Texas Border Business
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has just announced that the Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) Child Nutrition Program has successfully completed the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) 2021 Fall Farm Fresh Challenge.
In meeting this challenge our students ate local foods, had the opportunity to learn about Texas agriculture, and our staff shared their successes on social media. This challenge is part of Commissioner Miller’s Farm Fresh Initiative that focuses on building a Farm Fresh generation by connecting farmers and ranchers with school nutrition programs.
“Our district is not only meeting the challenges set by the Texas Agriculture Commissioner, but we are also taking it to the next level,” states Dr. Carol G. Perez, Superintendent. “We have developed and implemented the Mission FARMERS program that focuses on growing fruits and vegetables by allowing our students the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience as they grow these products.”
The Mission FARMERS (Farmers, Agriculturists, Ranchers, Machinists, Engineers, Researchers, Suppliers) program is a hands-on learning laboratory. The City of Mission has decades of rich history in the citrus industry and integrating our students in a program that allows them to explore career opportunities by providing an experience like this is beneficial to them.
“The Farm Fresh Challenge has been extremely rewarding because our students get to enjoy local fresh fruits and vegetables,” states Rosie Woodrum, Child Nutrition Program Director. “Having students participate in challenges like this, gives them the tools to continue making healthy choices now and in the future by ensuring they choose fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal.”
The state recognizes Mission CISD for their commitment to ensure that Texas children are eating healthy homegrown foods by taking on the Farm Fresh Challenge. The district has made the serving of Texas foods a top priority and have also offered agriculture education. This only solidifies their commitment to serving healthy and balanced meals every day.
