Mission, Texas- The Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Child Nutrition Program at Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) has successfully completed the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Fall Farm Fresh Challenge for 2022.
Throughout the month of October, Mission CISD offered locally sourced Texas foods and provided garden-based learning activities to strengthen students’ appreciation for Texas agriculture. Mission CISD shared their achievements on social media throughout the challenge to further champion and promote local foods in our schools.
“Participating in the Texas Fall Farm Fresh Challenge has been beneficial for our students as well as our community,” states Dr. Carol G. Perez, Mission CISD superintendent. “Our students have the opportunity to build healthy habits that can last a lifetime while also positively impacting our local agricultural economy.”
Mission CISD joined other districts and charter organizations in pledging to Eat Local, Teach Local, and Be Social. The district has been serving healthy and balanced meals, offering agricultural and nutrition education, and prioritizing local Texas foods, and are dedicated to the well-being of students while also recognizing the efforts of local farmers and ranchers that provide high quality food.
“By ensuring that our students eat homegrown fruits and vegetables and learn about Texas foods we have successfully completed the 2022 Fall Farm Fresh Challenge,” states Rosy Woodrum, Child Nutrition Program director.
The Fall Farm Fresh Challenge has proven to be a great way for students to not only learn about agriculture but also gives them the opportunity to eat some of the most delicious fruits and vegetables that are locally grown.