Richmond Community Schools, MI - Farm To Student 2024/2025
2024/2025 EDITION
Richmond Community Schools
D I G I T A L M A G A Z I N E E N R I C H M E N T
C elebratin g local food, local farmers & nutrition education!
The Food Service Department at Richmond Community Schools is committed to delivering nutritious and delicious meals that support student success. Its mission is to enhance student health and well-being through the promotion of healthy eating habits.
Richmond Community Schools’ Wellness Policy
C elebratin g local food, local farmers & nutrition education!
Pears
Pears are a type of pome fruit – fruits that have a “core” and several small seeds.
Pears used to be called
Over 3,000 varieties of pears.
The most common types of pears are Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice & Forelle.
30-40 tall trees. Pears prefer to grow in cooler climates
Pears ripen best after they are picked.
Pears are a part of the rose family.
Pears are the most fragile fruit.
The majority of pears grown in the U.S. are grown on the ALL pears are picked by HAND
Fiber
Fiber supports movement through the digestive system
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate body doesn’t digest, it simply passes through.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water…it helps regulate blood sugar levels and removes cholesterol from
Insoluble fiber is sometimes referred to as “roughage. ”
2 types of fiber:
Fiber helps to regulate the body’s use of sugar
1. Soluble fiber
Insoluble fiber
Dairy & meat products do not have any fiber.
Fiber is ONLY found in plant foods.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water…it helps food move throughout the digestive system.
BOTH forms of fiber are important & beneficial to overall health.
Milk is a type of dairy product –most commonly made from cows.
1 serving contains
Milk is made up of 85-95% water with the rest being fats, proteins, carbohydrates & vitamins
Breeds of Dairy Cows: 6
1. Ayrshire
2. Brown Swiss
3. Guernsey
4. Holstein
5. Jersey
6. Milking Shorthorn
Holstein cows all have a unique pattern of spots!
1 cow produces around 6 gallons of milk per day. Cows can SEE almost 360 degrees and SMELL up to 6 miles away!
dairy farms!
Protein
Protein builds, maintains and replaces the tissues in the body.
Protein helps to transport & store nutrients throughout the body.
18 - 20% of the body is protein.
EVERY cell in the human body contains protein.
The body cannot store protein long term… which is why protein needs to be consumed daily.
Protein is made
blocks.
Protein plays a big role in building and repairing muscles.
Protein is a MACRONUTRIENT . A macronutrient is a nutrient that the body needs in LARGE
Protein helps maintain fluid balance throughout the body.
Cherries
Cherries are a type of stone fruit - a fleshy fruit that contains a hard “pit” inside.
Honeybees
cherry trees main pollinators.
Bing cherries –the most popular variety of cherry.
Tart cherries are most often used for baking.
2 main types of cherries: tart & sweet.
Cherry trees can grow up to be 33 feet tall!
Cherries grow on trees that are known for their flowers – the cherry blossom.
Over 1,000 varieties.
An entire cherry tree can be harvested in just 7 seconds.
A typical cherry tree produces ~ 7,000 cherries.
A cherry tree can survive and produce fruit for around 100 years.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune systemthe body’s defense against infections.
ENERGY booster!
Vitamin C is also referred to as “ascorbic acid.”
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect against damage caused by exposure to harmful substances in the environment.
The body cannot make vitamin C on its own - it has to come from food.
Vitamin C helps keep you happy & healthy! What do you call a vitamin that improves your eyesight?
A Vitamin C!
Vitamin C is a very important vitamin for healthy gums & teeth.
