October’s Farm to School Month ended with an egg-citing bang! On October 29th Richey Elementary was selected to host a Farm to School Egg Event involving many community partners! Senator Wilton Simpson joined the celebration by highlighting his own love for eggs. Senator Simpson owns and operates Simpson Farms Inc., which is home to over one million chickens supplying eggs to many Florida families. Senator Simpson talked to almost 300 K-2 elementary students about his egg farm and how eggs can be included in a healthy diet. Senator Simpson educated the students on how the egg gets from the farm to the table, and how important farms are to Florida Agriculture and its economy. Did you know one egg only has 78 calories and over 6 grams of protein? Eggs are a protein packed way to start your day!
Senator Simpson educating Richey Elementary students about packaging eggs before selling them in Florida Grocery Stores.
In addition to Senator Simpson the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services donated ‘egg bags’ to all of the elementary students in Pasco County. The bags included fun egg gifts for the children; rooster pens, egg glasses, plastic colored eggs, and the opportunity to win additional prizes such as water bottles, t-shirts, and calculators! The Florida Poultry Federation also donated eggs to Pasco County Schools to bring awareness to October’s Farm to School events!
Two Richey Elementary students enjoying breakfast and their egg bags!
The Richey Elementary students listened to multiple speakers and enjoyed an egg-cellent healthy breakfast! The students were able to choose between hot egg sandwiches, hard boiled eggs with a muffin, an assortment of cereals, and yogurt. Superintendent Kurt Browning, Florida Representative Amanda Murphy, Pasco County Board members, Richey Elementary staff, and the Nutrition Zone team were all responsible for helping make this event a success!
Superintendent Browning and students enjoying the Farm to School Egg Event at Richey Elementary!
For more information on our school menu visit http://pasco.nutrislice.com/ and tune in for our upcoming Holiday events happening in November and December!
Resources: USDA Nutrient Database http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/
Guest Blogger: Michelle Morton, Dietetic Intern, Pasco County Health Department
