Did you know that the SSCSD Farm to School Project has been active despite COVID 19 restrictions? SSCSD is currently in the second year of work on a grant from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets with partners, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Pitney Meadow Community Farm. Soon, SSCSD kitchens will be working with local Chef Kevin London on menu changes and ways to incorporate more local foods into the meal repertoire. One of the plans is to purchase more fresh produce during the summer months from Pitney Meadow Community Farms to be cooked, frozen and used throughout the year in recipes.
The popular Harvest of the Month (HoM) program continues in all schools. Each month a different fruit or vegetable that has been purchased from a local farm is featured on the menu. Each school is provided with announcements to read on the morning leading up to HoM. The teachers are given trivia questions to test students’ knowledge of the featured food. We look forward to re-introducing the popular “taste test table” in the cafeterias next school year, which gave students an opportunity to taste test a variety of recipes using the featured fruit or vegetable.
We are also working with the Northeast Farm to School Institute, Shelburne Farms in Vermont. SSCSD was chosen to participate in the NE Farm to School Institute along with several schools and Districts across the northeast. We have been provided with technical assistance, education and the ability to share ideas on how to connect between groups.
The Farm to School Committee meets regularly and they would love your suggestion/feedback. Please contact margaret_sullivan@saratogaschools.org. Thank you for your continued support of the SSCSD Farm to School Project.