Richland Two Recognized by the S.C. Department of Agriculture
Richland District Two is the first school district in the Palmetto State to earn Certified S.C. Grown – Nothing’s Finer designation from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
The honor recognizes the district for getting more than 25 percent of the produce and products served in schools from local vendors and for supporting healthy eating and local farming education.
The district worked in partnership with nutrition provider Sodexo to develop a food service program that emphasizes local favorites such as collard greens, potatoes and peaches. Three executive chefs from Sodexo developed menu options to highlight products including grits, cheese and fresh meat and poultry.
The effort to obtain and use local products also focuses on education in area agriculture, including field trips to farms, culinary school programs that promote lifelong skills in preparing healthy food and cooking demonstrations. Thirty-four schools and centers in the district have taken part.
“This is a win-win program for all concerned,” said State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex. “It gives kids a chance to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. It contributes to developing healthier eating habits that can last a lifetime. And purchasing home-grown fruits and produce supports local farmers.”
Certified S.C. Grown - Nothing's Finer is designed to promote a wide variety of agricultural products made in the state. Sodexo operations received a letter from Agricultural Commissioner Hugh Weathers certifying the award.
"The benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables each day are well documented," said Jack Carter, the district's executive director of operations. "Those benefits seem that much greater knowing we are serving our students and staff fruits and vegetables grown right here in South Carolina."
Posted October 16, 2009
For more information contact triley@richland2.org or itate@richland2.org