Students in RPS205 enjoy fresh produce for lunch from a regional farm

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Students in Rockford Public Schools District 205 (RPS205) received delicious, fresh produce sourced from a farm in Ripon, Wisconsin.

RPS205 teams up with Common Market for the second time to provide more fresh options for lunch this year.

“Our school year started a little bit sooner. So, we’re able to take advantage of some of the August summer fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, things that we don’t normally get a chance to offer,” said Executive Director of Nutrition Services Colleen Marchesi.

“We always talk about eating the rainbow,” Marchesi continued. “So, when we’re able to offer a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, you’re eating the rainbow. You’re getting the nutrients you need.”

The farm that provided the produce, Olden Organic, is just two hours away from Rockford. The owners are happy to give back to the community.

“We wanted to feed our community. We wanted to get local food into people’s mouths and bellies. I can’t think of a better way than through the schools,” said Tracy Vinz.

“They’re going to be able to stimulate their brains throughout the entire day. I know that personally. I mean, that’s how our bodies work as well as adults,” Vinz continued.

The executive director of nutrition could not agree more.

“It’s so important that students have the fuel they need, because if they do not, they cannot learn, they cannot play, they cannot do sports, they cannot do anything that they need to do throughout the day,” Marchesi concluded.

The farm will provide produce to RPS throughout mid-September.