Farm-to-School Program Brings Fresh Produce to North Colonie District
The State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced more than $1.5 million in funding for 16 Farm-to-School programs, with one of the recipients being the North Colonie District.
Program Overview
NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski visited Boght Hills Elementary School to learn how the North Colonie District plans to use its $99,346 grant. The program has been in place for a couple of years and aims to get local food into the cafeteria and bring students to farms, as well as bring farmers into the school, and provide lessons in the classroom.
Planting and Harvesting
At Boght Hills Elementary, kindergarteners were brought outside to their community garden to plant new crops, including garlic and carrots. John Barker, Founder and Director of Agriculture at Forts Ferry Farm, explained, "This is what we always plant in the fall time. It will grow over the winter and come up first thing in the spring." The farm-to-school program has been a success, with students enjoying the fresh produce and even eating it in the cafeteria. This month, they made an apple coleslaw in the cafeteria with fresh dill from the school garden, and next month, they will be having Brussels sprouts.
Career Aspirations
Amber Cost, Farm-to-School District Facilitator, hopes that the biggest takeaway from the program is that agriculture is a profession students can pursue. "There are so many different careers and so many different job opportunities that people may not be aware of, so introducing students to that as early as possible could really help out our kids." Alex Clements, Assistant Director of North Colonie Central Schools, added, "It will allow us to really see the local food end up in the cafeteria, which is a big part of it, but also allow us to bring students to farms, bring those farmers into the school, bring lessons like this into the classroom."
State Agriculture Commissioner’s Statement
State Agriculture Commissioner, Richard Ball, sent NEWS10 the following statement: "In New York State, we’re lucky to have some of the highest quality agricultural producers in the world. New York State’s Farm-to-School program has been instrumental in helping schools source products locally, making it easier for them to increase the use of New York-grown foods straight from the farm. Sourcing school meals directly from local farmers not only supports our agricultural economy and boosts our young people’s nutritional intake, but it also offers our students an opportunity to learn from a young age where – and who – their food comes from."
Conclusion
The Farm-to-School program in North Colonie District is just one example of how local schools are working to promote fresh, healthy eating and sustainable agriculture. With the support of the state’s Farm-to-School initiative, the program will continue to grow and provide valuable lessons for students and the community.
FAQs
Q: What is the Farm-to-School program?
A: The Farm-to-School program is an initiative that connects schools with local farmers to source fresh, locally grown produce for meals and snacks.
Q: What is the goal of the program?
A: The goal of the program is to provide students with fresh, healthy food options and to teach them about the importance of local agriculture and where their food comes from.
Q: How is the program structured?
A: The program is structured to involve schools in partnering with local farms to grow and supply fresh produce for the cafeteria, while also providing educational opportunities for students on sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
Q: Who is eligible for the program?
A: The program is available to schools in New York State, with a focus on elementary and middle school students.
