Building Healthier Children

The SC School Gardens Program is an excellent tool for educating children on the many componates of agriculture.  Students across the state are learning the process of how their food is grown and the importance of buying and eating local.  All students are familiarizing themselves with the Certified SC logo and brand.  The outcome of this program has been extremely positive and will only conitunue to grow.  The Times and Democrates in Orangeburg, SC released an article that proves that educational programs in agriculture are a great success in South Carolina.

This article also introduces a new program sponsored by the SC State Fair called "From Field to Fair." This is an excellent tool to use and offers interactive programs for children.  Make sure to visit their website for more information.

School Gardens Workshop

Last week, the SC Department of Agriculture hosted a School Gardens Workshop at the Phillips Market Center at the State Farmers Market.  Guests were able to rotate between different work stations and gain ideas to help improve the programs at their schools.  After lunch, everyone visited the school garden at Heathwood Hall, in Columbia, SC. It was a successful day! Keep an eye out for other educational opportunities that could help better programs at your schools!

Pictures from the Day!

Carolina Children's Garden Event

Evening Bird Walk

Date: June 28

Time: 6:30 PM

Length: 90 minutes

All Ages

Cost: $2 per person

Come and discover the birds that are in our area in the summer. On this guided walk we will travel through several different habitats as we look for birds. Come prepared to walk 1-2 miles. Bring a water bottle and binoculars if you have them.

Carolina Children's Garden Event

Animal Habitats

Date: June 19

Time: 4:00 PM

Length: 60 minutes

Ages: 3rd-6th grade

Cost: $2 per child

See what things animals and plants need to have a good home. Explore the places around Clemson Sandhill REC that provide everything needed for animals and plants to survive.

Carolina Children's Garden Event

Freaky Frogs and Sneaky Snakes

Date: June 12

Time: 4:00 PM

Length: 45 Minutes

Ages: 4 years old-2nd grade

Cost: $2 Per Child

Are snakes slimy? When do frogs look more like fish? Using our gentle live animals, learn about the life cycles, habitats, and importance of our reptiles and amphibians.

SC School Garden Workshop

Are you interested in starting or improving a vegetable garden at your school?

Come join us for a day-long workshop of hands-on gardening training, designed for all skill levels and based on successful Farm-to-School gardens in South Carolina. This workshop will allow you to hear presentations from the Farm-to-School regional coordinators and other educators, as well as the opportunity to meet and network with other teachers and school volunteers.

Join us for a SC School Garden Workshop

June 20, 2012, 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Phillips Market Center

S.C. Farmers Market, 3501 Charleston Hwy., West Columbia S.C.

Registration Requested by June 15, 2012.

Farm to School serve SC Legislatures

Wednesday, May 16, the Department of Agriculture hosted a 'Taste of SC' on State House grounds for the State House and Senate.  The Farm to School program hosted a booth and served Strawberry Salsa with Certified SC Strawberries. Two lucky boys from Farm to School recipient schools helped pass out this delicious treat! The event was a great success and great exposure for the SC Farm to School program! Make sure to try out our Strawberry Salsa recipe while strawberries are still in season!

Strawberry Salsa

Ingredients:

2 fresh jalapeño chilies, finely chopped

2 cups finely chopped strawberries

1/2 cup finely chopped white onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Combine chilies, strawberries, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Mix gently to combine. Salsa can be made several hours before serving and chilled. Yield: 3 cups.