Davenport students get to experience the farm-to-table movement

Davenport is bringing the farm-to-table movement to the cafeteria. FoodCorps, an organization dedicated to educating children on healthy food consumption, is helping Davenport Community Schools bring Iowa food to Iowa students.   “Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables but if you can get them locally, that’s even better. And it’s just been a great way to expose the kids and just let them know that these are things that are growing within our own state,” said Lacey Cornell, a FoodCorps Service Member.   This is all part of national farm-to-school month raising awareness of the need to educate students where their food comes from, along with eating healthy.  Students at Hayes Elementary School got the opportunity to choose from several different foods made in Iowa. That includes milk from Iowa cows, corn from Iowa fields, and the fan favorite: apple cake from Iowa orchards.   “It was awesome,” said Ariella Murphy, a Hayes Elementary School Student.   “It is still whole wheat but it’s also delicious,” said Cornell.    The food is sourced directly from Iowa farms and the kids say they like that because it means the food is healthy and fresh.   “If food is old, you would probably get sick if it was old so we would like fresh food,” said Anabelle Ruby, another Hayes Elementary School Student .   It’s not just the kids enjoying the program.  The adults working at Hayes say they can see the difference in their students.   “If you want the brain to work , you have to feed the brain right, you know what I mean? So I’m happy they did this. The kids are on the right track, they get the right meals and they’re on the right track so that’s a good thing.” said Dominique Vesey, a cafeteria worker.   Ensuring every student gets the opportunity they deserve all thanks to Iowa farmers.