Awards Honor Farms Schools and Local Food Partnerships
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) will spotlight the 15th annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week and the third Agricultural Literacy Week with a series of events from September 22–26.
The celebrations recognize partnerships that connect farms and schools, encouraging fresh local food in student meals and boosting agricultural education.
Three visits are planned to honor outstanding contributions:
Monday, September 22: The Farmer Recognition Award will be presented to Norz Hill Farm in Somerset County, including a farm tour for students.
Wednesday, September 24: The NJ Farm to School Academy Pilot scholarship will be awarded to the Camden City School District in Camden County during a visit to the Community Farmers Market, which will also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Friday, September 26: The Best in New Jersey Farm to School Award will be presented to the Cranbury School District in Middlesex County during student activities and lunch service at The Cranbury School.
NJDA Secretary Edward Wengryn, Division of Food and Nutrition Director Rose Chamberlain, Farm to School Coordinator Nicole Broadwater, and other state and local officials will participate in the ceremonies.
Established in 2010, Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week promotes connections between schools and local farmers to increase the amount of fresh produce served in cafeterias.
The program’s influence now reaches over 600 schools, with more than 700 districts using “Harvest of the Month” materials and nearly 350 districts incorporating farm-based learning and field trips.
Agricultural Literacy Week highlights the importance of New Jersey’s diverse farm products and the health benefits of fresh, locally grown food for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
For event details and resources, visit www.farmtoschool.nj.gov. The statewide celebration demonstrates how local farms and schools work together to nourish students while supporting New Jersey agriculture.