The Gainesville City School System's Nutrition Department hosted its annual “Aw Shucks Day" at Enota MI Academy on August 24.
Fourth grade students participated in a corn shucking relay race, with the class that shucked a full basket of corn within the fastest time winning the race. Sarah Pollard’s class claimed the trophy as the “Aw Shucks” champions, and each student who participated in the relay received a water bottle courtesy of GCSS School Nutrition.
GCSS officials say the corn that was shucked will not go to waste. It will be used by the school's lunchroom.
They add that the purpose of the corn shucking event is to enable students to learn how they can directly assist in preparing fresh food as a meal, which encourages them to eat healthier food choices at school and inspires their parents to cook fresh, nutritious food at home.
"Aw Shucks Day" is part of GCSS School Nutrition’s Farm to School initiative to educate students about the importance of good nutrition and to help them better understand the benefits of eating fresh food delivered directly from the farm.
“Gainesville City School Nutrition started the Aw Shucks corn shucking relay in 2016 as part of our Farm to School initiative. This program aims to strengthen the “classroom to cafeteria” connection and increase student awareness of agricultural careers, gardening, healthy eating, local foods, and exercise,” said Emily House, GCSS School Nutrition Coordinator. “Through this edible educational experience, students connect “farm to fork” by shucking the corn they will enjoy as part of a school meal.”
