To the editor: CAES kids get to taste new vegetables, new dishes

Each month, as part of our Farm to School Program, Chester-Andover Elementary School offers a taste test of a featured vegetable. For instance, January is for parsnips, which we integrate into our menu as well as offer as a taste test. We set up a table during lunch and present the item in a healthy recipe.

In addition, we offer a fresh fruit smoothie, which the children love. This program is a huge statewide effort to introduce children to new, healthy and seasonal foods and works very well, with children eating foods that they had never seen before.

On Friday, Jan. 22, our taste test will be roasted parsnips and carrots with a honey  glaze as well as a banana-strawberry smoothie.

Our fresh fruit and vegetable program, in which we offer fresh fruits and vegetables during non-meals hours free to all of our students, is also going well. Funded by a grant from the USDA, we are in the third year of the program.

As part of our buying local program, we have joined a group called Windham Farm and Food. WFF offers reliable, affordable wholesale delivery to us direct from our community farms. It is great to have a group of local producers at an affordable price. WFF, which works with about 30 local vendors in a 30-mile radius, delivers every week to us items like Elm City Bagels, Commonwealth Dairy Yogurt and local eggs among other items.

If you have any questions concerning your child’s lunch account, please call our direct number in the kitchen, 802-875-6850.  And coming  soon: our online payment program for your child’s lunch account.

Please remember we also serve a great breakfast every morning. Contact me with any questions you may have: Jack.carroll@trsu.org.

Sincerely,

Jack Carroll
Director
Food and Nutritional Service
CAES