With all the positive conversations from First Lady Michelle Obama about the importance of healthy eating habits and the need to make changes in the school lunch program, it is relevant to recognize Virginia’s designation of November 8-12 as Farm to School Week. The event links Virginia-grown products with school systems and introduces farmers to this additional marketing opportunity.

Nationally there has been an uproar over the foods served in school lunches. How much pizza can be consumed in a week has become a running refrain. The farm-to-school program educates families and educators about the opportunities to introduce more fresh, local products into the cafeteria. The end result hopefully encourages more individuals to buy fresh and support local.

The region’s county schools are all participating, but more farmers need to be encouraged to get their products into the schools to further educate our youngsters about the importance of healthy eating and finding good venues for local goods.

If we can motivate the school-age population to believe in fresh vegetables and simply prepared foods rather than oil-laden reproductions, we will be a healthier society.