In an effort to promote healthy eating habits, the Cinnaminson School District and Lew’s Farm Market in Moorestown, partnered to host  “Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week,” an initiative signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie last January. On Tuesday, September 27th, during the first lunch period at the high school, an autumn-decorated table was set with whole carrots, sliced peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, celery and apples. The idea was to get students to pick a carrot over a French fry.

Culinary arts teacher Michael Beirao said by placing fresh foods in the cafeteria the students are swayed to munch and crunch on good stuff. “If we forced them to eat the vegetables,” Beirao said, “they wouldn’t want them.” Beirao said eight students from his Foods 1 class volunteered to skin, slice and cut up the vegetables. And, dipping containers of ranch dressing made by the students were on hand. Lew’s also set up a table at the middle school.

“I was at the middle school this morning,” said Colleen Hart, co-owner of Lew’s Farm Market, “and the kids were waiting in long lines to get to the food. It was great.” Hart, who has children in Cinnaminson schools, was approached by Beirao to collaborate on the program.

Click here to read the original article which appeared in The Cinnaminson Patch.