LITHIA, Fla. — Through a partnership with the nonprofit Locally Grown, the Hillsborough County Schools district works with local Florida farmers, bringing their crops straight to students’ plates for Farm to School Month.

What You Need To Know

  • Farm to School Month connects local farmers with schools

  • Fresh, Florida grown produce is included in school meals

  • Partnership between nonprofit Locally Grown, and HCPS

School officials say the program not only provides more nutritious meals but also teaches students how to eat healthy.

At nine years old, in fourth grade, Azalea’s palate may not be what you would expect from a kid.

“I love vegetables! When I was a baby, they tried everything to get me to eat meat, but I would not, I only wanted vegetables, only vegetables,” she said.

And she’s very happy that Pinecrest Elementary is now serving more of them. Thursday’s fresh veggie was locally grown sweet corn, added to the cafeteria's menu thanks to “Farm to School” month.

“The standards say, for example, for lunch at an elementary school, you have to offer one fruit, and two vegetables, and we’re like, 'Let’s offer more,'” said Shani Hall, the general manager of nutrition services for Hillsborough County Schools.

Providing over 30 million school meals each year, the Farm to School initiatives impact Florida farmers, and Florida students. (Roger Johnson/Spectrum Bay News 9)

Hall said this partnership with local farmers extends beyond what you see in the cafeteria. In addition to providing more Florida grown produce, this program also provides valuable lessons for students on how to make a healthy plate.

“We really want to teach children where our food comes from because a lot of kids really don’t know. They think food comes in a package in a store, but we want to teach them, food is grown in the ground, or a tree,” she said.

Providing over 30 million school meals each year, the Farm to School initiatives impact Florida farmers, and Florida students, like Azalea.  “Corn is delicious and nutritious,” said Azalea.

The nonprofit, Locally Grown, received a USDA Farm to School Action Planning Grant to build a team focused on creating a sustainable Farm to School program in partnership with Hillsborough Schools.

Nutrition services says since offering more fresh, Florida produce, they’ve seen an increase in consumption, meaning more students are trying the fruits and veggies, which they consider a huge success.