Farm to School video released
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News from Lake County Community Development Corporation
RONAN – Lake County Community Development Corporation and Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center are happy to announce the release of a short documentary video about farm to school and its positive economic effects in western Montana. Through key interviews, “Local Farms, Local Kids” tells the story of each step local food takes in the journey from the farm to the school.
The video begins in the fields of Ploughshare Farm in the Mission Valley. It follows local butternut squash as the Western Montana Growers Cooperative — a group of 40 local farmers — distributes it to MMFEC. There, staff processes the fresh produce to make serving it as easy as possible for schools. WMGC then delivers it to schools where it is prepared in the kitchen. Finally, students eat the local squash in classrooms and cafeterias where they experience educational materials and activities about Montana foods. “As a farmer,” said Nicole Jarvis, owner of Ploughshare Farm, “there’s nothing more important to me than making sure kids know where their food comes from.”
The video shows how farm to school is building Montana’s economy. While students get the freshest, healthiest food on their trays, producers gain additional markets and local businesses create jobs.
A key player in the farm to school effort is FoodCorps, a national service program that connects kids to real food and helps them grow up healthy. MMFEC Center Director Jan Tusick sums up farm to school: “It’s such a win-win for everyone.”
The video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XtpHO7mZQs
