ATLANTA --
Two local school districts were in a group honored on Tuesday in Atlanta for supporting their local economies by increasing the amount of local food they serve in their cafeterias.

Tift County and Crisp County Schools were of the 25 districts recognized by State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge, Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black and Georgia Organics Board President Rashid Nuri for taking the “5 Million Meals Challenge” which pledges to offer more local food during school lunches.

Georgia Organics Farm to School Director Erin Croom says it’s extremely important to support our local farmers, which boosts the economy while providing healthier food to children.

Croom says the deadline for more districts to pledge to serve more locally grown food is in May, so it’s not too late to take the step towards supporting local farms. Croom also says it’s not just about serving the food in the lunchroom but teaching the children about where the food comes from, including introducing a more farm-friendly curriculum.

Stay connected to MySouthWestGA.com as stories develop and the FOX 31 Newscast at 10 PM. Visit us on Facebook and Twitter to join in on the conversation and connect with FOX 31!