Grand Rapids Public Schools joins state effort to promote Michigan produce

Sharon Hanks

Michigan cherries, apples, asparagus and other state-grown foods are being showcased in Grand Rapids Public Schools' cafeterias this week as it joins school districts statewide in a promotion of Michigan foods.

Amy Klinkoski, Nutrition Services Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Public Schools, says the district has tried to include Michigan-grown produce as part of its menu for the past five years, but this week it's making a special effort to promote the food items and educate students about the value of buying local. 

"Our kids always like to try new things," she says, so food items such as cherry burgers have become "a novel item."

The district serves about 20,000 meals each school day. It joined 400 districts across the state in celebration of Local Foods Week proclaimed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to mark the fifth National Farm-to-Cafeteria Conference held in Detroit this week.

The five-day menu created by West Michigan School Nutrition Services features Traverse City cherries, Battle Creek's Kellogg's Rick Krispie Treats, Warren's Bosco Sticks, farm-fresh Michigan apples and asparagus, and Lowell's Pepper Mill salad dressing. Area schools are encouraged to use the menu as a springboard to discuss state geography and how the economy can improve through better use of local resources.

Source: Amy Klinkoski, Grand Rapids Public Schools

Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.