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March 2023 E-Harvest Newsletter
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TDA’s Farm Fresh Cookbook
Every month, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) highlights a fruit or vegetable currently harvested in Texas. March’s Harvest of the Month is button mushrooms. Did you know TDA has a cookbook called Farm Fresh Cooking for the Seasons? Recipes include component contribution information for Child Nutrition Program compliance and were developed to appeal to your students. The recipe for sauteed mushrooms in the photo can be found on page 90.
Taste Test Ideas
Looking for ways to showcase Texas-grown foods you purchased from local farms? Action for Healthy Kids has some suggestions, including an Eating the Alphabet Taste Test and a Baked Potato Bar where you can feature local cheese and veggies. Taste Test Ideas
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Funding Opportunities
Whole Kids Foundation - Salad Bar Grant
A salad bar is an appealing, easy-to-prep way to ensure students enjoy fresh Texas produce. The Whole Kids Foundation offers year-round grants of $3,800 to purchase a salad bar, complete with the equipment and utensils. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students with a salad bar in their cafeteria eat 33% more fresh produce. Find information here: Whole Kids Foundation Salad Bar Grant.
Oliver Foundation - Healthy Choices Grant
The Oliver Foundation works to encourage children, families, and communities in Texas to improve eating habits and increase physical activity of preschool and school age students.
The Healthy Choices Grant is awarded to non-profit organizations, agencies, and schools. Grant fund activities focus on nutrition and physical activity. Level 1 grants range from $750 - $3000. Level 2 grants start at $3000 and cap at $5000.
Deadline for applications is April 15, 2023. Apply Now
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Farm to Child Care Spotlight
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National CACFP Week
March 12 - 18 is National CACFP Week - Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program are encouraged to celebrate and increase awareness of the healthy meals they serve. There is no better time to teach your young students about delicious, fresh Texas produce. TDA’s Let’s Get Growing garden based learning series features four steps to help get your garden program planted. Check it out today!
If you don’t have space for an outdoor garden, try small pots in your windows. Grow lights are an inexpensive option if the space does not have enough natural light. Find guidance and ideas for repurposing containers as planters here: Indoor Gardening for Kids.
If you would like to try a more innovative approach to indoor gardening, Gardyn Grows for Good accepts applications for donations of a home sized, indoor hydroponic gardening system. You can grow up to 30 plants in the unit, with the ability to observe growth from seed to harvest, all from the comfort of your classroom.
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USDA High Tunnel Initiative
Weather conditions in Texas can make farming challenging. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers financial assistance to install and operate a High Tunnel System through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). High Tunnel Systems can improve plant and soil quality, extend your growing season, and reduce the need for pesticides. More information can be found here: NRCS EQIP High Tunnel
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Welcome to the Farm Fresh Network!March is National Nutrition Month!
What a wonderful month to welcome a new producer to the Farm Fresh Network. Farm Fresh Network Members can provide your program with nutrient dense, delicious products.
Fifth Branch Farms in Florence, TX grows a variety of vegetables, including squashes, peppers, carrots, celery, cauliflower, corn, and greens. They also produce watermelons and honeydew melons.
Visit the Farm Fresh Network Map to find other producers in your area.
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Contact TDA Toll Free: (877) TEX-MEAL
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Connect with Others
Texas Farm Fresh Network:
Use this tool to connect with Texas food companies that currently sell or are interested in selling to schools, child care centers, adult care centers and summer meal programs. Company listings include contact information, product availability and distribution radius
Funding Opportunities:
Financial support from organizations may help establish or advance local Farm Fresh initiatives. This list includes opportunities from TDA, USDA and other organizations.
Interested in learning more about Texas products?
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This product was funded by USDA.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. |
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