NC Commissioner Troxler: Farm to School Calendar Contest Awards 13 Students

N.C. Farm to School calendar contest awards young artists, 13 elementary-age students announced as this year’s winners.

• I am constantly amazed by the outstanding talent that is held in North Carolina
• No matter the age, I enjoy seeing the capabilities of North Carolinians.

• The North Carolina Farm to School program allows blossoming students a chance to show their talent and understanding of North Carolina agriculture.
• Each year, students from kindergarten through fifth grade can enter in the annual Farm to School calendar contest and possibly be included in the Farm to School calendar.

• This is the 13^th year for the contest, and I get so much joy from seeing agriculture through the eyes of young people.
• This year, there were more than 3,500 entries from 67 North Carolina counties.

• It is a hard job narrowing down the 13 students chosen to be in the calendar, as every entry is so unique.
• But I can proudly say that this year’s winners are exceptionally talented.

• The N.C. Farm to School Program works to ensure that our state’s school cafeterias get food sourced directly from North Carolina farms.
• This year, strawberry orders were constant, proving their popularity in the cafeteria. Nearly 32,000 flats were delivered, which was over 5 times the expected amount.

• The Food Distribution and Marketing divisions in the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services collaborate to put together this calendar and inform students on agriculture in our state.
• The Farm to School program would not be possible without our sponsors and the hard work of child nutrition directors and cafeteria workers.
• So, thank you for your constant support.

• I was lucky enough to see all of the winning entries for this years calendar, and let me just say, this one is very pretty to look at.

• I even happened to recognize a few of the names on our list of winners from previous competitions.

• Many of our winners are the second or third winners in their family.
• Our cover winner from this year is an example, his brother was the 2022 cover winner.
• It is just amazing how both talent and love for N.C. agriculture is carried throughout families.

• Although the calendar is fun to make and beautiful to look at, it also includes different agricultural commodities every month, as well as daily facts about agriculture.
• From this artwork, I can tell that our students hold a good understanding of farming and agriculture in our state, which is very rewarding to see.

• The 2023 competition winners were recognized at the Got to Be NC Festival on May 19^th.
• Every winner should take pride in their talent and ability to portray North Carolina agriculture.
• I am so excited to see the future that is in store for these budding artists.