JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Students across the state will be dining on food products that have been produced in North Dakota today.

The meals across the state in some schools is part of the 18th Annual Agriculture in the Classroom School Lunch Day.

“Highlighting North Dakota food products grown by our farmers and ranchers and processed by local businesses helps students learn how their food is raised and produced,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said.

“School lunch programs can also help local economies and the state’s economy by buying these locally produced and processed foods. A wide range of North Dakota food products are now available for school lunch programs in addition to the high- quality raw commodities produced in the state.”

According to Goehring’s office, all Jamestown schools including the High School, Middle School, Washington, Roosevelt, Louis L’Amour, Lincoln, Gussner, and St. John’s Academy will be participating.

“Hungry students have a tough time learning, and our schools do an excellent job of providing nutritious meals for our young people,” said Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s state school superintendent. “Our school meal providers look for opportunities to offer North Dakota-produced food in the lunches and breakfasts that are served to our students. This helps to connect our young people to the farmers and ranchers who provide nourishment for them, as well as the entire state and country.”

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture and Department of Public Instruction has provided posters and sample menus to participating schools.