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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 15, 2008 - 27 Program connecting schools with local farms H alton Region's Farm to School committee aims to bring fresh, locally-grown produce into Halton schools. This fall, a Farm to School program will be piloted in Burlington and what better time to do so -- autumn harvest? "Farm to School programs provide a unique opportunity to help children understand where food comes from and the role they, as consumers, play in the food system," said Gayle Cruikshank, executive director of Halton Food for Thought. "By providing access to fresh, locally-grown foods, the program helps ensure a great start to the school day," said Cruikshank, who is also a Farm to School committee member. Children love the fresh fare: according to established farm to school efforts, farmfresh vegetables and fruit rank among students' favourite meal options, especially in elementary and middle schools. "Taking part in a farm to school program helps students feel more connected to their communities and to the natural world," said farmer Lorenz Eppinger,s who is also a committee member. Students from other localities have also visited Eppinger's Greenfields Organic Farm in Campbellville to help him plant and harvest crops. "Efforts such as these encourage a lifetime of healthy eating habits and informed consumer choices," he said. Why choose to eat local? · Eating locally-grown produce supports local farmers and the local economy. · Locally-grown produce is fresher since it doesn't need to travel long distances. The freshness makes food taste better -- think eating a tomato picked straight from the vine. · Eating local is better for air quality since the food doesn't need to be transported from long distances. This reduces the use of fuel and cuts down on carbon emissions. · Buying locally-grown produce keeps us in touch with the season. It lets us eat foods when they are at their peak taste, are the most abundant and the least expensive. "Farm to school projects support and promote local agriculture today," said Eppinger. "By educating the next generation of consumers, we are planting the seeds for tomorrow," Eppinger said. For more information about the Farm to School program, contact Jessica MacKay at 905-825-6000, ext. 7801 or at jessica.mackay@halton.ca. Choices 4 Health is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, community partners and the Halton Region Health Department. The Choices 4 Health Network is a community coalition of over 250 individuals and organizations working together to create a Halton in which people achieve optimum health by choosing opportunities for healthy eating, physical activity, good mental health and smokefree living. -- Submitted by Choices 4 Health