Eleven local education agencies received the first ever Farm to School of NC Awards from the Farm to School Coalition of North Carolina for their achievements in expanding and enhancing farm to school in the state. The awards were presented during the Farm to School of North Carolina 2019 Summit.
School districts received awards based on eleven criteria such as purchasing local food, use of local food in school meals and student taste tests, collaboration with local farmers and food partners, support of healthy local food environments, classroom curriculum, hands-on cooking, hands-on gardening, community engagement, and other areas. The following Local Education Agencies (LEAs) received awards:
- Outstanding: Asheville City Schools, Durham Public Schools
- Gold: Asheville City Schools, Durham Public Schools
- Silver: Halifax County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools
- Bronze: Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools, Cumberland County Schools, Edgecombe County Public Schools, Lenoir County Public Schools
- Honorary: Beaufort County Schools, Orange County Schools, Sampson County Schools
A description of each award category is provided below:
- Outstanding – Awarded based on a demonstrated commitment to engage diverse stakeholders, a comprehensive and holistic approach, creative use of resources, innovative activities, and an ability to share learned lessons and serve as a vocal champion of farm to school.
- Gold – Meeting at least seven of the awards criteria at the Gold level or above.
- Silver – Meeting at least seven of the awards criteria at the Silver level or above.
- Bronze – Meeting at least seven of the awards criteria at the Bronze level or above.
- Honorary – Meeting at least two of the awards criteria.
For more info about the awards or the Farm to School Coalition of NC, go to https://www.farmtoschoolcoalitionnc.org.
Submitted by Tracey Bates
