Nutrition staff from Coppell ISD enjoy participating in the Farm Fresh Challenge and believe it’s a great way to showcase the things the district is doing year-round.
“We love taking advantage of the Farm Fresh Challenge to really showcase what we serve to both our students and parents,” said Alicia Braun, registered dietician with Coppell ISD. “We feel like our students are more appreciative of their food when they know where it comes from. This is especially true when we serve items that they grew themselves from the school gardens! It gives them a sense of pride and ownership.”
The district was able to increase its participation and usage of the school gardens after receiving the Expanding 3E’s Garden Grant this year.
This was the sixth year for the district to participate in the Farm Fresh Challenge, and Braun said she appreciates some of the new requirements.
“I love the new requirement to provide agricultural-based learning activities and share communications via social media,” she said.
They also found the TDA resources helpful.
“The buttons and static clings are also a great way to showcase which products are locally grown,” Braun said. “In addition, the students enjoy being able to make their own seasonality wheels!”
Coppell ISD used local products from multiple sources including direct from a farm, a school food distributor, school gardens and USDA DoD Farm to School. Great work Coppell ISD!