The East Greenbush Food Service Department participates in the New York State Farm-to-School program by purchasing apples from Goold Orchards in Castelton, and has plans for expansion this coming spring.

The Farm-to-School program is aimed at developing and strengthening relationships between farmers and schools to increase the amount of New York-made products offered to students and to expand markets for local farmers. It provides valuable health, economic and environmental benefits to schools, students and their communities.

“We are happy to participate in this program because it’s a win-win for our students and for our local community,” said Food Service Manager Phyllis Sanford-Krug. “In the spring we hope to work with other local farms to purchase available crops of lettuce and early vegetables. In September we plan to purchase broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions and squash according to availability.”