Farm to School
Farm to School connects schools and early childcare programs with farmers and producers to promote the use of locally grown food in child nutrition programs. The primary goals of Farm to School initiatives are to 1) Enhance the quality of school and childcare meals 2) Support local agriculture and boost local economies and 3) Provide educational opportunities for children about nutrition, farming, and food systems.
Key components of Farm to School programs may include:
- Local Sourcing (Procurement)
- Education
- School and Early Care and Education Gardens
- Nutrition
- Community Engagement
Farm to School programs have gained popularity to address issues such as child nutrition, support local economies, strained supply chains, and create a sense of community and connection around food. These initiatives can vary in scope and implementation and are not prescriptive. Still, they all share a common goal of promoting healthier eating habits, supporting small farms and local agriculture, and fostering an understanding of the local food supply chain while meeting the needs of the individual school, students and staff.
