HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — School's back in session and that means it’s time for school lunches again!
Madison County is keeping it fresh by offering up fresh food choices for both students and staff.
Not only does this program help keep students healthy but it also educates them on fresh and healthy food choices.
“They thought strawberries came from a factory, so for these kids to learn where their food comes from - it's awesome for them! And we make sure we hang up all the publicity and, you know, post all the things on social media so that they know you're eating food from just down the road," said Barbara Haugtvedt, CNP (Child Nutrition Program) supervisor for Madison County Schools.
This program also benefits local farmers in a true ‘farm to table’ fashion.
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In Madison County, the CASA Community Garden grows and delivers food for the area’s most vulnerable population.
According to CASA Garden Services Coordinator Susan Lee, all the food grown goes onto the table of seniors in Madison County.
“We have lima beans. We have green beans. We have pink-eyed purple-holed peas. We have two types of okra planted. We’ve got squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers,” said Lee.
CASA of Madison County Services Coordinator Lauren Wilson Carter says the average CASA client live on approximately $14,000 a year.
“Many [clients] don’t drive,” said Lee. Even if they do have a way to get to the store, they can’t afford produce because it’s very expensive. We have a lot of clients who have health issues, high blood pressure and diabetes. These fresh vegetables, nutritious vegetables, they can use to supplement their diets and it also keeps them healthier.”
If you want to volunteer at the garden, stop by during their open hours to sign up. The garden is located at 4725 Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville, Alabama. Visit CASA of Madison County’s website to find the garden’s hours of operation.
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