The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County is working with public schools to give kids access to healthy, locally grown food.

The program, implemented in public school cafeterias and classrooms, is moving towards utilizing more fresh produce from local growers. According to a news release, schools are moving from “one-time-purchase” relationships to “plant-to-order” agreements with local growers.  This change benefits both schools and farmers by facilitating budget planning and order fulfillment.

Do you make a point to buy local produce? Why or why not? Tell us in comments.

This year in public school cafeterias, fresh fruits and vegetables from Baugher's Orchards, Deep Run Farms and Wike Family Farm were served at lunch. According to a news release, signs have been placed in the cafeterias to highlight local farms, and customizable smart phone posters have been hung to highlight fun facts and health benefits of fruits and vegetables.

In the classroom, students experienced several hands-on activities to build awareness of where their food comes from, the benefits of eating fresh and local, and finally where to go to find local produce with their families.  Students also planted their own carrot seeds to take home and grow.

The goal of the program, according to a news release, is to build a robust "Farm to School" program for our community. The program is supported by a grant from Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States.

Learn more at www.HealthyCarroll.org.