About Farm to School


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ABOUT FARM TO SCHOOL

"Farm to school" is a model for programming and activites that includes serving locally produced foods in cafeterias and child nutrition programs in K-12 schools, childcare, and preschools; educating students about food and agriculture; and school gardens or other farm-based education.

Importance of Farm to School


Farm to School programs take many forms. In addition to providing local markets for farms, they can involve a variety of activities. Farm to School programs often integrate education about local food and farming issues with the food served in the cafeteria. They may promote locally produced foods in the cafeteria, host special event meals with local farm organizations, develop nutrition curriculum around school gardens and cafeteria meals, integrate food and agriculture themes into classroom subjects throughout the school, or coordinate field trips or class visits to farms in the area.

Goals of Farm to School

The specific goals of a Farm to School program are determined by the individuals who create it, though they often include the following:

Increase market opportunities for small farms

Support local farmers and the local economy

Educate eaters about local farming and food systems

Teach students how to grow food

Improve the quality of foods served in the cafeteria

Improve nutrition for students and communities

Improve institution-community relationships


For farmers, food service professionals and community organizers, Farm to School programs are an opportunity to work together to achieve the goals of many, while providing access to fresh, nutritious, local and delicious foods.

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"The more opportunities our children have to learn about the people, time, effort and resources necessary to turn a seed into a crop, the more they will appreciate the food on their plates."