EASTON, MARYLAND — Caroline County students will take part in an agricultural career day and a locally sourced lunch during Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, which runs Sept. 28–Oct. 2.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture said Gov. Wes Moore has declared Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, 2026, as Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. The annual observance encourages school districts to put local food on lunch trays and celebrate farmers and watermen. MDA and the Maryland State Department of Education administer the Maryland Farm to School Program, which aims to bring locally produced foods into schools, support hands-on learning, and integrate food-related education into curriculum.
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks said the week is about more than putting local foods on trays — it helps students understand where food comes from and meet farmers and watermen. State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright said fresh Maryland-grown ingredients in school meals support students’ health and learning while maintaining community connections.
The release lists two activities in Caroline County: on Sept. 30, University of Maryland Extension hosts Ag Career Day for eighth graders with tastings from local farmers, and Atticks is scheduled to kick off the day; on Oct. 2, Preston Elementary features a locally sourced lunch with blue catfish cakes and a Maryland Crab Soup competition courtesy of cafeteria staff. Talbot County Public Schools are not named in the district activity list in this release.
According to the 2022–23 U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to School Census cited by MDA, more than 85% of Maryland school authorities participated in Farm to School activities, reaching 971 schools and 585,877 students. MDA points parents, teachers and food-service providers to Farm to School educational materials, including Harvest of the Month posters and produce seasonality charts. Questions about the week may go to MDA Farm to School Program Director Karen Fedor at karen.fedor [at] maryland.gov or (410) 841-5773.
| Homegrown School Lunch Week (MDA Sep 28) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Observance dates | Sept. 28 – Oct. 2, 2026 |
| Program | Maryland Farm to School (MDA + MSDE) |
| Kickoff event named | Ruth Ann Monroe Primary School, Hagerstown (Sept. 28) |
| Caroline — Sept. 30 | University of Maryland Extension Ag Career Day for 8th graders; Secretary Kevin Atticks to kick off |
| Caroline — Oct. 2 | Preston Elementary locally sourced lunch featuring blue catfish cakes; Maryland Crab Soup competition by cafeteria staff |
| USDA Farm to School Census (2022–23) cited | More than 85% of Maryland school authorities; 971 schools; 585,877 students |
Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture
Drawn from public records; drafted with AI and edited by Peter Gorman before publication.
Signed comments are held for review, then published. Obvious spam is rejected before it reaches the editor. Letters and comments.
No published comments yet.