VERNON — Squash isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when kids are trick-or-treating, but that didn’t stop school officials from handing out the vegetable to promote healthy eating during last week’s Trunk or Treat event.
Families who stopped by the school district’s Food & Nutrition Services Department booth received fresh apples and delicata squash — a colorful squash with a nutty flavor. They also received a recipe on how to cook the squash, officials said.
“We got some funny looks for handing out squash but then we explained that delicata squash is delicious, healthy and easy to prepare,” said Elizabeth Fisher, the director of food and nutrition for the school district.
The eye-catching treats were also a way to remind parents to apply for reduced-cost or free school lunches since the existing program, which offers free school meals to all students will end Dec. 31.
Families with students at Maple Street, Northeast or Skinner Road schools do not have to apply as their free school meal program will run until the end of the school year. All other students, except those who have received a Notice of Direct Certification by the Food & Nutrition Department must apply to receive free or reduced cost meals as of Dec. 31, officials said.
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