Rep. Carolyn Eslick visits Concrete School District’s “Farm to School” program

After being appointed to fill a vacant seat in the 39th Legislative District, State Representative Carolyn Eslick, R-Sultan, is already getting off to a running start. The new lawmaker recently visited the Concrete School District's Farm to School program at the local elementary school.

“We need to bring children into a new relationship with agriculture, food and culture. It was encouraging to see elementary students participating and learning about farming, as well as connecting with their community,” said Eslick. “It's great to see the good results this program delivers.”

During her visit, Eslick met with school officials, teachers and students and learned about how the Farm to School program works. She also spoke with school officials about some of the challenges facing small rural school districts.

The Farm to School program is part of a national movement to promote and provide locally grown and produced foods to serve in school cafeterias. It is designed to teach students about local food production and agriculture. Students learn through classroom education, special events, and farm visits. Local farmers and ranchers also participate by helping educate students about locally grown food and agriculture.

“We appreciate the time Rep. Eslick took to learn about this program and some of the issues our school district is facing. She is welcome to come visit again, anytime,” said Wayne Barrett, Superintendent for Concrete School District.

The Concrete School District received a USDA Farm to School Planning grant in 2013. The initial funds helped launch the district's current program that continues to bring fresh locally produced foods to students through taste tests and special menus in the cafeteria

Rachel Sacco, coordinator for the United School District 304 Farm to School program, had this to say about Eslick's recent visit to the school:

“I'm grateful Rep. Eslick came out to meet with community members, school officials and visit with the students. It's great that she came here to learn about some of the challenges rural school districts are facing and some of the innovative solutions being implemented to help. It's important for our elected officials to come out to rural, small towns and see the good work being done by both school districts and nonprofit partners.”

For more information about Rep. Carolyn Eslick, visit representativecarolyneslick.com or contact her Olympia office at (360) 786-7816.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov