For Immediate Release: October 4, 2024
Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov
Todd.Reid@doe.virginia.gov
RICHMOND – Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons is encouraging schools and communities across the Commonwealth to celebrate Virginia Farm to School Week on October 7–11. Virginia farm to school programs connect students with locally grown food in cafeterias, preschools, and summer feeding programs while enhancing educational opportunities in school gardens, student farms and land labs, classrooms, and cafeterias.
On Thursday, October 10, Virginians will recognize local farm to school programs by celebrating the eighth annual “Crunch Heard ‘Round the Commonwealth.” During this statewide campaign, Virginians across the Commonwealth are encouraged to take a bite out of a fresh, Virginia-grown apple and share their celebrations on social media using the hashtags #VACrunch and #VAFarmtoSchool.
“Across the Commonwealth, our schools are enhancing their school environment by implementing farm to school programs in diverse ways that include local procurement, school gardens, farm visits, and cooking demonstrations,” said Dr. Coons. “It’s refreshing to see students learn about and enjoy locally grown or raised products in school meals and make the connection to Virginia agriculture. It is no question that farm to school programs benefit students, local producers, and economies throughout Virginia.”
“With years of experience as a sixth-generation farmer, a university faculty member, and now VDACS Commissioner, I certainly understand the value of agriculture in education. Agriculture provides farm-fresh nutritious meals to families, and farm to school programs provide hands-on learning opportunities that support academic achievement,” said Joseph Guthrie, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “I look forward to participating in the Crunch Heard ‘Round the Commonwealth, to increase awareness of the Virginia Farm to School program, and raise public awareness of food and farming."
"Throughout Virginia, school divisions are making strides to improve the taste, quality, and nutrition of meals served by incorporating more scratch cooking, locally procured foods, and student inspired meals on the lunch line. Schools are getting creative with their farm to school approach by incorporating taste testing, nutrition education, and hands-on gardening and agriculture education into Standards of Learning during the school day,” said Virginia Department of Education School and Community Nutrition Programs Director Dr. Sandy Curwood.
According to annual data collected by the VDOE, Virginia farm to school programs are growing. During School Year 2022–2023, purchases of local food totaled $20.85 million from over 130 school divisions.
Additional information about celebrating Virginia Farm to School Week and the Crunch Heard ‘Round the Commonwealth, including accessing the free digital promotional materials, is available on the VDOE website.
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