Potato growers in Wisconsin are hoping a salad bar donation and personal appearances at a middle school in Oshkosh will help boost potato consumption and raise awareness about the importance of buying locally grown produce.
According to a news release, the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) plans to deliver the “potato-friendly” salad bar to South Park Middle School on Nov. 12. Growers and industry members from across the state are scheduled to visit the school for presentations about the importance of fresh produce and where it comes from.
“Putting a face to a name and directly connecting the industry to students is a huge step in helping people understand where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and fun ways to prepare potatoes and vegetables that are quick, healthy and delicious,” WPVGA promotions director Dana Rady said in the release.
Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Corp. also made a donation to the school district for salad bars at multiple schools.
“These donations allowed us to place garden bars in several of our elementary and middle schools,” district foodservices director Peggy West said in the release. “These bars give us more flexibility in offering different varieties of fruits and vegetables, especially those grown in Wisconsin.”
The potato companies scheduled to make presentations to students Nov. 12 are Alsum Farms and Produce of Friesland, Coloma Farms of Coloma, Gumz Muck Farms of Endeavor, and Ansay and Associates of Appleton.
Source: The Packer