Here’s a test most students won’t mind. At lunch time on May 16, Schoharie students will be able to taste-test cups of New York-produced concord grape juice as part of the district’s participation in the Grape-to-School Pilot Program.
Students in all grades will be asked for their feedback about the juice, which is produced by New York Juice Company. The four-ounce cups are filled with a new “growing grape” flavor of juice and carry the NYS Grown & Certified seal.
Schoharie is one of 10 districts statewide to serve New York State Grown & Certified concord grape juice on their menus. A participant in the Governor’s Farm-to-School initiative, Schoharie is on its way to meeting a goal of purchasing at least 30 percent of food for school meals from local and New York state sources, which in turn qualifies the district for higher school lunch reimbursement rates.
While students are enjoying free samples of grape juice on May 16, their teachers and school staff won’t be left out of the New York-grown fun. Their staff development activities the following day will include a dessert-making contest using grape topping and filling from Naples, N.Y., and a New York food-focused meal prepared by cafeteria staff working with a local farm-to-table chef.
New York is the nation’s second highest producer of Concord grapes.