Put Local On Your Tray, a UConn Extension program, partnered with K-12 schools across the region to celebrate National Ag Week through a series of exciting taste tests and educational events. Students had the opportunity to explore fresh, locally grown foods, connecting them with the farmers who grow them and the benefits of eating seasonal produce.

National Ag Week Highlights:

🍽️ March 17th – Coventry High School served local beef, giving students a delicious taste of Connecticut-raised protein.
🥬 March 18th – Wolcott High School featured arugula, introducing students to the peppery green. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive—students loved trying something new!
🥗 March 20th – Center Elementary School in Willington offered kale chips and salad, giving students a fun way to enjoy leafy greens.
🍁 March 20th – East Hartford elementary students took a field trip to the sugar house at Northwest Park in Windsor, thanks to a collaboration with FoodCorps. They learned firsthand about maple syrup production and local agriculture.
🥕 March 21st – Waddell Elementary School in Manchester delighted students with roasted carrots, highlighting the sweetness of this farm-fresh vegetable.

The excitement was clear—students embraced the opportunity to try new flavors, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. At Wolcott High School, students were eager to explore arugula, with many enjoying the experience of tasting something different.

By celebrating National Ag Week with local foods, schools are not only encouraging healthy eating but also strengthening the connection between students and Connecticut’s vibrant agricultural community.

Photos: Wolcott High School’s arugula tasting