More than 400 students are getting a great taste of healthy vegetables, including potatoes, at Lincoln Middle School in La Crosse, Wis., after the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) provided the school with a potato-friendly salad bar.
Today, WPVGA is taking its donation to the next level by providing a true “field to fork” story. Along with an appearance by the Wisconsin Spudmobile, growers and industry members from across the state will be providing presentations to students at two charter schools—Coulee Montessori and School of the Arts II (SOTA II)—about potato nutrition, the Wisconsin potato industry, and the importance of buying local. In addition to the two charter schools, Lincoln Middle School students will additionally have the opportunity to experience the Spudmobile the day and hear similar presentations inside the vehicle.
“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 easy, quick, healthy and delicious,” says WPVGA director of promotions Dana Rady.
The presentations occur on a day the students will enjoy loaded baked Wisconsin potatoes for lunch, while using the bar for their fruit and topping selections.
“We are truly excited about the two new salad bars here at Lincoln Middle School,” says Jerrilynn Donley, middle school nutrition manager for the La Crosse school district. “Students first choose what they eat with their eyes, and the new salad bars have helped increase fruit and vegetable consumption at school. The many compliments from our students and staff tell us we are on the right track for teaching the importance of healthy food choices. We are so thankful to the WPVGA for providing us with this amazing opportunity.”
The Spudmobile will welcome visitors today from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with the Spudmobile team, the potato-growing operations that will be presenting to students are Gumz Muck Farms of Endeavor, Wis., and Nuto Farms of Rice Lake, Wis.