Taste Washington Day, October 2nd: La Center School District shares their experience with local farms

I would like the students of La Center to learn where their food is grown and to try new foods. Fruits and vegetables always taste better when they come right from the farm. Supporting our local farmers is being part of the Clark County community.

Kirby Phillips,
food service supervisor
La Center School District

Imagine the fresh crunch of an apple grown just down the road, or the full bodied taste of an heirloom tomato grown from a local farmer in your community. Now picture those items served in a school lunch! La Center School District and others are working on serving more local food to students in school. 

Each year on Taste Washington Day, schools around the state serve locally sourced lunches to help students celebrate the farms that feed us. The event takes place at schools around the state on Wednesday October 2nd, coordinated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Washington School Nutrition Association (WSNA) with support from Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Child Nutrition (OSPI).

Kirby Phillips, La Center School District's food service supervisor shares a little more about her experience with local farms and Taste Washington Day. 

Clark County Green Schools: What are you planning for Taste Washington Day 2019?

Kirby Phillips: Tomatoes from Gather and Feast Farm in La Center, likely served on pizza

CCGS: What did you serve last year?

KP: Apples from Gifts of the Planet Farm

CCGS: Why is this important to you as a food service supervisor? 

KP: I would like the students of La Center to learn where their food is grown, and to try new foods. Fruits and vegetables always taste better when they come right from the farm. Supporting our local farmers is being part of the Clark County community.

CCGS:  How do you source local food?

KP: WSU Farm Finder website and word of mouth. I'll ask one farmer if they know of any other farmers that might have what I need.

CCGS: Tell us about the food you've served from farms in Clark County.

KP: 

• Blueberries from Annie's Berry Farm
• Corn from Thoeny Farm
• Winter squash and Cabbage from NW Organic
• Potatoes from Red Truck Farm
• Kale and purple Daikon radish from Full Plate Farm
• Apples from a Gift from the Planet farm
• Asparagus from Millennium Farms
• Lettuce and spinach from school garden - that's about as local as you can get! 

Find recipe ideas and ​ways to participate in Taste Washington Day here.

Here is a survey for school districts to sign up to participate and take advantage of the WSDA resources.

Here is a survey for farmers to indicate participation and connect with WSDA.

For more information, contact Chris Iberle at ciberle@agr.wa.gov or (206) 256-1874