CAMBRIDGE, Md.- The 11 public schools in Dorchester County are taking part in "Homegrown School Lunch" week this week.
The effort is geared towards bringing fresh and locally-grown produce into the schools and serving it at lunch for the students. It also helps reinforce the importance of eating healthy.
"What we're trying to do is give fresh fruit and vegetables to all the children in the school," said Arlene Paul, cafeteria manager at Sandy Hill Elementary School in Cambridge.
Last week the students were taught about the various types of fruits and vegetables that they may see served during lunch. This week will offer some students a chance to eat various foods they're used to. Others will try certain items for the first time.
All the food is provided to the school by local farmers and producers.
"Like our produce, we know it's fresh from the vine and it's never sitting on trucks or anything so kids are getting fresh produce for lunch everyday," said Tiffany Brittingham of Emily's Produce.
While Sandy Hill Elementary is service fresh produce this week, cafeteria officials say they try to serve as much locally-grown produce as they can throughout the year.
