Agriculture Today - April 2009

Fresno County Farm and Nutrition Day is a hit with students

Described by some students as the “best day of my life” and by others as “way cool,” the fourth annual Fresno County Farm and Nutrition Day held March 20 at the Fresno Fairgrounds was a well-received success by students and teachers alike.

The more than 2,100 third-grade students and 550 teachers and chaperones from throughout Fresno County had a chance to experience a full day of interactive fun and education about how their food is grown -- from the nutrition education stage play to sheep dog herding demonstrations, from beekeepers to horseshoers, or from milking cows to snacking on dried and fresh-frozen fruit. 

Organizers of the event are the Big Fresno Fair, Fresno County Farm Bureau and Fresno County Office of Education. More than 14 presenters, five demonstrations, 28 booths and four equipment exhibitors participated in the one-day field trip for third graders. In addition, more than 100 volunteers helped at the event, and several businesses and individuals provided financial assistance with school transportation and other costs.

This fourth annual event helps educate students about agriculture, the importance of eating healthy foods, and about the diverse career opportunities in the food, fiber and resource industries. A big focus of the day is the importance of making healthy food choices and good nutrition. At the event, students have the opportunity to taste healthy foods, such as dried fruit, citrus, raisins, carrots, frozen fresh-peach popsicles and almonds. 

Event co-chairs Jeanette Sutherlin and Debbie Jacobsen were pleased with the event. “Our local Fresno community must realize how important it is to teach our children where their food comes from and how healthy food choices help children be able to play, learn and be active,” said Sutherlin, who also serves as the county director of the U.C. Cooperative Extension, Fresno County.

“Farm and Nutrition Day 2009 was a great success due to the outstanding work of our committee and many volunteers who understand that we need to educate the children of Fresno County about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, how their food comes from a farm and what it takes to get that food to their plates on the table,” said Jacobsen.

Board of Supervisors proclamation
After the event, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution saluting the Fresno County Farm and Nutrition Day to Co-Chairs Jacobsen and Sutherlin. Supervisor Judy Case described how important the day is to help educate students about healthy foods and making good food choices. Supervisor Phil Larson explained the importance of Fresno County students knowing how their food is produced and about the importance of agriculture to the Valley. Supervisor Susan Anderson, who attended the event, also expressed support for the education of children about healthy eating and food production.