Students in Mrs. Hagg’s first grade class visit Martin’s Supermarket.
(Photos by Alyssa Richardson)

First grade students at Harrison Elementary School are visiting a local grocery store to learn about produce, recycling, nutrition and make food purchases to help feed hungry students.

Visits to Martin’s Supermarket in Warsaw began today for Harrison students with two classes visiting the store for a special tour and donation time today and two making a visit tomorrow.

Students learn about “Larry the lobster” while visiting Martin’s Supermarket.

According to first grade teacher Aimee Hagg, approximately 90 students will visit the store from classes taught by Hagg, Candy Wainscott, Tara Bradley, Sarah Herring and assistant teacher Hannah Bushong. Hagg noted students were given money by their families to make purchases of food items, discounted by Martin’s, to support the Boomerang Backpack program. Approximately $200 worth of food will be purchased by students both today and tomorrow.

“This is really great. It is going right back to kids who need it,” explained Hagg with a smile. “It is kids helping kids… They are enriching the lives of others.”

According to Hagg, though this is the second year students have made purchases while at the store to support Boomerang Backpack, Harrison students have visited the store for many years for tours and educational programming.

Kami Johnson, Martin’s Supermarket community affairs specialist, noted the field trips are provided by the store at no charge to the schools. Johnson noted that Martin’s has a long history, stemming back to the store’s opening, of providing tours and educational programs to students.

According to Johnson, eight tours will take place this week alone from both Claypool and Harrison Elementary. Students in Hagg’s class were able to learn about nutrition, recycling at the store, processing and storing of food and more. In addition, students were able to witness several fun demonstrations such as operating a forklift, learning about a live lobster and a chilly visit to the store’s freezer and refrigerator.

Johnson noted those interested in setting up a tour are welcome to do so and should contact her at the store.