Reinventing the Meal
Farm to School Celebrations
| The goal of this unit is to educate youth about local food resources,
reconnecting them to the land and the food on their plate and strengthen bonds between youth
and the agricultural heritage of the Earth. |
| It also comes at a time when many families have lost their historical link with the land
and its local food resources. With that loss has gone a great deal of wisdom about seasons,
relationships, food, and family life. Without knowledge resources and the historical link to community,
land, and the food that comes from it, youth are increasingly likely to eat unhealthy,
processed food with resulting dietary problems. |
| This unit complements basic nutrition education by offering tastings of locally produced foods.
Parent and community volunteers participate and help serve the foods to all students. Farmers and food producers are invited to meet students and enable them and discuss various local foods (i.e. maple syrup, milk, apples, etc.) and "put a face on their food." By talking to local food producers children gain a richer understanding of where their food comes from make a connection between the grower/producer and the final product. Mentoring opportunities are also encouraged. |