PARKERSBURG - The Mid-Ohio Valley Growers Association, West Virginia University Extension Service and Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department are sponsoring a luncheon for White Oak School today as part of the Farm to School Program. White Oak is part of Pressley Ridge's all-year school program.
The primary goals of the Farm to School Program are to increase the use of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables in school lunch programs and improve small farm viability through increased access to institutional markets. WVU Extension Agent J.J. Barrett said the Farm to School Program's aim is to strengthen children and the communities' knowledge of agriculture, food, nutrition and the environment, improve childhood nutrition, reduce hunger and aid in preventing obesity and obesity-related diseases.
"When we keep our food dollars local, it supports many farmers in our region and supports economic growth at home," Barrett said.
A network of farmers and producers from a seven-county region, the association works together with area service providers to sustain agriculture in the region, and get fresh, high-nutrient produce into the hands of people in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
The association's next meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Roane County Committee on Aging building in Spencer.
More information is available by contacting Megan Buskirk at the MOVHD, 304-485-7374, or a local WVU extension agent. Barrett's office is on the fourth floor of the Wood County Courthouse, 304-424-1960. Local producers considering selling agricultural products through the Farm to School Program should contact their county WVU Extension office for more information.
