Fruits and vegetables can make us sick if soil is contaminated, and if we do not handle them properly when harvesting, storing, or preparing them for consumption.
The links below direct you to information on important garden preparation and food safety practices.
The USDA Farm to School fact sheet provides general information on farm to school programs.
USDA issued food safety tips for the school garden and provides a resource list for more information.
The University of Maryland Extension has developed guidelines for food safety in the school garden.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture Farm to School program provides additional resources.
Wash hands with warm soapy water prior to harvesting or eating produce from the garden.
Wash produce with potable water before consumption.
Use harvest containers and tools that are cleaned and sanitized prior to use.
Use only clean, non-porous food prep surfaces for preparing food.
City Blossoms offers a list of tools and supplies to have on hand for preparing food in the classroom. See: What’s in a Cooking Box?
Schoolyard Roots also offers a detailed guide to cooking in the classroom.
Great Kids Farm and the City Schools Farm-to-School program offers cooking lessons in the classroom. To schedule a cooking experience for your students fill out this form. http://Bit.ly/F2SatSchool