Wisconsin Potato Growers Donate Potato-Friendly Salad Bar To Local School

Antigo, WI – More than 400 students are getting a great taste of healthy vegetables, including potatoes, at South Park Middle School in Oshkosh, after the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) provided them with a potato-friendly salad bar!

On November 12, 2015, WPVGA is taking their donation to the next level by providing a true Field to Fork and Farm to School story. Growers and industry members from across the state will be providing presentations to students throughout the day about potato nutrition, the Wisconsin potato industry, and the importance of buying local.

“Putting a face to a name and directly connecting the industry to students is a huge step in helping people understand where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and fun ways to prepare potatoes and vegetables that are quick, healthy and delicious,” says Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions.

The fun and educational presentations are occurring on a day when the students will enjoy locally-produced loaded taco potatoes for lunch, while using the bar for their fruit and vegetable selections.

Not only do the garden bars support the Oshkosh Area School District’s Farm to School program, but research also shows that garden bars in school lunches allow schools to offer a wider variety of fresh and healthy food options, thereby encouraging students to try new items and eat more of their favorites. Consequently, they develop habits that support healthy eating over their lifetime.

Along with WPVGA’s donation, Roundy’s Corporation made one of their own.

“The students of the Oshkosh Area School District are benefitting from the generous donations of the WPVGA and Roundy’s Corporation,” says Food Services Director Peggy West. “These donations allowed us to place garden bars in several of our elementary and middle schools. These bars give us more flexibility in offering different varieties of fruits and vegetables, especially those grown in Wisconsin.”

The potato organizations that will be presenting to students on November 12th are:  Alsum Farms and Produce, Friesland, WI; Coloma Farms, Coloma, WI; Gumz Muck Farms, Endeavor, WI; Ansay and Associates, Appleton, WI.

It’s a small effort that goes a long way in narrowing the gap between Field and Fork, Farm and School, and making an impact these students will be tasting at every meal.

WPVGA is a non-profit organization that represents and promotes state potato and vegetable growers. We currently represent more than 300 members and affiliates. For more information on our commitment to sustainable agriculture, jobs and water use, visit www.wisconsinpotatoes.com.

Source: Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA)