RPS News Details

Cultivating Connection: How Local Food is Nourishing RPS Students

When most students are asked to describe an apple, they’ll visualize it on the tray in school, in a bowl at home, or in a pyramid at the grocery store. Rarely will they picture it on a tree, on a farm, miles away. But thanks to the efforts of our Nutrition Services team and a special partnership with Lulus Local Foods, a food cooperative connecting Virginia farmers to families, students across the Division are not only enjoying farm-fresh fruits and vegetables—they're learning about the farmers who grew them and the journey from farm to table.

“Adding local fresh produce has piqued student interests in fruits and vegetables,” says Shannon Ebron, RPS’ director of school nutrition services. “They enjoy asking questions and feel a greater sense of ownership over what they eat.”

“When we started Lulus, we wanted to create something that gave farmers control over their product and pricing while reducing the hassle of distribution,” says Molly Harris, founder of Lulus. “But it’s about more than that. It’s about making sure people—especially children—have access to fresh, healthy food grown right here in Virginia.”

That’s exactly what’s happening in RPS.

‘Seeing the kids’ excitement about choosing their own produce, asking questions, and tasting new things was incredible. We want to make sure they not only get to enjoy the food but learn about where it comes from and why it matters’

More than a year ago, Ms. Ebron was looking for ways to bring more fresh, local produce to students and their families when she received a note from Ms. Harris. Ms. Harris had just received a Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Grant from the USDA, which would fund farms to provide produce, free of charge, to students and families. Ms. Ebron jumped at the chance to partner.

Since November 2023, the RPS Farm-to-School Markets have been held at least monthly, providing students and families the chance to take home fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables — most of which had been harvested just the day before — free of charge. “Seeing the kids’ excitement about choosing their own produce, asking questions, and tasting new things was incredible,” says Ms. Ebron. “We want to make sure they not only get to enjoy the food but learn about where it comes from and why it matters.”

In just one year, they’ve distributed 20,397 pounds of produce — that’s 10.2 tons — to RPS families. And it’s not just the quantity that stands out, it’s the quality. All of the produce is sourced from local farms, ensuring that it’s as fresh and nutrient-rich as possible.

“There’s something really special about eating food that’s been grown close to home,” says Ms. Harris. “It tastes better, it’s better for you, and it helps support our local economy.”

The markets have been particularly successful in introducing students to new foods they might not have tried before—like collards, kale, and mustard greens. “The greens are always a hit,” says Ms. Ebron. “We can never seem to stock enough of them! It’s been amazing to see how adventurous the kids are when they get to pick out their own produce.”

And the impact goes beyond school. The markets provide an opportunity for families to come together, try new recipes, and share meals that connect them to their community and their heritage. “We hope this is something that brings families closer,” says Ms. Harris. “Food is such a powerful way to connect with one another.”

Next, they’re planning to organize farm tours to deepen the educational resonance for students. “That kind of experience can be so eye-opening for kids,” says Ms. Ebron. “It helps them make that connection between the food they eat and the work that goes into producing it.”

In the meantime, the RPS community can continue to enjoy the fruits of this unique partnership—one that’s not just feeding students, but fostering a deeper understanding of food, health, and community.

Farm-to-School Markets are held every other Friday from 3-4:30 p.m. The remaining dates and locations for 2024 are as follows:

October 25 — Woodville Elementary

November 8 — Chimborazo Elementary

November 22 — Cardinal Elementary