Students Endorse Farm-to-School

Last January, Oklahoma high school juniors and seniors were invited to compete in the 2004 Kerr Center essay contest. The subject of the contest was “Why Schools Should Serve Locally-Grown Foods.”

An independent panel of judges chose the winners. In May, the Kerr Center awarded $2000 in prize money to five students.

For information about the 2005 contest, check the Kerr Center website January 1.
Following are excerpts from the winning essays. All of the essays can be read here.

First Place
Is There a Need for Farm-to-School Programs?
I Think So

Why should schools serve locally grown foods? I can think of many reasons and benefits.

Too many times kids stand in the lunch line at school and wrinkle their noses when they see the fruits and vegetables offered, many of which end up in the garbage disposal.

It is fact that many more children are becoming overweight and obese at a much younger age than in the past.
The cost to the state of Oklahoma for health costs due to obesity is enormous.

Kids are losing sight of agriculture, many kids only see food in a grocery store and have no idea how it is grown or produced and have no appreciation for our farming heritage.

Many of Oklahoma's rural communities are faltering in part due to the disappearance of small to mid sized farms. There is one answer that can help solve many of the above problems - local farm-to-school programs.

Dakota Allison, Canton High School

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Second Place
From Farm-to-School
Farm-to-school programs are also designed to educate today's youth. “Farm-to-school programs typically integrate food services with instructional school gardens, school recycling programs, farm visits, and curriculum development to create a holistic, experientially-based learning environment” (University of California). These activities would have a major impact on Oklahoma students.

They would also be informed of the benefits of eating more healthy food and less junk food from the vending machines. The benefits of these programs are vast; they set the stage for children's eating habits as they grow older, helping to decrease the percentage of obesity in adults over time. These lessons are definitely worth teaching Oklahoma students and would be of great benefit to our state.

Erin Shores, Kiowa High School

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Honorable Mention
Farm Fresh Produce in the Cafeteria
In a farm-to-school program, the school will begin purchasing farm fresh produce from local farms in their community. These tasty fruits and vegetables will be served to their students daily, providing them with nutrition that cannot be found elsewhere.

Education is also on the menu for this project. In order for these students to understand why farm fresh foods make
a healthier diet, it is important that they see and taste the difference. Most farmers that enter into a farm-to-school contract would be more than happy to host a field trip at the farm. Most students are amazed to witness the harvesting
of their school lunches, and some are even inspired into agricultural careers.

Caroline Palmer, Salina High School

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Honorable Mention
What Am I Eating?
As an agricultural state, farmers are seeking new and innovative markets to survive, prosper and thrive. Schools can become that market. Students need to learn to live a healthier lifestyle by eating nutritious and balanced diets. Local farmers can facilitate the education of healthy living. Oklahoma is seeking alternative and innovative ways to prosper economically and reduce the health costs associated with poor diets. Schools and farmers can work together to preserve our agricultural culture, facilitate economic growth and lay the groundwork for a healthier society.
Holly Goralewicz, Okarche High School

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Honorable Mention
Why Schools Should Serve Locally Grown Foods
There is a long list of challenges that face the 21st century Oklahoman. But perhaps the most challenging is the preservation of our local schools, communities, and family farmers.

By incorporating the farm-to-school programs, we can apply what we know about agricultural production, nutrition, and marketing into a viable resource. Tangible or net margin savings should not solely measure benefits of school-to-farm programs. Peace-of-mind, food safety, and the health of the students should be factored into the equation. The move from the present school lunch program to a locally grown, healthier product represents a significant shift in health priority of students. The truth is that if we don't take the time to reflect strategically on these challenges, the health of many Oklahoma school children will continue to decline.

Chance Simpson, Timberlake High School (Kremlin)

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