For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Oyster River Students Get Taste of Locally Grown Food through Harvest of the Month Program

DURHAM — Students in the Oyster River Cooperative School District who buy lunch are getting a taste of the farm to table experience through a harvest of the month program.

Each week, the district’s lunch menu features locally grown produce and vegetables from the New Hampshire Farm to School in Durham.

Director of Child Nutrition Doris Demers implemented the program at Oyster River last year. Through fun menu items, it works to promote seasonal eating, healthy diets and the local economy.

“We’ve found that this is a perfect way for students to try something that’s grown in their own state and has great nutritional value,” Demers said. “The program also encourages students to taste new foods and expand their palate.”

In September, New Hampshire Farm to School provided Oyster River with broccoli and cauliflower, and in November it was sweet potatoes. February had rutabaga and beets, and March continued with beets and Brussels sprouts. To keep things new and exciting, Lori Buckley, nutrition manager at Mast Way Elementary School, introduced a new recipe: beet hummus.

The pink spread caught the attention of everyone in the lunch line, and kindergarten students earned a sticker if they could make a suggestion as to what turned the hummus the bright color. Older students were awarded a sticker if they tried the new food. They even had the beets roasted and realized the great flavors they added to a meal.

This month, students will be treated to locally grown carrots, featured in a raisin salad, cut and cooked as crunchy sticks and baked with a variety of seasoning.

Learn more about harvest of the month here.

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