State officials say October is a good month to bring a farmer or a chef to school.

Or at least that's the theme of the official "Farm to School Month." The event encourages Illinois schools to visit local farms, plan a spring garden and focus lessons on agriculture and cooking with fresh produce.

The idea is that students will chose healthier foods, like fruits and vegetables, if the products are fresh and locally grown.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says programs such as "Farm to School Month" encourage the economic prosperity of rural, urban and suburban communities.

She says the partnerships between local farmers, chefs and schools will also introduce students to fresh food and agriculture professions.