Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has partnered with local farmers, University of Maryland Extension, Garrett County Economic Development, and the Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance (AFFA) to launch Maryland Mondays, a Farm to School initiative featuring a locally produced Maryland food item on the school menu each week.
The initiative, supported through a USDA Farm to School Grant secured by AFFA, kicked off Monday with 300 pounds of green beans produced by ALL Produce in Oakland. The green beans were served to approximately 1,200 students across GCPS.
The kickoff was highlighted at Yough Glades Elementary School, where local farmer and Yough Glades alumnus Levi Lantz talked with students about farming and the green beans they were enjoying. Kenzie Mousch, Nutrition Educator with the University of Maryland Extension, encouraged students to try the green beans through the “Two Bite Club” and led a student taste test.
The initiative also connects local farmers with GCPS to plan for future locally grown products on school menus. Maryland Mondays will continue throughout the school year, providing students with opportunities to enjoy local food while learning about agriculture and the people who grow it.
GCPS would like to extend gratitude to each of our community partners involved with this program.
