Maryland is number one in the country for buying local foods for summer nutrition programs. The US Department of Agriculture released a Farm to School census that put Maryland on top.
59% of participating school districts buy local food during the summer. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) helps children stay full by paying food agencies in exchange for free food for the kids.
"The Summer Food Service Program offers an additional opportunity for schools and other providers to incorporate products grown by Maryland farmers into summer meals," said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. "Children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience biting into a fresh local juicy peach or eating a slice of local watermelon can now have a chance if they participate in the Program."
On Monday, a celebration was held at Brooklyn Park Middle School, where an SFSP is in existence. Now a pop-up farmers' market is also operating at the school so community members can purchase local foods.
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