Students at Jerry Burnell Great Works School filled paper bags with locally sourced produce Oct. 22 during the school’s second annual farmers market, taking home both the ingredients and recipes to try with their families.
“The students really enjoyed getting to pick out their own vegetables,” Principal Sara Allis said. “They were asking questions about the foods and how they were grown, and making their own decisions about what to bring home.”
With farmers market play money in hand, students browsed the tables, selected their produce and paid for their purchases. Along the way, they talked with food service staff about where the food came from, how it was grown and the nutrients it provides.
Apples and potatoes were among the foods on display. At the checkout table, students could pick up recipes to use with their purchases, including baked cheesy mashed potato bites and no-bake apple donuts.
The shopping gave students a practical opportunity to make decisions with a limited amount of money. They had to consider what they wanted to put in their bags and how to spend what they had.
“I’m so happy with how this year’s market came together,” said Karan Pfingst, Chartwells’ director of dining services for Marshwood schools. “I'm always amazed at how carefully and creatively the kids select their produce to stay within their $3 budget. They took their shopping very seriously.”