a.m.       Speaking program begins at the school

11:00 a.m.       Tour of Crellin School’s Sunshine Farm

12:00 p.m.       Lunch with students featuring local agricultural products

WHERE:       Crellin Elementary School (Garrett County) 115 Kendall Drive, Oakland, MD 21550

 WHO:             Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder; Garrett County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Baker; Crellin Elementary School Principal Dana McCauley; USDA Food Nutrition Services Mid-Atlantic Regional Office Special Nutrition Programs Director Roberta Hodsdon, Crellin Elementary teachers and students.

NOTE:           Please confirm attendance by calling 410-841-5889.

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