Posted: 05.14.2010

Organic lovers nationwide nominated more than 1,100 schools to win
an organic vending machine or garden in the Organic Trade
Association’s (OTA) first-ever “Organic. Its Worth it in Schools.” 
contest.
 
Launched by OTA in January to raise awareness for increasing the 
availability of organic food and gardening in school systems, 
“Organic. Its Worth it in Schools,” encouraged individuals to 
nominate a school of their choice to win an organic garden or 
vending machine.
 
Individuals submitted more than 15,000 nominations for 1,160 
schools, and in the end, it was LaFarge, Wisconsin’s school 
district with 253 students that received the most nominations.
 
“We contacted alumni, sent emails to friends, passed stickers out
at churches, told everyone we knew to nominate us,” said Carol 
Persons, third grade teacher at LaFarge and member of the school’s
Wellness Committee. “Why? Because we want to improve the health 
of our students; cost always is a barrier, so this goes a long
way. Supporting kids is more than providing a good education; 
it’s offering healthy food choices, as well.”
 
LaFarge already has a history of achievement, having received a
“School of Promise” award from the state for academic performance
for seven consecutive years and its governor’s “Health Award” 
for two straight years.
 
The announcement comes the same week First Lady Michelle Obama’s
“Let’s Move” campaign to curb childhood obesity submitted a 
report to the White House calling for improved school nutrition
programs featuring increased access to healthy foods in schools,
including healthier vending machines.

« back to news articles