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Schools Throughout the State Planning Festivities Surrounding Jersey Fresh Produce

For Immediate Release: September 19, 2013
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced the 3rd annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week will be held September 23-27 to encourage schools to purchase produce from local farmers to incorporate in school meals.

“There is a lot of excitement in New Jersey schools about eating healthier and incorporating Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables into the school meals program,” said Secretary Fisher.  “Farm to School Week highlights that we have an opportunity to connect the schools with our hard-working farmers to benefit of all.”

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has planned events next week at three of the many successful farm to school programs:

Monday, September 239 a.m. -- Kick-off of the 2013-2014 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program celebrating Jersey Fresh produce at John Fenwick Elementary School, 183 Smith St., Salem.

Tuesday, September 2410 a.m. -- Farmer program for 5th and 6th graders on Jersey Fresh squash and recipe sampling at Lounsberry Hollow School, 30 Sammis Rd., Vernon.

Tuesday, September 24 – 1:30 p.m. – School garden planting for third, fourth and fifth-graders at Deerfield School, 302 Central Ave., Mountainside.

Thursday, September 2611:30 a.m. -- Lunch-time fruit and vegetable program and displays, then Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in the classroom at Audrey W. Clark School, 192 Garfield Ave., Long Branch.

Many other schools throughout the state are planning their own Farm to School Week celebrations.  Check with your local school for specific activities.

Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week was established by law to bring attention to the Farm to School Program, which connects schools to local farmers to increase the amount of local fresh produce available for consumption by students during the school day.

For more information on the New Jersey Farm to School Program, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/childadult/farm_to_school.html.