Farm to School programs connect school meals with local agriculture by purchasing directly from local farmers in a strategy that increases the profitability of farming, improves the quality of school meals, and re-creates relationships in the community among consumers and the people who grow their food.
Farm to School programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime, and supporting local small farmers.
The National Farm to School Network sprouted from this desire to support community-based food systems, strengthen family farms, and improve student health. Eight regional lead agencies and national staff provide free training and technical assistance, information services, networking, and support for policy, media and marketing activities. In less than a decade farm to school programs have grown from just 2 recognized programs to over 2,000. These programs vary in size and scope- some include school gardens and composting, others integrate food education in the classroom, with the uniting principle of ensuring that school children have the opportunity to eat healthy foods from local farms.
The Farm to School approach helps children understand where their food comes from and how their food choices impact their bodies, the environment, and their communities at large. More than 30 million children eat a school lunch five days a week, 180 days a year. If school lunch can taste great, and support the local community, it is a win-win for everyone.