California, MD– St. Mary’s County Public Schools recently celebrated Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. All week, students had the opportunity to taste different fruits and vegetables grown in St. Mary’s County.

Evergreen Elementary School hosted a visit from Cornelia, the mascot of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. The commission sets out to teach young students the importance of eating well through different media sources. This includes coloring books, animated videos, live videos and two life-sized mascot characters.

“Today we are serving roasted yellow squash and zucchini, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, and peppers, that were all bought from Loveville Produce. All these vegetables are fresh and bought in St.Mary’s County. We encourage the kids to eat their vegetables, most importantly their spinach,” said Carol Lowmiller, the food service nutrition manager of Evergreen Elementary School.

In addition, participants brought many types of farming equipment into the school’s lawn area. Farm animals also made an appearance at this event. Animals included pigs, ducks, chickens, mini horses and sheep.

“Bringing the animals to the kids showing them that these animals are right in St.Mary’s County, and they can have the same thing in their backyard–this is a good thing and we can have fun doing it,” said Whelan Anderson, a part time farmer in St. Mary’s County.

Kim Summers, principal of Evergreen Elementary School, was pleased to see her young students eating health foods.

“First of all, Evergreen is extremely excited to be a part of this program this year. The Farm to School program and the Homegrown School Lunch Week provides our students with an opportunity to learn about agriculture. Our cafeteria staff has done an amazing job, as well has our food services department to provide various fruits and vegetables for our students. This program also supports our local farmers and helps our kids make a connection between school and the local farms,” said Summers.

All photos taken at this event were provide by Ron Bailey News Photographer from TheBayNet.com

Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com