Wisconsin farmers support an $80 billion-plus industry, which employs more than 35,000 people.
That’s exactly the message more than 300 students will receive at McDill Elementary School in Stevens Point, Wis., tomorrow, when the Wisconsin Spudmobile showcases the importance of buying and eating local, educate students on the sustainable growing practices Wisconsin growers put into practice on a regular basis, and introduce them to members of the industry who can serve as resources for future jobs and confirm how broad of an industry agriculture is.
With McDill Elementary School being a “Green and Healthy” school, this is a message that easily fits in with the school’s vision.
“Green and Healthy Schools Wisconsin is a statewide program that reduces environmental impact and costs, improves health and wellness, and increases environmental and sustainability literacy through a self-paced, voluntary, web-based application,” says Sara Windjue, senior outreach specialist at the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education at UW-Stevens Point. “McDill is doing amazing things that support being Green and Healthy. Bringing in the Spudmobile is just another way to increase awareness and support of local agriculture and the importance of eating local.”
“The Wisconsin Spudmobile prides itself on providing resources and education to community members of all ages,” says Dana Rady, director of promotions at the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association. “And to work with schools like McDill Elementary that keep that message in front of its students outside of the Spudmobile’s visit is huge.”
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids at McDill Elementary to learn about the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association hands-on and to relate that to being a Green and Healthy Seedling School,” adds Lindsey Kedrowski, parent of a McDill Elementary student.