October is both Agritourism Month and Farm-to-Table Month. The designations are meant to draw attention to Michigan’s family farms, processors, wholesalers, and retailers who rely on local customers especially during harvest time, and the connection between Michigan agriculture and school lunches.
Agritourism includes things like apple orchards and pumpkin patches, where agriculture and tourism connect by the public being invited on to the farm to enjoy their products and services.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell said, “Agritourism opportunities are available in every county in our state, providing loads of family friendly fun.”
The National Farm to School program helps connect local dairy, fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, meat, and beans with schools to get the products on the menus in school cafeterias. There is also a component of a nutrition-based curriculum and exposure to food growing.
State School Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said that over a quarter of a billion meals have been served to school children and their younger siblings throughout Michigan since March 2020.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
