The Alamance-Burlington School System has received an $82,000 Local Foods for Schools Grant to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products to serve in school meals. This grant allows ABSS to partner with local farms within 400 miles that are GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified and support small or socially disadvantaged farms.
It’s “apple week” across ABSS. Students are enjoying apples from Jimmy Nix and Sons Apple House in Hendersonville, NC. By using grant funds to buy from local producers, ABSS is providing fresher, tastier meals to students while supporting the local food economy.
“This grant allows us to showcase the bounty of local farms while teaching students where their food comes from,” said Spencer Brown, ABSS Child Nutrition Director. “When students enjoy tasty, ripe produce that was picked close to home, they gain a deeper appreciation of healthy eating while supporting North Carolina farmers.”
The Local Foods for Schools Grant is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm to School initiative to connect schools with regional producers. ABSS plans to use the grant to purchase North Carolina-grown squash, sweet potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, greens, apples, peaches, and other seasonal items for school meals over the next year.
