Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Superintendent is seeking proposals from experienced vendors (Proposers) for farm-to-fork taste test produce kits delivered to various school sites. The purpose of Harvest of the Month is to promote consumption of local foods among Orange County students. The Harvest of the Month (HOTM) Nutrition Education Program provides engaging lessons and sample taste tests for seasonal, California-grown, fruits and vegetables each month. During the month, students will learn about a featured produce, which includes taste testing. The program includes standards-aligned presentations for lower elementary (Grades K-3) and upper elementary (Grades 4-6) that highlight the fruit or vegetable of the month, while students learn about nutrition, physical activity, and science. The program aims to increase access to fruits and vegetables through classroom education that connects school meal programs and school gardens, while increasing student preference and consumption of California grown produce. The Harvest of the Month Program supports schools meeting the requirements of the mandated Local School Wellness Policy (LSWP). Our goal is to increase the amount of locally grown fresh, seasonal produce purchased and consumed through the Harvest of the Month Program in classrooms. To the greatest extent possible, we prefer the utilization of local growers to provide seasonally available fruits and vegetables, thereby minimizing time from field to plate, minimizing food safety risk, and maximizing freshness, flavor, and nutrient content; while deepening our students’ appreciation for where their food comes from, who produces it and how.
