May 19, 2013
The Georgia Department of Agriculture and state education officials have honored 25 school districts for serving more locally grown food to their students through Farm to School programs.
Officials say 3 million meals featuring locally produced foods were served in more than 650 Georgia schools in 2011 in an effort to teach children where their food comes from and to motivate students to eat more fruits and vegetables.
In 2012, officials began a push to serve 5 million meals featuring locally produced goods, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture says 25 districts from all over the state have accepted the challenge and have been recognized for the effort.
Officials say the Centers for Disease Control has identified the Farm to School program as a strategy to address childhood obesity.
Farm to School Program