Rep Joseph Wagner Visits Chicopee High

Jan. 11, 2018 -- Rep. Joseph Wagner getting acquainted with Chicopee School staff and students

Getting a taste of Chicopee High's locally-sourced roast turkey dinner

On January 11, Representative Joseph Wagner visited Chicopee High School to talk FOOD with students and School Food Service staff! He was joined by Superintendent Richard Rege, CHS Principal James Blain, Food Service Director Joanne Lennon, and student leaders Nnaemeka (Bert) Ibe ('19), Ana Figueroa ('18), Irina Dumanestskaya ('19), Madi Hartling ('19), Margaret Vatter, and Evan Garber ('18).

Together, they shared a locally-sourced school lunch of roast turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes and mashed butternut squash (from Joe Czajkowski Farms in Hadley, MA), local applesauce (from FB Foods in eastern MA), fresh apples (from Pine Hill Orchards in Colrain, MA),  cranberry sauce, and fresh-baked wild berry muffins and cookies for dessert! 

Rep. Wagner was very impressed with our school meal program and how much we're able to incorporate local ingredients. The representative discussed how important it is to prioritize healthy and local food. Buying local food supports local farmers, which in turn supports jobs across the state. In addition, he says the quality and nutritional value of local food is important for a balanced diet and helps keep people healthy. This means fewer trips to the doctor, and that might help keep costs of health care in Massachusetts under control down the line. Talk about a win-win!

Rep. Wagner had a chance to speak with Chicopee High's student leaders and learn more about the important and very impressive work they're doing. Projects and programs represented in the room included: Student Advisory Council, District Youth Advisory Board, Game Change, SLTP, and Project 351. The representative encouraged our student leaders to keep up the GREAT work, and wished them success on their academic and extracurricular endeavors.

Jan 11, 2018 -- CHS student leaders meet and eat lunch with Rep. Joseph Wagner