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Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week Showcases Local Food in Schools

Denton Elementary School Kick-Off Event Thursday, September 26

DENTON, MD (September 25, 2019) – Students across Maryland will get a taste of fresh, locally produced food for school lunches during the 12th annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, September 30 – October 4.  A statewide kick-off event this week in Denton, Caroline County will include federal, state, and local officials, tastings of local food products, and a reading to students of Before We Eat: Farm to Table.

“Maryland schools serve more than 405,000 healthy meals to students each day, and during Homegrown School Lunch Week much of that nutritious fare comes from our local farms,” said Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools. “Maryland is a national leader in Farm to School initiatives, spending more than $18 million annually in local food purchases. Homegrown School Lunch Week allows us an opportunity to celebrate that commitment and the dedicated work of our schools to provide healthy choices for children.”

Homegrown School Lunch Week is a component of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program, introduced in 2008.  The program is designed to educate students about the origin of their food, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet. It also seeks to expand market opportunities for Maryland farmers.

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

WHEN:           Thursday, September 26, 2019

  • 10:30am        Speaking program begins
  • 11:00am. Lunch with tasting samples available
  • 12:00pm Book reading to students – Before We Eat: Farm to Table

WHERE:         Denton Elementary School, 202 Sharp Street, Denton, MD 21629 (Caroline County)

WHO:             Speakers and guests include:

  • Maryland Agriculture Secretary, Joe Bartenfelder
  • Maryland State Department of Education State Superintendent, Dr. Karen Salmon
  • USDA School Programs Branch Chief, Jaime Van Lieu
  • Caroline County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Patricia Saelens
  • Caroline County Public Schools Supervisor of Food Services, Beth Brewster
  • Denton Elementary School Principal, Susan McCandless

For additional information on Maryland’s School Nutrition Programs, visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org. For background about the Farm to School Program, visit http://www.marylandfarmtoschool.org.

The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity employers and providers.

 


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