Sandra Renner, Farm and Community director, sandrar@cfra.org, 402.320.3444; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha Public Schools (OPS) has joined Nebraska Department of Education Nutrition Services and Center for Rural Affairs to assist with rolling out Nebraska Thursdays. This statewide campaign celebrates farm to school by serving a Nebraska-sourced meal in the cafeteria on the first Thursday of each month.
The school kicked off Nebraska Thursdays on Sept. 7, 2017, serving chicken drums from Tecumseh Farms, Hiland Dairy’s milk, corn on the cob from Daniels Produce, watermelon from Heldt Farms, and breadsticks from Rotella’s Bakery.
“Participating in Nebraska Thursdays provides students and school staff with an opportunity to celebrate our local farmers and seasonal Nebraska foods,” said Tammy Yarmon, Nutrition Services director at OPS.
OPS is one of five pilot schools selected to participate in Nebraska Thursdays. This is the school district’s second year featuring items which are grown, produced, or packaged in Nebraska.
As part of the district’s ongoing farm to school program, OPS had launched their own version of the program last school year, serving as a model for other school districts in the state.
Other pilot schools are Litchfield Public Schools, Overton Public Schools, Thayer Central Community Schools, and Wayne Public Schools.
“Our staff wears ‘Nebraska Red’ and encourages students and staff to show their spirit,” said Yarmon. “The day supports the local economy and highlights Nebraska companies.”
Nebraska Thursdays is sponsored by Nebraska Department of Education with partner organization Center for Rural Affairs, and supported by Omaha Public Schools Nutrition Services. Additional support is provided by Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, Midwest Dairy Council, and Nebraska Beef Council.
For more information about Nebraska Thursdays at Omaha Public Schools, contact Yarmon at 531.299.9848 or tamara.yarmon@ops.org, or visit cfra.org/f2s.
