First Farm to School Summit a success
Interested agriculture producers and Delaware school districts met yesterday, March 24, for a successful Farm to School Program Summit at the Delaware Agriculture Museum and Village. The purposes of the summit were: To match potential sellers with potential buyers To provide useful information to facilitate the business process To continue to promote healthy eating and nutrition awareness in Delaware
Following an energized mix and match session, Governor Jack Markell, Secretary Ed Kee, and others spoke/and or made presentations on a variety of topics such as How to do business with the State and Food Safety.
"The recent study by the University of Delaware showed that agriculture is an $8 billion industry for our state, employing tens of thousands of people. The Farm to School program shows that the value produced by Delaware farms goes far beyond that," said Governor Markell. "This program brings our schools and our farms together to provide healthy, fresh food--along with creative learning opportunities--for our children. Our proud heritage of agriculture is a strong foundation for Delaware's future."
The inaugural summit was an obvious success for everyone. The energy in the room was palpable as District School Nutrition Supervisors and local farmers talked about ways to bring fresh, local, healthy food to children in school. One way to encourage children to eat healthy foods is to model the behavior through school meals, said Linda C. Wolfe, Director, Delaware Department of Education.
Ed Kee, Secretary of Agriculture said, "I am very pleased with the Summit turnout, both from our producers and from our school districts. A true spirit of cooperation was exhibited as experienced producers shared their knowledge of working with the State; and information on how to sell to school districts, good handling practices, good agricultural practices, and food safety was provided to all. The Farm to School program is a vital part of DDA's goal to sustain and improve the profitability of Delaware agriculture which provides thousands of jobs in Delaware and the region."
The Delaware Farm to School Program is an outgrowth of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on March 5, 2010 by the secretaries of Agriculture, Education, and Health & Social Services in Delaware to promote Healthy Eating and Nutrition awareness in Delaware. The MOA created an Advisory Board with representatives from the Nemours, the farming community, the food processing sector, Federal Food Commodities Program, the State, as well as food and nutrition extension personnel, master gardener extension personnel, nutrition supervisors, and parents of school-aged children.
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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education
for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.
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Contact Info.
Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us |
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