Dresden, Tenn.–Future Vision Farms of Whitlock in Henry County is supplying the Weakley County Schools with 2,000 pints of fresh strawberries.
Future Vision Farms Owner Tyler Smith said, “Supplying local schools has been a goal of ours for a couple of years. However, we just haven’t had the capacity. As we have grown to meet the production of our larger customers we have been able to begin servicing local school systems with our produce. We look forward to working with Weakley County Schools throughout our season from now until Thanksgiving.”
Future Visions Farms won the Conservationist of the Year Award given by the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
“As a result of connections made through the Local Food Network, we will be serving a pint of locally grown strawberries to each child who picks up meals this Friday. We can’t wait to see their smiles as they realize they get to take home delicious, fresh berries with them,” according to Trista Snider, Weakley County Schools Nutrition Director.
The Weakley County Farm to School Program has been working with local farmers and distributors to purchase local foods for school meals, holding seasonal tastings, developing school gardens, and bringing in local farmers and chefs to talk about their work.
Using the Harvest of the Month food as a focal point, the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network (LFN) has partnered with Weakley County Schools Nutrition staff to overcome challenges faced in purchasing local foods.
Snider said, “Since the school district is serving multiple days at once, we have more flexibility on serving bulk produce items that don’t require preparation on the food service part. We are seeking local products such as cucumbers, squash, whole tomatoes, fresh corn on the cob, and packaged blueberries, which are great options to serve for school lunches now and throughout the summer feeding program.”
The Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network (LFN) is a nonprofit organization based out of Martin, TN that serves as a catalyst for a thriving local food system that is accessible to ALL. Learn more at nwtnlfn.org/farm-to-school.