Here’s some cool news for you: Four elementary schools in Bowling Green, Kentucky just scored a major win. The schools have secure a $129,675 grant from the big guys at the USDA. You know what this means: More local fruits and veggies for the kiddos!
This year, Dishman McGinnis, Parker-Bennett-Curry, T.C. Cherry, and W.R. McNeill elementary schools will be adding extra servings of colorful, locally grown fruits and vegetables to their menus. They’ll also be doing a deep dive into nutrition education. How sweet (and juicy) is that?
You may be wondering, “how did these schools score this grant?” Well, it’s interesting. The grant selection was based on the percentage of students receiving free or cut-price meals. This makes sure the fresh, tasty produce goes to the kids that need it most.
According to Dalla Emerson, who’s heading up the school meal plan, this is about way more than just grub. “Kids who don’t get enough nutrients often struggle in school,” she said. “By offering nutrient-rich foods along with regular meals, we’re helping our community as a whole. We’re raising kids who are healthier, smarter, and could potentially grow into active, well-rounded community members.”
Oh, and here’s another cool bit: The fruits and veggies aren’t coming from big, impersonal factories. Instead, the schools are getting the produce from local farms including Need More Acres Farm, Jackson’s Orchard, ATP Greenhouse, Berrylicious Orchard, Western Kentucky Aquaponics, KY Hydro Farm, and Silver Mist Farms.
Emerson went on to say that for many students, this grant isn’t just about adding a little color to lunchtime. It’s about getting in vital nutrients that may be missing from their meals at home. “When your budget is stretched tight because despite working two jobs, ends are hard to meet, it’s difficult to make healthy food choices at the grocery store. Fresh produce is expensive.”
But the treats don’t stop at the lunch tray. Later in the school year, students will get to visit these very farms that supply their fresh snacks, giving them a real-world look into the farm-to-table journey. Talk about a hands-on farm experience! That’s going to make lunchtime all the more exciting.
The hard-working farmers, school administrators, and educators behind this deserve a round of applause. They’ve shown us all that it takes some effort, but it’s totally possible to do amazing things for kids’ education and health while also loving on our local farmers. So, hats off to you, folks!
Next time you pass by one of these schools or hear about this awesome grant, give a little cheer. Because the students in Bowling Green Elementary schools are not just learning to read, write, or solve math problems, they’re also learning that healthy eating can be delicious and fun.
