More school kids across the state enjoyed local fruits and vegetables this year as part of the N.C. Farm to School Program. Schools purchased a record $1.4 million of local produce, up 16.6 percent from the 2011-2012 school year. In addition, 92 of the 117 school districts in the state participated, also a new record.
Each year, the bar keeps getting raised higher as more and more schools participate in the program. Here’s a breakdown of numbers for this year:
- 1,776 schools particpated (up 177 from the previous year)
- 1.76 million pounds of produce purchased (up 185,000 + pounds)
- More than 1.02 million students served (up 16,122)
Earlier this year, Wilson farmer James Sharp shows Romaine lettuce that was part of the N.C. Farm to School Program.
Kids definitely have their favorite fruits and vegetables and the numbers don’t lie. The top items ordered were apples and apple slices, strawberries and sweet potatoes.
Other produce offered were blueberries, broccoli crowns, cabbage, cantaloupes, collards, cucumbers, peaches, Romaine lettuce, squash, sprite melons, sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelons and zucchini.
We are so proud of the program and the support shown to North Carolina’s farmers and agriculture industry. Thank you to the child nutrition directors, school systems and students for making this program a success.