Farm to Table Cafeteria Trays
“Farm to table” is often associated with high-end dinners at local eateries, but thanks to collaborations between local farmers and the district’s Food Service team, students in Cabell County Schools are experiencing farm-to-table offerings right from their school cafeterias.
“Finding ways to include local foods in our school meals offers a variety of benefits, from offering the freshest foods to our students to supporting our local farmers and even showcasing agricultural careers in our community. The future of the agricultural industry passes through our halls every day. This is another way we can help students see successful futures for themselves right here in our region,” said Tim Hardesty, Superintendent of Cabell County Schools.
The following locally-sourced foods can be found on breakfast and lunch trays across the district:
Tomato Soup from WV Harvest in Bridgeport, WV https://wvharvest.com/
Corn and Romaine Lettuce from Saunders Produce in Glenwood, WV
Corn and Assorted Produce from Winters Produce in Lesage, WV https://www.facebook.com/WintersProduce2/
Ground Beef from Buzz Foods in Charleston, WV
Honey from Sugar Bottom Farms in Ovapa, WV https://sbfhoney.com/
Strawberries from Multitude Foods in Buffalo, WV https://www.multitudefoods.com/
Salisbury Steak from Flying W Farms in Burlington, WV https://flyingwfarmsllc.com/
Ground Beef from Mountain Steer Meat Company in White Sulphur Springs, WV https://mountainsteer.com/
Bringing local foods into our schools is a priority for Food Service Director Travis Austin. He shared:
"We use farm to school to source items for breakfast and lunch every opportunity we can. Using local beef, produce, and other ingredients is a win for everyone. The students get a superior product, and the farmers and local economy also benefit. I fail to see a downside of farm to school."
“The Farm to school program isn’t just about providing fresh food, it’s about connecting students to where their meals come from and supporting the farmers who grow it. Having an elementary student of our own makes this especially meaningful. Bringing local produce into our local school cafeterias helps not only nourish our children but also strengthens our community,” said Zack Winters, of Winters Produce.
This collaborative effort is part of the West Virginia Farm to Schools initiative, supported by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Department of Education. To learn more, please visit: https://www.wvfarmtoschools.com/ or contact Cabell County Food Service Director Travis Austin at tsaustin@k12.wv.us or 304.528.5048.