For the third consecutive year, Belton ISD’s Nutrition Services department has been awarded the “Best of the Bunch” Award by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The award stems from the Farm Fresh Challenge, part of Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s Farm Fresh Initiative to connect Texas farmers and ranchers with school nutrition programs.

To earn the challenge’s top recognition, Belton ISD had to serve at least three different Texas-sourced foods weekly last October, educate students about Texas agriculture and share their success on social media.

“Our cafeterias were able to serve a variety of foods grown and produced right here in Texas — grapefruit, apples, pears, watermelon, bread, tortillas and milk,” Chris Teager, school nutrition director, said. “I’m so proud of our team for being able to provide these great, locally-sourced, nutritious options for our students and staff.”

Teager said the effort to secure these foods is worth it. 

“Seeing the smiles on our student’s faces when they try something new and realize it’s grown in Texas is very rewarding,” he said.

Follow Belton ISD’s Nutrition Services on Twitter to see menus, pictures of meals and more.