Local Schools Awarded by Dept. Of Agriculture for Farm-to-Schools Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service recently awarded Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) its “One in a Melon” award for administering an exemplary farm-to-school program.

Only one school district per state is selected for this award each year, by receiving the most public nominations.

“I applaud our Food and Nutrition Services Department for earning this honor,” said Superintendent of Schools Barbara P. Canavan. “The significant amount of time and effort the staff devotes to ensuring our farm-to-school program is a success is truly worthy of recognition and accolades.”

From March 15 through April 15, 2016, parents, teachers, community stakeholders and students were invited to visit USDA’s Farm-to-School Census website and nominate their favorite farm-to-school program to receive the award.

According to the Census, 22 Maryland districts have farm-to-school programs, and a total of 5,254 districts participate across the U.S.

HCPS has been participating in farm-to-school since 2006. Initially, local farm purchases were primarily apples and peaches. Once the program was in place, it was expanded to include other fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, honeydew, lettuce, corn, green beans and broccoli, among others.

HCPS also works with other programs, like the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) offered by the USDA, to introduce a wider variety of produce to elementary students. A cooperative effort with Bel Air High School resulted in a project demonstrating the synergy of fish and plants to grow fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

Support for school gardens is part of the program, and the plan is to continue to expand such efforts.

Today, approximately 37,000 children have the opportunity to be exposed to local foods in their school meals and snacks at HCPS every day. In the future, HCPS hopes to expand the program, increasing the portion of local purchases every year.