More schools in the Halifax area are about to get fresh, local vegetables at lunch time, two days a week, as part of a pilot project through the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Department of Education.

They are food carts that are large, portable salad bars with things like carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, onions, apples and other seasonal vegetables all grown and produced here at home.

The department says the program is already in 15 schools in the Chignecto-Central, Strait and HRCE school boards and is progressing really well.

It will expand into five more Halifax schools this fall.

Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow says the fresh food carts help our farmers get their local products on more plates, while giving students healthier options.

“We’re promoting local foods, and part of that is helping some of the biggest kitchens in our province find ways to get more local foods on the menu.”

The program also helps students learn about nutrition and where their food comes from and is in addition to the school lunch program, which is set to launch in the fall.

The department says they continue to work to get more locally grown and produced food into other facilities including hospitals, long-term care and correctional facilities.

The program started last April.