Seven Lexington One schools will be serving South Carolina-grown produce in their cafeterias this year thanks to grant money from the South Carolina Farm to School program.

Forts Pond Elementary, Gilbert Primary, Meadow Glen Middle, Pelion Elementary, Pleasant Hill Elementary, Pleasant Hill Middle and Red Bank Elementary received Farm to School grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. 

The program helps local schools feature at least two South Carolina-grown produce items as part of the school cafeteria offerings every month. Students even get to experience growing their own produce by establishing gardens with the help of teachers and community volunteers.

The program also supports nutrition and agriculture education. Teachers receive nutrition and agricultural standards-based lessons for use in their classrooms. Other activities supported by grant funds include field trips to South Carolina farms and taste testings of South Carolina grown produce.

This is the second year that Gilbert Primary and Pelion Elementary have received the grant. Based on their participation in the program last year, Gilbert Primary received a Midlands School Garden award for excellence in school gardening.

Submitted by Lexington One.