Laurel, Delaware – Farm-to-School nutrition program utilized at Laurel School District in meeting the fruit and vegetable guidelines outlined by federal new school meal pattern requirements.
The Farm-to-school (F2S) nutrition programs have been dedicated in serving fresh and healthy food like fruits and vegetables. Such programs have also been considered as urgent care clinics, associated with nutrition in different schools. However, these programs are utilized throughout the country in different ways. In Delaware for instance, the F2S program is used in meeting the new requirements implemented by federal requirements for school meal patterns. Fresh fruits and vegetables are creative and valuable ways in meeting such guidelines, along with creativity, so that school children are provided with a sort of an urgent care near me nutrition that they need.
The Farm-to-School nutrition program in Delaware unifies a total of 19 school districts, assisting these schools in acquiring local products. Thus, the F2S will also benefit Delaware farmers, including the state’s entire economy and agriculture.
The F2S program is likewise a unique opportunity in incorporating local products into the school menus. It can serve as an urgent care clinic within school cafeterias, providing only fresh and nutritious food to its students. The school efforts also include the Delaware strawberry growers, and a partner for the state Starwberry Week, which is held during the month of May.
In partnership with Nemours Health and Prevention Services, the Laurel School District celebrated the Food of the Month Program with asparagus as the month’s featured product. The product was seasoned with fresh garlic and sea salt, and then roasted with olive oil. The organizers held taste tests in a meal service, introducing a new local vegetable to students, while gathering input from students on how the produce was served or prepared. Raw asparagus was likewise served, allowing students to compare the raw from the cooked variety.
As part of the Farm-to-School nutrition program, Delaware schools also utilized the National School Lunch Program or offered the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Summer is the primary growing season in the state. Thus, the SFSP will expose the students towards a wide array of local products, including watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn, tomatoes, honeydew, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, and varieties of squash.
Achieving proper and adequate nutrition is equivalent to urgent care, and school districts in the state acknowledge such importance. The promotion of the Farm-to-School nutrition program is still an ongoing, statewide process, and seen as highly beneficial to all participants, mainly in providing children an access to nutritious food and helping the local economy simultaneously.
