SHIP Staff Gives Virginia Agriculture Officials A Look At “Farm-To-School” Program

Photo SHIP:  Representatives from the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services marketing and promotions departments met recently with School Health Initiative Program (SHIP) staff members about farm-to-school, farmer’s market and school garden efforts.  From left: Leanne Dubois, Direct Marketing Program Manager, Pam Dannon, SHIP Registered Dietitian, Olivia Wilson, Virginia’s Finest Program Manager, tour J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School’s garden.  Also attending but not pictured was Janice Kailos, SHIP Community Outreach Specialist.

Photo Hothouse:  J. Blaine Blayton’s school garden, funded in part by the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation through SHIP, is ready for winter with “hothouses” to continue growing lettuce and other crops through the winter.  SHIP’s Challenge Club students in the Garden Club have harvested lettuce, herbs, and more for use by the school’s cafeteria manager, Lillian Monroe.  SHIP’s Cooking Club students have also benefitted from the healthy harvest.

Photo Beets:  If the harvest goes well, these beets may appear on the school menu.