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Asbury Park School District and Colts Neck Township schools have come together to launch SUSHI, an after school program aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle.

SUSHI is an acronym for Suburban and Urban School Health Initiative, launched this school year by Freeholder Tom Arnone’s office.

In his written November Arnone Report, the Freeholder said the clubs focus on healthy eating while learning about the farming process.

“In the program’s first year, Asbury Park and Colts Neck students have come together to learn about healthy foods and farming at Allaire Community Farm in Wall Township,” Arnone said. “Students have made trips to the farm once per week and are truly enjoying learning more about planting and growing fruits and vegetables.”

The interactive program offers fifth-grade students real-life experiences and hands-on instruction across a variety of subjects, including science, math, social studies, and health.  

The program’s goal also is to increase awareness about nutrition and the benefits of physical activity, school officials said. At the center of the the programming is the farm-to-table healthy eating initiatives.

Today, both districts are readying to dedicate land for the growing of their own crops. Land dedication ceremonies will be held in both districts later this month.

[Photos courtesy of Asbury Park School District Spokeswoman Chanta Jackson]

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