Beginning next week, Goochland County Public Schools will join divisions across the Commonwealth and the nation to celebrate the work of our School Nutrition Services with “Farm to School” week October 2 through 6, and National School Lunch Week October 9 through 13.
The GCPS menu will feature locally grown produce next Monday through Thursday, including broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and lettuce direct from Goochland farms to celebrate Farm to School week. On October 4, GCPS will participate in the “crunch heard ‘round the Commonwealth”, with all students having the opportunity to enjoy a Virginia grown apple at 10:00 a.m. Apples are being donated by Richmond Restaurant Service.
On Friday, October 6, Farm to School week ends with locally sourced entrees on GCPS menus, including beef from Brookview Farm and chicken from Keenbell Farm, both located in Goochland County. The Goochland Culinary Arts class will prepare a local squash soup and apple dessert to be served by students in the cafeteria. Dr. Jeremy Raley, superintendent, will serve lunch to students to add to the celebration.
“We have worked to add variety and quality to our options for our students in the past few years, including the popular ‘My Way Cafe’ options offered weekly and the inclusion of locally sourced ingredients in several offerings”, said Lisa Landrum, Supervisor of GCPS Nutrition Services. “Our staff is proud to serve breakfast and lunch each day to our students, and we look forward to celebrating in the weeks ahead”.
In addition to the offerings during Farm to School week, National School Lunch Week will include a new improved burger, a new crispy breaded chicken drumstick, and coloring activities for elementary students. All students will receive a free Italian ice on Friday.