Ever wonder what’s on the menu in Onteora’s lunchrooms? Thanks to Food Services Director Christine Downs and her dedicated team, students are enjoying fresher, locally sourced meals every day. What started nearly 20 years ago with letters to local farms has grown into a thriving Farm-to-School program.

Today, our cafeterias feature local favorites from partners like Milestone Mill (which is part of Community Food Works), Hudson Valley Fresh, Dagele Brothers Farm, and more—with even more partnerships on the way!
 

From colorful salad bars to nacho boats with “cowboy caviar” (beans, corn, peppers), pita chips, and whole-grain “sunrise waffles,” students are loving the healthy choices. And yes—seconds (or thirds!) of veggies are encouraged.

Most recently, Mrs. Downs attended her second New York Farm to School Summit in Saratoga Springs, joining more than 500 participants from across the State to strengthen school-farm partnerships. She also served as a panelist, sharing insights on the power of collaboration in bringing local food into school cafeterias.

Plans to survey students to get more of their input are underway, said Mrs. Downs—exciting news!