Sandra Renner, Farm and Community director, [email protected], 402.320.3444; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, [email protected], 402.687.2100 ext 1025
Overton, Nebraska - Overton Public Schools has joined Nebraska Department of Education Nutrition Services and Center for Rural Affairs as a 2017 pilot school to roll out Nebraska Thursdays. This statewide campaign celebrates farm to school by serving a Nebraska-sourced meal in the cafeteria on the first Thursday of each month.
The school will kick off its Nebraska Thursdays on Oct. 5, 2017, during Farm to School Month, serving sloppy joes served on hamburger buns from Bimbo Bakery. Other menu items include Hiland Dairy’s milk, St. Libory Watermelon, along with tomatoes and cucumbers from the school garden.
“Participating in Nebraska Thursdays provides students and school staff with an opportunity to celebrate our local and seasonal Nebraska foods,” said Brenda Buchholz, food service director at Overton Public Schools.
The school district is one of five pilots schools participating in Nebraska Thursdays. Overton Public Schools was an early adopter of farm to school, starting their program in 2012 to connect fresh, local foods with their students and to support local farms.
“We are excited to use produce from our own school garden, and to explore other new sources of local products,” said Buchholz. “This program helps us highlight Nebraska foods on our lunch menu and support our community by purchasing local food from Nebraska farms and food businesses.”
Other pilot schools are Litchfield Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, Thayer Central Community Schools, and Wayne Public Schools.
Nebraska Thursdays is sponsored by Nebraska Department of Education with partner organization Center for Rural Affairs, and supported by Omaha Public Schools Nutrition Services. Additional support is provided by Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, Midwest Dairy Council, and Nebraska Beef Council.
For more information about Nebraska Thursdays at Overton Public Schools, contact the school at 308.987.2424, or visit cfra.org/f2s.
