OKLAHOMA CITY – October is a time to recognize the importance of Farm to School programs for improving child nutrition, supporting local food producers and economies, and educating children about the origins of food.
Each year, National Farm to School Month is celebrated in October across all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and U.S. territories. Educators and cafeteria managers are encouraged to incorporate agriculture into their schools. They can participate by hosting a taste test of fresh fruits and vegetables, planning a fieldtrip to a local farm, inviting a chef to give a demonstration, or starting a school garden, to name a few. From nutritional lessons in classrooms to visiting with farmers, the goal is to celebrate the connections between children and local food.
This year, Oklahoma Farm to School’s theme is Fresh from the Farm in 48 Hours or Less … DRINK FRESH! So to celebrate National Farm to School Month in Oklahoma, it is all about milk. Every Monday in October, child nutrition staff and teachers are encouraged to post pictures of their students with milk mustaches on Facebook and tag Oklahoma Farm to School by using #OKFarmtoSchool. By doing so, the pictures will be added to the website at www.okfarmtoschool.com.
“We look forward to promoting National Farm to School Month through our Mustache Mondays activity,” said Cheri Long, Oklahoma Farm to School and Ag in the Classroom coordinator. “We look forward to seeing students connect with agriculture in a fun and exciting way throughout the celebration.”
In addition to National Farm to School Month, Governor Mary Fallin also proclaimed October as Farm to School Month in Oklahoma. In the proclamation issued last week, Gov. Fallin stated that National Farm to School Month allows everyone to “get informed, get involved and take action to grow Farm to School in their own communities and across this nation.”
For more information about how to celebrate National Farm to School Month in Oklahoma, visit www.okfarmtoschool.com or contact Long at Cheri.Long@ag.ok.gov or 405-522-6768.