Quaker Valley School District Embraces Local Agriculture Through ‘Harvest of the Month’ Program
In a pioneering move to promote local farming and educate students about nutrition, the Quaker Valley School District has introduced the Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month program this school year. Initially launched in 2020-21 through a collaboration between the state Department of Education and Penn State University’s Project PA, the program features a different locally grown ingredient each month.
Under the leadership of Carla Escribano, director of food and nutrition services, the district is committed to providing wholesome, made-from-scratch meals that reflect seasonal agricultural offerings. Students recently enjoyed apple crisps prepared with 400 pounds of apples sourced from Soergel Orchards in Wexford, reinforcing a direct connection between local farms and school meals.
“It’s challenging, but very satisfying,” Escribano stated, underscoring the dual focus on high-quality nutrition and education. “We’re not just feeding kids; we’re teaching them where their food comes from and how it’s grown.” The program promotes each featured item on the district’s Instagram and through educational materials sent to families.
The Harvest of the Month initiative is unique in that it does not require registration, allowing schools the freedom to choose their local producers. This flexibility has encouraged participation from various districts across Pennsylvania, helping to bolster local economies while introducing students to new foods.
Elaine Theresa McDonnell from Penn State highlighted the initiative’s success, explaining that the program adapts to local producers’ availability, ensuring optimal flavor and nutrition for seasonal items. Soon, Quaker Valley students will savor winter squash sourced from Janoskis Farm & Greenhouse.
For those looking to explore this initiative further, additional information can be found at paharvestofthemonth.org.
Michael DiVittorio, TribLive
Source
Photo credit triblive.com