HPS Kids Love Local Foods

Holland Public Schools Nutrition Services has been the recipient of the Michigan 10-cent-a-meal grant for several years. As a part of the grant, we will feature items purchased from a local farm. 

Red Brussel Sprouts

Red Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleraea gemmifera ‘Rubine’) are unique, colorful plants that produce an abundant harvest of striking, reddish-purple sprouts. The plants are tall, reaching heights of 3.25 feet (1 m.) at maturity. There are many good reasons to plant Red Brussels sprouts. The plants aren’t difficult to grow, they’re beautiful in the garden, and cooks appreciate the gourmet sprouts for their rich, nutty flavor. Red Brussels Sprout History Botanists think Brussels sprouts were first grown in Medieval Europe, specifically the area currently known as Belgium. However, Brussels sprouts weren’t introduced to North America until the mid-nineteenth century. The beautiful color of Red Brussels sprouts was created by crossing Brussels sprouts with red cabbage. The plant dates to about 1954, so although it is relatively new, its age qualifies as an heirloom plant. However, true heirloom plants are open pollinated and never hybridized.
LOOK FOR THE RED BRUSSEL SPROUTS BEING SERVED AT OUR MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLS THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 16 20 Provided by the Stutzman Farm in the Village of White Pigeon Michigan 
  

Kiwi Berries

Kiwi berries are bite-sized fruits that look like a fusion of kiwifruit, grapes and kumquats. The major difference kiwi berries and kiwifruit is that the berries have a leathery, smooth, green skin. They’re good for you, too! Kiwi berries are rich in vitamins C and E and naturally low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. They’re also an excellent source of fiber, magnesium and potassium. Kiwi berries are tiny but mighty—they pack the same bright, fruity flavor as kiwifruit, minus the fuzzy skin (which you should totally leave on, by the way). They’re small enough to be popped into your mouth like grapes, used as a garnish, added to a fancy cheeseboard and mixed into fruit salads for a sweet and juicy texture. Kiwi berries taste best when ripe, or when the berry feels soft to the touch. Like most berries, they can be enjoyed at room temperature but last longer (up to a week) when refrigerated. They can also be frozen and added to smoothies.

Look for these amazing nuggets of deliciousness on the fruit and veggies bar at one of our 6 awesome cafeterias the week of October 16-20
Grown in Ottawa County at the Mud Lake Farms in Hudsonville Michigan which have four biomass-heated hydroponic greenhouses

  
Yellow Peaches

Yellow peaches are the quintessential peach. They are distinguished by their fuzzy thin skin with hues of red, pink and gold blushing throughout. The flesh is aromatic, juicy when ripe, and golden colored with red bleeds at the skin and surrounding the central rough surfaced rust colored pit. They are often identified as a traditional "true" peach, meaning the fruit exudes a classic peach flavor, balancing sugar and acid for a well-rounded flavor. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help protect your body from aging and disease. Make sure to wash or rinse the outside before eating the fuzz will cause you to itch.  
Look for these delicious stone fruit on a fruit/veggie bar at one of our 6 amazing cafeterias the week of October 16-20
Grown and harvested on Friske Farm, Ellsworth, Michigan in the beautiful village of Antrim County northeast of Traverse City.  

Blueberries  (back by popular demand)
Better Way Farms is a family owned blueberry farm that provides blueberries grown through organic regenerative farming methods.
We believe in focusing on the plant health by balancing the minerals in the soil, activating the biology in the soil (microbes), and restoring the soil by increasing the organic matter. By doing so, we can grow the best berry possible. Farm Located in South Haven Michigan. We offer both USDA Organic and Certified Transitional blueberries, bursting with summer sweetness! Perfect for snacking. Better Way Farms is a family owned and operated farm in South Haven, Michigan.
Look for these delicious stone fruit on a fruit/veggie bar at one of our 6 amazing cafeterias the week of October 16-20
Better Way Farms is a family owned and operated farm in South Haven, Michigan.