Cheshire Orchard Supplies Apples for Farm-to-School Program

Drazen Orchards in Cheshire is one of a half-dozen growers in the state to participate in this year's "Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week."

The Children's Center of Hamden will serve Drazen apples this week to about 200 children at the facility. The orchard on Wallingford Road traces its history to the early 1800s.

The farm-to-school week is sponsored by the state Departments of Agriculture and Education.

"This is a special week for the schools to celebrate the farmers who participate in the program,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky. “...we create opportunities for farmers to sell products to schools by giving farmers and representatives from the foodservice industry a chance to meet.”

Drazen Orchards grows nearly 20 varieities of apples. It has a pick-your-own program and operates a farm stand which is open through November.