Local schools promoting agriculture, celebrating “Farm to School” week

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Sandy Hill Elementary school is just one of the several schools participating in the state’s “Farm to School” program where kids can get excited to eat healthy.

Ingrid Ramos, Food Services Manager with the Dorchester County Board of Education said, “What we’re trying to do is establish good and healthy eating habits for students at a younger age.”

Maryland’s farm to schools week is a chance for kids to try new foods while also helping out local growers. Ramos also said,  “Our main goal is to promote local farmers and promote healthy eating of fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Getting kids to eat healthy may seem like an uphill battle, but school officials tell 47 ABC the first step to getting kids there is by encouraging them to try new foods.

Ramos also said, “We offer a lot of taste testing so students can have a small piece and they get to really taste it!”

Dorchester County School officials tell 47 ABC when kids are getting better fuel throughout the day, they’re more attentive in class. Weeks like this open their eyes to new and fresh options like sweet Maryland apples or savory local squash.

By trying new things, kids can help their parents out at the grocery store. Cafeteria manager Arlene Paul said, “A lot of children don’t get to try these vegetables at home so at least when they go to the store with mom they can say: ‘I tried that and I really do like it’.