Cecil Creek Farm in Gloucester County is the winning farm in this year’s Jersey Fresh Farm to School Farmer Recognition Award.

Ag Secretary Douglas Fisher recognized the farm during the 9th annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week, held Sept. 23-27.

The program is an opportunity for farmers to promote their farm-to-school efforts and to help feature their Jersey Fresh produce in local school meals.

“Cecil Creek and the many other farms that are active in the Farm to School Program allow the opportunity for schools and their students and staff to experience the farm life,” Fisher says. “The Farmer Recognition Award is a way to highlight farmers who can teach about how food is grown and the importance of having fresh fruits and vegetables as a regular part of a diet.”

Engaging with the community

Cecil Creek Farm features a robust environmental education program. The farm also engages students with on-the-farm and in-school field trips and day camps in the summer.

Frank Ferrucci, co-owner and farmer at Cecil Creek, also assisted a local school with starting a school garden by helping break ground on the project and providing plants and expertise.

“Our primary mission is to educate the next generation about the process of growing healthy food and the importance of making good nutritional choices,” says Rose Moffa, co-owner of the farm. “It’s an honor to win the award and we plan to continue making farm-to-school an integral part of what we do at Cecil Creek.”

Cecil Creek Farm was started in 2014 and has 42 acres featuring a wide range of certified organic produce. The farm also runs a community supported agriculture program.

Other farms recognized

In addition to the award given to Cecil Creek Farm, five other farms across the state are being recognized for their efforts and have received a farm-to-school materials kit that includes a Jersey Fresh Farm to School banner, hats, seasonality charts and Jersey Tastes! Posters:

To learn more, visit farmtoschool.nj.gov.

Source: New Jersey Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.