The Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative recently facilitated “Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week” at New Milford High School. State Representative Bill Buckbee participated in the program this week.  It's designed to raise awareness about the importance of using locally grown food in area restaurants and cafes.

In New Milford High School’s cafeteria, a little over a quarter of all the food offerings have been sourced by local farms. 

While serving 25% of the food in the high school’s cafeteria from locally owned and operated farms is above the state average, Buckbee says this initiative is just a starting.  He wants the goal to be 50%, or higher if possible. 

Buckbee added that when students have a complete understanding of the positive impacts of supporting the local agriculture industry, they will buy locally grown foods on a more frequent basis.