MEMPHIS — The new director of food service for Memphis City Schools is planning to plant.
In just two weeks on the job, Tony Geraci has looked for land for a large garden that could fill the schools with fresh produce. He’s also talked to philanthropists about donating to the garden.
The 54-year-old Geraci told The Commercial Appeal he wants to resume scratch cooking in the $22 million central kitchen Memphis City Schools built in 2003 and expand school meals to breakfast and after-school suppers. He also wants to contract with farmers to grow food for school lunches.
While working for Baltimore Public Schools, Geraci created the Great Kids Farm, which launched a farm-to-fork movement that fed schoolchildren and created jobs.