Wisconsin School Wins Organic Vending Machine in National Pep Rally For More Organic Food in Schools

More than 1,100 Schools Nominated in Organic Trade Association's "Organic. It's Worth it in Schools." Contest

GREENFIELD, Mass., May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Organic lovers nationwide nominated more than 1,100 schools to win an organic vending machine or garden in the Organic Trade Association's (OTA) first-ever "Organic. It's Worth it in Schools." contest.

Launched by OTA in January to raise awareness for increasing the availability of organic food and gardening in school systems, "Organic. It's Worth it in Schools." encouraged individuals to nominate a school of their choice to win an organic garden or vending machine at www.OrganicItsWorthIt.org through May 1.

The announcement comes the same week First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign to curb childhood obesity submitted a report to the White House calling for improved school nutrition programs featuring increased access to healthy foods in schools, including healthier vending machines.

For "Organic. It's Worth it In Schools.," individuals submitted more than 15,000 nominations for 1,160 schools. And, in the end, it was the small LaFarge, Wisconsin, school district with 253 students, a commitment to rural lifestyle, love for organic foods and a passion for organizing community followers that received the most nominations.

Already focusing on organic gardening, the school will opt for the organic vending  machine, which can feature organic items like milk, fruit, cheese, yogurt and snacks.

"To have more than 1,100 schools participate in this initiative truly demonstrates the interest and commitment schools, teachers, administrators, parents, students and community minded individuals have for increasing access to organic food in schools," said Christine Bushway, executive director of OTA. "The LaFarge school district and all other nominated schools – along with thousands of others nationwide – already work hard to promote healthy food and support the environment. We wish we could award the prize to all of them."

"We contacted alumni, sent emails to friends, passed stickers out at churches, told everyone we knew to nominate us," said Carol Persons, third grade teacher at LaFarge and member of the school's Wellness Committee. "Why? Because we want to improve the health of our students; cost always is a barrier, so this goes a long way. Supporting kids is more than providing a good education; it's offering healthy food choices, as well."

Located in Southwest Wisconsin two hours east of Madison, the LaFarge School District houses its entire student body on one campus. Its vision is "to empower a community of learners who dare to dream, take risks and embrace positive change." It already has a history of achievement, having received a "School of Promise" award from the state for academic performance for seven consecutive years and its governor's "Health Award" for two straight years. For more details, visit www.lafarge.k12.wi.us.

The Organic Trade Association conducted the "Organic. It's Worth it in Schools." initiative as an extension of its first-ever national consumer education and awareness campaign, which launched March 2009. "Organic. It's Worth It." is an online outreach effort highlighting the benefits of organic food, farming and home products.

To learn more and to sign up for the "Organic. It's Worth It." newsletter, visit www.OrganicItsWorthIt.org.

About the Organic Trade Association

Founded nearly 25 years ago, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its more than 1,400 members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. www.ota.com

SOURCE Organic Trade Association