Mrs. Hill's passion for nutrition, agriculture, and education has made a flavorful impact on the students
and staff of Maurice River Elementary School. Through her collaboration with the cafeteria, Mrs.
Hill brings monthly tasting events that give students (Pre-K through 8th grade) a chance to sample a Jersey Fresh Harvest of the Month. Whether it’s a crunchy
veggie or a creative smoothie, each tasting comes with a delicious recipe from the Jersey Fresh Farm to
School Website or through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. After every tasting, students and staff proudly wear
their “Taste Tester” stickers and join in our schoolwide motto: “Don’t yuck my yum!” Everyone then gets to cast their vote using fun coins in one of three tasty categories:
“I like it,” “I love it,” or “Not for me.” So far, the most requested favorite? The Kale Smoothie! Yes, really! Even students who say, “Not for me,” often grab a copy of
the recipe to share at home. Mrs. Hill’s goal isn’t just trying something new, its building healthy habits, sparking
curiosity, and encouraging family conversations around food. Families have shared that thanks to this program,
their children are now eating and enjoying vegetables they once turned down. Success never tasted so sweet!
In addition to tastings, Mrs. Hill leads a weeklong Farm to School Spirit Week, packed with hands-on
agriculture lessons and a special Farmer Lunch Day, where students dine and learn with real local farmers.
But that’s not all! Each spring, she helps organize an Annual Earth Day Celebration, inviting over 30
community presenters—including farmers, sustainable hobbyists, and organizations like FoodCorps—to
inspire students with interactive sessions across every grade.

Thanks to Mrs. Hill’s leadership, Maurice River Elementary School is growing more than just minds they’re
growing a community that values fresh food, local farms, and environmental stewardship.