Garrett County’s agricultural community is an important part of the county’s economy, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, providing products to local consumers and contributing to the county’s overall quality of life. A new Farm to School initiative is creating another opportunity for local agricultural businesses to connect with an important local market.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has partnered with local farmers, University of Maryland Extension, Garrett County Business Development, and the Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance (AFFA) to launch Maryland Mondays, an initiative that features a locally produced Maryland food item on the school menu each week.
The initiative, supported through a USDA Farm to School Grant secured by AFFA, kicked off Monday with 300 pounds of green beans produced by ALL Produce in Oakland. The green beans were served to approximately 1,200 students throughout Garrett County Public Schools.
The kickoff was held at Yough Glades Elementary School, where local farmer and Yough Glades alumnus Levi Lantz spoke with students about farming and the green beans they were enjoying. Kenzie Mousch, Nutrition Educator with University of Maryland Extension, encouraged students to try the green beans through the “Two Bite Club” and led a student taste test.
For Garrett County Business Development, Maryland Mondays represents more than an opportunity to introduce students to locally grown food. It demonstrates how creating connections between local businesses and institutional customers can help strengthen the county’s agricultural economy.
“Agriculture is an important business sector in Garrett County, and our farmers and producers are an important part of our economic development community,” said Melissa Bolyard, Agriculture Business Specialist with Garrett County Business Development. “Programs like Maryland Mondays help connect our agricultural businesses with new markets while creating opportunities for students to learn about the people and businesses behind the food they eat. Those connections can have a meaningful impact on the long-term strength of our local agricultural economy.”
Garrett County Business Development works with agricultural businesses and producers to help connect them with resources, markets, partners and opportunities that can support business growth.
“When we talk about economic development, we are not just talking about recruiting new businesses to Garrett County,” said Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development for Garrett County Business Development. “We also have a responsibility to support the businesses and industries that are already part of our community. Agriculture has deep roots in Garrett County and continues to be an important part of our local economy. Helping our producers find opportunities to expand their markets and build new relationships strengthens individual businesses and, in turn, strengthens our economy.”
The Maryland Mondays initiative will continue throughout the school year, connecting GCPS with local farmers and producers to identify additional opportunities to feature locally grown products on school menus.
The initiative is an example of how partnerships among agriculture, education, economic development and community organizations can create opportunities for local businesses while helping the next generation better understand the importance of agriculture to Garrett County.
“Our agricultural community is an important part of Garrett County’s economic future,” Durst added. “Supporting local agriculture means supporting local businesses, local jobs, and the families and communities that depend on them.”
