By WILL PERKINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County Cafeterias are becoming a hub for local food, thanks to students getting involved in farming. CheyAnne Fant, who oversees nutrition services for Barren County Schools, shared an exciting update: “We’ve bought over 2,000 pounds of food grown by students this semester alone!”
Barren County Schools is notable for its local food initiatives. They collaborate with 14 local farms and 10 student farming groups, spending 14% of their food budget on local produce. This not only supports the students but also boosts the local economy.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell praised Barren County Schools for their efforts, calling them “at the forefront” of bringing local food into schools. Building on this momentum, last summer, agriculture teacher Andy Joe Moore was appointed as the district’s Farm to School coordinator. He expressed his commitment to promoting the importance of quality food in schools.
Students from Barren County High School recently helped build a garden at Red Cross Elementary. Matthew Estes, a former senior, recalled the excitement of younger students when they learned the vegetables they were planting would end up in their cafeteria. “That was a really cool moment,” he said, remembering their reactions of surprise and delight.
In recognition of their efforts, the district celebrated significant achievements: 10 campuses received the title of America’s Healthiest Schools from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Out of 1,120 schools across the country that were assessed, only 168 earned the highest distinction as all-star schools. Barren County secured 10 of those designations, showcasing their commitment to student health and well-being.
To achieve this status, schools had to meet strict criteria in areas like nutrition, physical activity, and family engagement. Fant was thrilled about this honor, emphasizing the importance of these programs.
In today’s world, with rising concerns about nutrition and health among children, initiatives like these represent a step in the right direction. Engaging students in growing their own food not only fosters a deeper understanding of agriculture but also encourages healthier eating habits. As more schools adopt similar practices, we may see a positive shift towards better health and wellness in the future.
