We are proud to be part of the National Farm to School Network! Read this great article entitled “National Farm-to-School Month: Highlighting Cutting-Edge Programs” from Food Tank!
excerpt: Farm-to-school programs encourage schools to buy farm-fresh foods from their local community to serve in the cafeteria and feature educational activities in the classroom. Students gain access to healthy, nutritious food as well as educational opportunities such as farm field trips, garden-based learning, cooking lessons, and recycling programs. The farm-to-school approach helps children and families understand where their food comes from and how their food choices can impact their health, the environment, and their community. Specific benefits for children, according to the U.S. National Farm to School Network, include an increased knowledge and awareness about gardening, agriculture, healthy eating, local foods and seasonality, greater fruit and vegetable consumption both at school and at home, and enhanced overall academic achievement.
Farm-to-school programs also provide benefits to local and regional farmers and the broader community. They serve as an additional financial opportunity for farmers, fishers, ranchers, food processors, and food manufacturers, spurring economic activity and job creation within the community and the state. These programs also lessen the schools’ environmental impact by reducing student food waste and food miles. Across the globe, farm-to-school programs are fostering connections between students, teachers, parents, farmers, and policymakers in activities that support health, nutrition, agriculture, and local economies.
