One day the unique menu served up at local high schools might not be so special.
That's exactly what organizers of the Farm to Caf initiative are hoping for. On Wednesday the cafeteria at Westgate served up an all-local lunch, the first in a pilot program coming to all Lakehead Public Schools high schools this semester, to see if Thunder Bay's food producers can become a regular part of cafeteria fare.
For $5 staff and students lined up to get a burger, potato wedges and corn on the cob.
Westgate family studies teacher Kathryn McKee, who had students prepare and help serve the meal, said now they have to see if profits from the local drive are enough to sustain the cafeteria.
"That's what we're hoping for," she said.
The initiative is partnered with Roots to Harvest, the Red Cross and the health unit.
Along with offering students healthier choices, it's also an opportunity for them to learn about local food production. Grade 12 student Evan Saunders said he's learned a lot by taking part in the program.
"I never actually knew that there were so many local food sources," he said.
"It helps out with the economy,helping your friends and family."
Less shipping means it's also better for the environment.
"You know where it's coming from," Saunders said.
In the weeks leading up to the menu, Saunders said there was a lot of hype about it, something not usually heard in the hallways at school.
Carley Rudgiero, also in grade 12, said it's been a great experience so far.
"It just eases a lot of people's minds knowing that it is organic and locally grown," she said.
