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Wilmette public schools are making an effort this year to feed students fresh, locally grown produce as part of their regular school lunches. More
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Wilmette schools providing more local produce for lunch
Posted 12/31/69

Wilmette public schools are making an effort this year to feed students fresh, locally grown produce for lunch.

District 39 has six schools with their own self-sustaining kitchens that prepare fresh meals for about 75 percent of its 3,700 students every day.

Lisa Winter, the district’s food service coordinator, sees it as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the area’s economy and environment.

But there’s one catch – money.

The district is projecting deficits in coming years, so every dollar counts.

“If it’s not more money, we’re trying to use more local produce,” Winter said. “We are in a financial bind right now, so it isn’t supposed to cost more.”

That’s a bit of a problem. Local – and especially organic – produce often carries a heftier price tag.

Winter has been working with the district’s food supplier, Sysco, to negotiate lower prices. For example, she was able to get the supplier to match its regular price for locally grown romaine, cantaloupes and green peppers..

“It helps with everyone’s carbon footprint,” Winter said. “If it doesn’t come from far away, that’s good.”

Locally grown means less gasoline to ship. And it means a local farm gets a little extra business.

Not to mention it’s fresh.

From another distributor, District 39 was able to get 175 ears of corn from a farm in Chicago Heights. It arrived in Wilmette less than 24 hours after it was picked.

 “Nobody realizes it, but within 50 miles there are farms,” Winter said.

The schools will continue to buy and serve local produce “for as long as Sysco continues to provide it …More

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Posted 12/31/69
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April 29 - October 7, 2010
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM: New Trier High School East Class of 1980 CONTACT: Elizabeth Kretchmer Reunion Committee 720/344-4379 mtnliving@q.com NEW TRIER HIGH SCHOOL EAST CLASS … More
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Respite care is an intermittent service to caregivers and their loved one.Volunteers provide an array of support and informational services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for the … More
May 3, 2010 - March 3, 2011
Respite care is an intermittent service to caregivers and their loved one.Volunteers provide an array of support and informational services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for the … More
July 10 - December 17, 2010
Chicago's Canzonetta Youth Orchestra is seeking auditions for the 2010-11 music season. Directed by the reknowned conductor, Hilel Kagan, North Shore's Canzonetta is a chamber orchestra that offers … More
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September 3, 2010
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September 5 - 6, 2010
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September 7 - 14, 2010
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