Official Site of The State of New Jersey

(BRIDGETON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture today presented Bridgeton School District in Cumberland County with the Cream of the Crop Award during a visit to the school’s classrooms, hydroponic and outdoor gardens, and cafeteria. The presentation took place during the celebration of the 15th Annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week and the Third Annual Ag Literacy Week being held September 21-25. 

“Congratulations to the Bridgeton School District on being awarded the Cream of the Crop Award and for their continued successful efforts to connect the importance of agriculture with nutritious and high-quality food,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “Through innovative and hands-on learning experiences, the Bridgeton School District demonstrates thoughtful and creative ways to incorporate agriculture education into their curriculum and recognizing the importance of New Jersey grown food by establishing community partnerships with local farmers.” 
 

Kristine Pepe is the Coordinator of Bridgeton’s Farm to School program, leading over 200 garden lessons incorporating ag. education, nutrition education, social emotional lessons, social studies and more.The garden’s impact within the community is documented on Pepe’s Instagram page   

"Receiving the Department of Agriculture's Cream of the Crop Award is such a meaningful honor for all of us at Bridgeton Public Schools. Bringing garden and agricultural education directly into our classrooms isn't just an extra project for us—it is a core part of how we support student wellness and curiosity. When kids get to see, touch, and understand where their food comes from, learning really comes alive”, said Bridgeton Farm to School Coordinator Kristine Pepe. “We love finding fun, memorable ways to get students excited about healthy choices. Whether they are planting and harvesting in our gardens, trying new items during cafeteria taste tests, or competing for the absolute loudest crunch on Apple Crunch Day while sampling local varieties, these hands-on moments build habits that last. None of this would be possible without incredible community support. Thanks to our local farm-to-school partnerships with The Common Market and Seashore Fruit & Produce, we can bring fresh, regionally grown produce straight to our students' lunch trays every day. This recognition belongs to our entire school family, food service team, and partners who work together to keep Bridgeton’s students nourished, engaged, and inspired." 
 
The impact of the Farm to School Program continues to grow, with more than 500 school districts purchasing locally grown foods. Of those districts, 391 have implemented cafeteria-based initiatives featuring Jersey Tastes fruits, vegetables and recipes, produce grown in school gardens, local food taste tests, and educational activities connected to school meals. Additionally, 218 school districts extend Farm to School efforts beyond the cafeteria through nutrition education, school gardens, farm field trips, and farmer assemblies that connect students with local agriculture.   

Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week was established by law in 2010 to bring attention to the Farm to School Program, which connects schools to local farmers to increase the amount of local fresh produce available for consumption by students during the school day. 

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