Source: NCDA&CS, 4/26/21


This week NCDA&CS will deliver four tractor-trailers loads of North Carolina-grown strawberries to schools across the state.

The deliveries happen thanks to the N.C. Farm to School program – a collaborative effort between the department’s Food Distribution and Marketing divisions. The program offers 26 North Carolina-grown foods to the state’s schools – from strawberries, apples, peaches and blueberries, to tomatoes, sweet potatoes and leafy greens.

“If it’s grown in the school season it tends to be in the Farm to School program,” said Food Distribution director Gary Gay.

The state’s strawberry season comes along as the school year is entering the home stretch.

“We really go out with a bang each year because strawberries are our most popular crop. You can’t beat the flavor, and from a school nutrition perspective they fit into the red/orange category and help schools meet the requirements of the USDA programs. Plus, they’re versatile and can be served multiple ways,” said Heather Barnes, NCDA&CS marketing specialist who works on Farm to School. “Kids love North Carolina strawberries, so we love being able to instill that love in them so they continue to support North Carolina farmers.”

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