Caledonia Central Supervisory Union school districts recognize the important relationship between healthy nutritional habits and academic success. It is our mission to make available to the school community a variety of appealing, nutritionally balanced meals and snacks through the various United States Department of Agriculture, Child Nutrition Programs.
CCSU’s School Food Authority intends, whenever feasibly reasonable, to support area farmers and manufacturers. Utilizing mature area produce, in many cases, provides a greater nutritional value than produce grown and harvested young. 1,2 Also, procuring food service related materials from area farmers and manufacturers assists in the economic viability to community businesses and the families of the individuals whom they employ.
1. According to http://www.chgeharvard.org/sites/default/files/resources/local_nutrition.pdf most varieties of fruits and vegetables found in supermarkets today are chosen for yield, growth rate, and ability to withstand long-distance transport. These traits which benefit national and international produce distribution often come at a nutritional and quality cost.
2. Halweil B. Still No Free Lunch: Nutrient levels in U.S. food supply eroded by pursuit of high yields. Critical Issues Report. The Organic Center. September 2007