Vegetable trial harvest shared with farm-to-table school program in Morris

The West Central Research and Outreach Center Horticulture Department conducts several vegetable trials each growing season. This year, the team evaluated various tomato varieties for their disease resistance characteristics. After the tomatoes were harvested, data was collected, and fruit was weighed and divided for distribution to area schools. Tomatoes and peppers were distributed to Morris Area Elementary School as part of their farm-to-table school program to provide as much fresh and local food as possible.

The farm-to-school program isn’t only about using local and fresh foods, but also about education. Keeping the kids involved in the process, and talking to them about it is integral to the program.

“My philosophy is I want it to be the norm, not just once in a while,” says Jeanine Bowman, Food Service Director at Morris Area Schools, who coordinates the program and is responsible for the procurement of the food.

Read more in the Stevens County Times.