August 2006

         New York Harvest for New York Kids Week begins on September 30th and runs through October 8th, 2006.  This week is dedicated to providing creative opportunities for schools and communities to become involved in New York State agriculture by learning about the industry through visits to farms and markets, or inviting local farmers to share their experiences.  The goal is simply to increase children's knowledge of the benefits associated with consuming locally grown produce which include:

• Fresher fruits and vegetables retain more nutrients;
• The reduced need for post harvest pesticide use; and
• The support of local farmers which assists the economy.

        Each year the number of involved schools increases as more educators recognize the importance of consuming healthier diets.  If you have never used this nutrition strategy-start now!  Plan activities, such as revising your menus to identify products purchased locally, and discover the benefits of supporting our local farmers.  Resourceful educational programs and materials are available to schools from Cornell University, Columbia University's Teachers College, and Cooperative Extension.  Further information and resources can be found at www.prideofny.com.  This is an opportunity for you to disseminate the importance of incorporating more fruits and vegetables in our diets.

         Immediately following the New York Harvest for New York Kids Week is National School Lunch Week (NSLW), which begins on October 9th and ends on the 13th.  This event celebrates the National School Lunch Program, which originated in 1946, that provides children nutritious, wholesome meals.  In New York State approximately 1.7 million children participate in the program daily.  This year marks the NSLW's 60th anniversary.  School lunches are often more nutritious than bag lunches and this campaign helps many schools increase their numbers of  participating students by portraying the benefits of eating lunch at school.  You can hang posters, air media coverage and encourage students to vote for their favorite entrée online at www.voteforschoollunch.org from August 1st until October 6th, 2006.  Additional information is available, including recipes and nutritional information for the entrées at, www.schoolnutrition.org.  This is another opportunity to get the students involved and encourage and promote healthful eating.  NSLW recognizes the important contribution that school meals can make everyday.