Aramark Education

“We have been very fortunate to be able to participate in Indiana Grown and Farm to School programs for about 18 months now. Our student participation in our breakfasts and lunches have increased and we get feedback now from not only our students and their parents but also from other people in our community who are learning about what we are doing with our program. Our program has allowed us to expand our scratch-cooking preparation and recipes. We now have community members coming to us and asking how they can help and how they can participate in our program.”

Timothy Stoner 

General Manager | Aramark Education

North Daviess High School has clearly demonstrated a steadfast dedication to nurturing strong connections between their students and the bountiful agricultural resources right in their own backyard. By enthusiastically embracing a range of statewide farm-to-school initiatives, they have been able to not only incorporate an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients into their meal program, but also cultivate a deep appreciation among their young learners for the origins of their food and the hardworking producers who bring it to their tables. Over the past two years, the district has proudly participated in events like Indiana Food Day and the Indiana Apple Crunch, collaborating closely with the Indiana Grown Network to showcase the wealth of high-quality, nutritious foods grown and raised within their state. This unwavering commitment to local sourcing has been further bolstered by the food service team's tireless efforts to attend educational seminars and training sessions on best practices for farm-to-school partnerships and local procurement strategies. Through these endeavors, they have steadily built an extensive network of trusted regional suppliers and producers, steadily laying the groundwork to achieve their ambitious three-year goal of transitioning to a 100% Indiana-sourced procurement model.

For the district's elementary students, this farm-to-school initiative has taken on a particularly vibrant and engaging form. The food service department has fully embraced the resources provided for Indiana Food Day, utilizing the beloved children's book "The Cow In Patrick O'Shanahan's Kitchen" as the foundation for a comprehensive curriculum exploring the journey of food from farm to plate. This delightful storybook has served as a captivating catalyst, sparking young minds' curiosity and wonder about the origins of their meals, the animals and plants involved, and the processes that bring fresh, locally-grown ingredients to their tables. Paired with the accompanying lesson plans, this multi-faceted approach has enabled the school to deliver a truly immersive, interactive education on sustainable, community-based food systems. Building on this strong foundation, the teachers are now exploring the potential integration of live, hands-on growing systems directly within the classrooms, allowing students to observe plant development and growth firsthand. Watching seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and edible produce emerge will give these children a visceral, real-world understanding of food production that goes beyond mere textbook learning, further empowering them to make informed, healthy choices about the nourishment they consume.

North Daviess High School is being recognized for its commendable efforts to prioritize sustainability and healthy eating within its community. The school has proudly earned the prestigious Farm Friendly and Eat Smart School Badge, a prestigious accolade awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating agricultural and nutritional principles into their curriculum and school community. This badge signifies that North Daviess High has taken meaningful steps to forge connections between its students and the local food system, promoting hands-on learning about where their meals come from and how to make nutritious choices.

The school's ultimate goal is to receive full recognition by developing an on-site school garden program. This innovative initiative will allow students to actively participate in the growing, harvesting, and preparation of fresh produce, fostering a deeper appreciation for the origins of their food. Not only will this garden serve as an invaluable educational tool, but it will also provide the school cafeteria with a reliable source of seasonal, locally-grown ingredients to incorporate into their meals. In doing so, North Daviess High is positioning itself as a model of food sustainability and health-consciousness, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their diets while cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship. Through this multifaceted approach, the school is ensuring that its students gain the knowledge and skills needed to become engaged, responsible citizens who prioritize wellness and ecological preservation in their daily lives.