NJDA Highlights FoodCorps During School Visit

By the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for Morning Ag Clips

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. —

During the week, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture is showcasing schools and farms that are connecting local produce to schools and increasing student consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“FoodCorps is making an important contribution to the Farm to School program that continues to create enthusiasm for eating fresh fruits and vegetables in schools around the state,” New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher said. “The commitment FoodCorps brings to educating students to have a healthy diet encourages them to make educated choices about what they eat.”

The visit to Texas Avenue School highlighted taste tests of roasted tomatoes donated by Santa Sweets of Cumberland County. Assistance for the tasting was provided by school cafeteria staff and FoodCorps NJ service site AtlantiCare. The tomato is the Jersey Tastes! vegetable of the month in September.

“FoodCorps is doing a wonderful job of creating an atmosphere where our students can test a variety of foods that are good for them,” said Dr. LaKecia Hyman, the principal at Texas Avenue School. “We know that making healthy eating choices enhances a student’s ability to learn. FoodCorps is making a very positive impact on the entire educational process.”