Working with local schools on their fundraisers we often hear their great ideas to raise money and awareness for green living. This fall one of the schools fundraising with EcoMetro Guide, Glenview Elementary opened its first-ever produce stand, a project of the PTA’s school food and nutrition committee. Open from 2-4pm every Tuesday afternoon, the stand includes a “tasting” table, where all Glenview students have the opportunity to taste the fruit or vegetable of the week.

In addition to the tasting table, the stand sells fresh, organic produce at cost to Glenview parents, students, staff and teachers. Many of the teachers, in particular, are thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase produce at their workplace. The reception to the fresh, high-quality produce has been extremely positive.  Parent Jessica Lopez expressed her appreciation, noting that “the tomatoes, apples, lettuce and figs we bought were delicious!” Glenview parent Patti Gima credits the first day of the produce stand for turning her son, a historically picky eater, into a “strawberry-eating guy!”

Committee co-chairs Delana Toler and Christy Getz source all of the produce from local (or at least California) organic farms. Farmer Joe’s grocery store has been very helpful in allowing the committee to use the store as a distribution hub for some of the produce. A number of Glenview families have donated some of their own garden-grown fruits and vegetables to the stand.  Even neighbors not affiliated with the school have joined in the effort, with one elderly lady donating about 10 pounds of cherry tomatoes from her garden!  These donations allow the stand to cover the cost of the free “tastings” for the kids without losing money. The Glenview students, staff and teachers have also carry their own “Glenview Produce Stand” reusable ecology tote, whose logo was designed by Glenview parent Gaea McLaughlin. 

The committee co-chairs and volunteers are proud to promote the visibility of fruits and vegetables which play a subtle but important educational role and bring the community together.

For the first three weeks in November show your support for a local school by visiting the produce stand and purchasing your EcoMetro Guide along with your fresh local veggies.  

Photo courtesy: Joseph Bansuelo. Thanks to Delana Toler and Christy Getz