On November 7, students, teachers, school nutrition staff, farmers, producers, and state leaders gathered at Harwood Union Middle and High School to celebrate Vermont’s farm to school initiatives and the differences they’re making in classrooms, cafeterias, and communities.
Students kicked off the day’s festivities by transforming the hallway into a sea of posters, activities, and conversations to share their food systems learning and exploration: apple treats were passed to guests to celebrate Harvest of the Month, representatives from the advocacy club discussed their work with the Milk with Dignity campaign, National Honor Society students shared how they created a school food shelf to serve their immediate community, and even ‘The Rock’, a rooster from the school chicken flock, made an appearance.
“I've been a part of this school district since I started preschool, and the farm to school program here has educated me,” shared junior Julia Wulff. “It's helped me discover new paths and opportunities, and it has significantly impacted who I am today. I have become more knowledgeable and engaged in the world around me, and I'm incredibly grateful for it.”
Randy George, owner of Red Hen Baking also joined the celebration. He has been working with Vermont schools for over two decades to get more local foods into school cafeterias, including products he developed specifically for schools. “What's more powerful than knowing where your food came from? It doesn't matter what kids are going to go off and do when they get out of high school, they're all going to need to eat. And they're going to be better citizens if they know where their food comes from.
The farm to school movement goes beyond the curriculum, too. Vermont schools spend $25 million dollars on food annually, and they are increasing their purchasing of local foods and products every year. “It just makes economic sense for us to focus some of those dollars towards our farmers and our food producers,” said Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network Coordinator Dana Hudson. “Ten years ago, Vermont was averaging about 5% local food in our school meal programs. Now, we’re at 14%.” Last year alone, schools spent an estimated $3.5 million on local food, supporting over 100 Vermont farmers. State programs, like the state’s Local Foods Incentive Grant, are in place to keep that number rising.
Earlier in the week, US Senator Peter Welch announced his reintroduction of the Farm to School Act, a bipartisan legislation to get more fresh, locally grown foods in schools across the nation by expanding and investing in the national Farm to School Program. James McNerney, representative from the office of Senator Welch, shared remarks from the senator. “Maintaining the connection between our communities and the food they produce is hard work, day in and day out, but as many of our Vermont farmers can attest, it's deeply rewarding to know that your efforts help feed your friends, neighbors, and kids in the school cafeteria.”
