CALVERT COUNTY, Md. – Calvert County proudly participated in Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, a statewide initiative under the Maryland Farm to School Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland State Department of Education. The program encourages schools to feature locally produced foods—sourced within a few hundred miles or within the same state—highlighting the nutritional benefits of farm-fresh products while supporting regional farmers.
Beach Elementary School hosted a special Homegrown kick-off event on Oct. 1, giving students a hands-on opportunity to experience the full life cycle of food from field to table. Guests, including Calvert County Commissioner Catherine Grasso, joined students as they rotated through four interactive stations led by local farmers and farm owners. Activities focused on animal agriculture, seed identification, planting and growing crops, as well as harvesting and end products.
Participating farmers included:
- Dawn and Mark Mister, Mulberry Land Farm Market
- Susan Cox, Mrs. Moo/Spider Hall Farm
- Debbie Jones, Windy Willow Farm
- Kelly Swann, Swann Farms
Throughout the week, school districts across Maryland incorporated locally sourced foods into their school meals. In Calvert County Public Schools, students enjoyed local beef from Battle Creek Farm in Prince Frederick for Beef Nacho Day on Oct. 2. Schools also served leafy greens and cherry tomatoes from Farming4Hunger in Hughesville.
Valarie Parmer, supervisor of child nutrition, expressed her enthusiasm for the program:
“We are happy for the opportunity to feature delicious, locally sourced items and to bring back our Homegrown Kickoff Event, hosted this year by Beach Elementary School. We’re grateful to Calvert County Public Schools and Calvert County Government for their support, as well as to the incredible local volunteers—without whom this special event would not be possible. While students enjoy seeing and learning about farm animals, the highlight for many is also tasting the corn-on-the-cob they helped shuck just hours earlier.”
Beach Elementary Principal Brock Fulton emphasized the impact on students:
“Homegrown Lunch Week is a powerful opportunity for our students to connect with the roots of agriculture through hands-on learning. Watching them explore animal care, seed science, planting and harvesting right here on-site is truly a unique and engaging opportunity for our students. These experiences spark curiosity, deepen understanding and create memories that last far beyond the classroom.”
Julie Oberg, director of Calvert County Economic Development, noted the broader community benefits:
“Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week is a wonderful opportunity to connect our local farms and our schools. By bringing fresh, local products into the classroom and onto cafeteria trays, we are not only supporting our farmers and strengthening the local economy, but also helping students develop healthy habits and a greater appreciation for where their food comes from.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022–2023 Farm to School Census, more than 85% of Maryland school districts participate in the Farm to School Program. Across the state, 971 schools and 585,877 students are engaging with local foods through classroom lessons and school meals. Many schools now serve local products weekly, with milk, fruits and vegetables leading the way. Last year, the Calvert County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department incorporated more than 18,000 pounds of local produce into its meal program.
For educational resources—including Harvest of the Month posters, produce seasonality charts, menus, guides to local products and videos with farmer interviews—visit the Maryland Farm to School website at mda.maryland.gov and search for Farm to School.
Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay connected with Calvert County Government through the mobile app, newsletters, social media and more at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/StayInformed