In its fourth year, National Food Day (held annually on October 24th) is an opportunity for people across the nation to celebrate the value and importance of eating fresh, local and healthy food.
During lunchtime on October 24th, students at the Amherst Regional Middle School had the opportunity to sample unique varieties of apples provided by the UMass Cold Spring Orchard.
Johnathan Sivel, Michelle Nikfarjam, and Jessica Maeder from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture assisted Rebecca Fricke (from Grow Food Amherst and District Aide to Representative Ellen Story) distribute the apples and answer students’ questions.
Two of the best quotes from the students during the tasting in the cafeteria were:
“This is like apple heaven!“
and
“I didn’t know apples could taste this good!”
This was a great opportunity for the students to taste local apple varieties that they don’t typically get from school or the grocery store. The students and teachers were really appreciative. Many of them came back for seconds and thirds and were genuinely interested in how the apple textures and tastes were so different. Amherst school teachers and staff also received apple courtesy of Atkins Farms.
A big thank you goes out to Rebecca Treitley, director of the ARPS Whitsons School Nutrition Program and her crew, led by Diane Tower, who helped Rebecca Fricke wash, set up and clean up the tasting. Also thanks to Dr. Duane Greene and the staff at Cold Spring Orchard for donating the apples.
Grow Food Amherst 