TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District’s School Nutrition Department has been recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture for its work in utilizing and promoting local food products.
Temple ISD was recently awarded the Texas Department of Agriculture’s “Cream of the Crop” designation as part of the department’s Farm Fresh Challenge. The Farm Fresh Challenge takes place every October to celebrate local foods in school meals. The program encourages school districts to serve locally sourced foods, provide educational experiences relating to local products and nutrition, and share their local food usage on social media.
TISD sourced bread, milk, fruits, and vegetables from local farms and suppliers during the Farm Fresh Challenge. School nutrition served water infused with a variety of fruit flavors at a pair of elementary schools and provided students the opportunity to taste test the different flavors. A local dairy visited a TISD elementary school for a presentation and demonstration on milking cows, and school nutrition staff visited several local farms and suppliers to learn more about their products and promote them through the department’s social media.
“The Farm Fresh Challenge is a fun time each year where we are challenged to shop local,” said Kancy Degrate, assistant director of school nutrition for Temple ISD. “Being able to discover and learn about farmers right here in our backyard is my favorite part of the challenge. Our Nutritionist, Mabry Kullander, did an amazing job networking with local producers and bringing local food to our tables while creating fun experiences for our students.”
There are three different tiers of recognition through the Farm Fresh Challenge depending on the level of participation by a school district. The “Cream of the Crop” designation represents the highest tier of recognition a school district can achieve. Temple ISD was presented with the award during the Texas Association of School Nutrition (TASN) MegaCon Conference.