If your child has a newfound love of baked zucchini, thank a farmer. Our district is among those across the country bringing local growers to visit and educate students about fresh produce.

About 42% of U.S. schools participate in the national Farm to School program. I’m very proud of the fact that the Richmond County School District has been honored for its ongoing participation in this community-building program.

At our schools, students get the opportunity to taste test local foods, such as apple chips and roasted pumpkin seeds, and learn more about healthy eating as well as the local economy.

Earlier this month at Monte Sano Elementary, we celebrated Feed My School Week, which is part of the Farm to School program. This special event takes learning about agriculture from the classroom into the cafeteria. Students decked the halls with colorful depictions of the five food groups and garden and farm scenes. Our school nutrition team collaborated with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to offer a week-long lunch menu that featured more than 80% locally grown or raised products.

More than 20 growers and food companies contributed to a delicious learning experience for our students. I would like to thank: Aquaponic Lettuce; Calhoun Produce; Jaemor Farms; Mercier Orchards; Nix Farms; Scott Farms; and Southern Valley, as well as Dutch House Bakery, Allison’s Honey & Derst Bakery, and the food companies that contributed to our special menu.