October is National Farm-to-School Month, and school nutrition teams throughout the country are taking the time to highlight local ingredients and the people behind them.
Here are three ways schools are celebrating.
1. A farm-to-school art competition
Elementary students at Austin Independent School District in Texas are invited to participate in an art contest in honor of National Farm-to-School Month. Participants must create a piece of two-dimensional artwork that showcases Texas agriculture and includes the tagline “Farm Fresh Texas.” The district will pick three winners, each of whom will each receive a prize pack and have their artwork featured on social media and in school cafes.
2. Virtual farm field trips
While Minneapolis Public Schools won’t be hosting its annual farm-to-school barbecue this year, it is still planning a variety of fun activities, including virtual field trips where students can meet and learn more about local farmers. Local produce will also be featured on menus throughout the month.
3. Farmer trading cards
Elementary students at Cincinnati Public Schools will receive farmer trading cards at lunch this month. Each card features a local farmer who provides food to the district and includes facts about them and what they grow.