Get fresh with Farm to School to benefit your whole community

Working in school nutrition, you’ve probably heard of Farm to School. But if your school doesn’t participate, you may not know some key facts about it.

The Farm to School Program has been around since 2010, when Congress amended the National School Lunch Act to establish the program. In 2022, it was officially renamed “The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program” after the Vermont senator who was a champion for the cause.

There are three main parts of farm to school:

1. Local Food Procurement

Local foods are bought, promoted, and served as part of school meals, snacks, or taste tests

2. Food and Nutrition Education

Students learn about food, agriculture, and nutrition through interactive educational opportunities

3. School Gardens

Students have the opportunity to learn about agriculture hands-on through gardening

Schools can apply for and receive Farm to School grants to support these activities. What are some of the benefits of including more local foods and promoting local agriculture at school?

For schools and students, participating in Farm to School activities can improve nutrition and academics.

• Boosts the school nutrition program: Including local foods on the menu can improve support from parents and community members, increase meal participation, cut down on waste, and lower costs.

• Increases nutrients: When foods travel long distances, they often must be picked before they are ripe. Then, storage and travel conditions can lead to a breakdown in quality and nutrition content. When foods are procured locally, they can be harvested at peak ripeness. Plus, short travel distances means good nutrients like vitamins and minerals are preserved.

• Improves healthy eating habits: Greater access to fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy means less intake of processed foods or excess sodium. Enjoying and learning about fresh, local food options helps students make healthier choices and habits that may last a lifetime!

• Better academic performance: School gardens are linked with higher fruit and vegetable intake, and improved academic performance. Read more HERE!

What about for farmers and communities?

• Creates stronger communities and local partnerships: Supporting local farmers or producers’ businesses helps maintain local jobs and livelihoods. Keeping money within the surrounding area benefits the whole community and boosts the local economy.
• Better for the environment: Local procurement can significantly cut the carbon footprint of using non-local food sources. Buying more locally means less transportation, packaging, and storage of foods is needed over long distances. Some schools take their program further with efforts like composting or scrap-saving. This can be shared with local farmers or gardeners to feed animals, grow flowers, or grow more food.

The Farm to School program is a WIN for everyone! In upcoming posts, we will dive deeper into each of the three elements of Farm to School and share resources to get you started.

Thanks to Elizabeth Brandley, University of Illinois Dietetic Intern, for this post.