The U.S. Virgin Islands started activities this week to recognize National Farm to School Month (October). The vision of territory leaders for fostering farm to public schools programs is tri-fold:
- Get locally-grown food onto student’s plates at school lunches
- Teach children about agriculture both in and out of the classroom
- Set-up school gardens for kids to have hands-on learning experiences
October Events (remaining) on St. Croix:
- Farmer’s Meet and Greet / Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at balter (Christiansted) hosted / sponsored by the following organizations:
- Taste of St. Croix (St. Croix Food and Wine Experience)
- Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition
- Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDOA)
- Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE)
- Students Sell Fresh Eggs / Oct. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at La Reine Farmer’s Market
- Sourced from Arthur Richards Junior High poultry farm
- Food Learn Event kicks off Dine VI Week / Oct. 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Estate Whim Museum
- Second annual event
- Honors Farm to School Heros
The territory-wide Farm to Table conference in May 2015 started this movement locally. It was made by possible with a grant from the Child Nutrition Program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant of more than $20K was secured by the USVI Department of Education with assistance by local farm to school leader Sommer Sibilly-Brown.
Nationally, the push for Farm to School has been led by First Lady Michelle Obama for the last eight years. Learn more about her efforts to encourage children to eat well and exercise at LetsMove.gov.
Ready to harvest from your home garden year-round in tropical climate? Chris and Kerri Hanley can help you find the perfect home with plenty of land for gardening. As the top broker on St. Croix year after year with license to sell on St. Thomas too, Chris is the authority on Virgin Islands real estate. Contact him today and download their free St. Croix Event Guide: