Official Site of The State of New Jersey

(HILLSBOROUGH) - The New Jersey Department of Agriculture today presented Norz Hill Farm and Market located in Hillsborough in Somerset County with the “Farmer Recognition Farm to School Award” during a visit to the farm. The presentation took place during the celebration of the 15th annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week and Third Annual Ag Literacy Week being held September 22-26.

“It was a privilege to honor Debbie (Norz) for her passion and hard work to bring local food into the schools,” NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn said.

Norz Hill Farm and Market was recognized for supplying local food to schools and supporting agricultural education. They show quantifiable increase in pupil awareness of farmers and farms to quality of school meals, education and outreach concerning the nutritional importance of fresh produce, and consistent and innovative use of farm produce.

Norz Hill Farm and Market is a 1200 acre, multi-generational and family-owned farm and market located in Hillsborough, New Jersey. They offer a wide variety of agricultural products such as Jersey Fresh produce, meats, other goods, and family entertainment such as a fall festival and other seasonal activities. The farm emphasizes an educational experience to their visitors and are committed to sustainable agricultural practices. Norz Hill Farm makes significant contributions to New Jersey’s Farm to School Program by connecting local schools such as Hillsborough High School and Manville School District and students to local products and education.

“We are grateful to be recognized for our efforts in sourcing local food for our schools and for our school education tours”, said Debbie Norz, owner and operator of Norz Hill Farm and Market.

Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week was designated as the last week of each September by a law signed in 2010. During this week, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture showcases schools that connect with New Jersey farmers to purchase local produce for school meals to increase student consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week celebrates the partnerships being built between state farmers and schools which encourage schools to purchase produce from local farmers to incorporate into meals and fostering healthier eating habits and a better understanding of local agriculture.

The influence of the Farm to School Program has led to 500 schools purchasing local. More than 350 of the districts buying local have implemented cafeteria programs using Harvest of the Month promotional material to highlight the nutritional value of local items. More than 250 districts use a curriculum that ties cafeteria meals to healthy eating education and/or field trips to farms.

To learn more, visit www.farmtoschool.nj.gov.

###
To learn more about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial or Twitter @NJDA and @JerseyFreshNJDA.