This month, Mackrille students enjoyed a special visit from Meg Kingston of our Food Services team to celebrate Farm to School Week. Meg shared the journey of vegetables grown in the school garden and at local farms, highlighting the importance of eating fresh, locally grown produce.
Farm to School Week is a national celebration held each October that highlights the connections between schools and local food systems. The week encourages students, families, and communities to explore how food gets from farms to cafeterias, promotes healthy eating habits, and supports local farmers by incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients into school meals.
When asked why it’s important for students to learn about Farm to School and locally grown vegetables, Meg said, “I feel that it’s important for students to understand where their food comes from. I also think it’s imperative that they understand what the process of growing vegetables and fruits looks like in order to have respect for the farming industry as well as for those who cook their food.
Students in grades K–4 learned about the different vegetables grown throughout the year in the Northeast and got hands-on demonstrations tasting a delicious vegetable soup made from carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, celery, onions, and green beans.
Meg shared what she enjoys most about bringing Farm to School activities directly to students: “I love hearing the students get excited to try new items and to watch their faces light up when you show them the squash they grew in the garden becoming part of their meal.”
She also discussed what she hopes students take away from the day’s activities, saying, “I hope that we have helped them learn a little about the growing process and how we turn the fresh items from the farm into delicious soup. In our fast-paced society, we often miss these simple things in life!”
It was a fun and educational day, giving students a firsthand look at where their food comes from and the value of healthy, local ingredients.