Farm to School
National Farm to School Network Nourishing Kids and Communities
Farm to School Definition: Farm to School is broadly defined as a program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. Since each Farm to School program is shaped by its unique community and region, the National Farm to School Network does not prescribe or impose a list of practices or products for the Farm to School approach.
Farm to School at its core is about establishing relationships between local foods and school children by way of including, but not limited to:
• Local products in school meals –breakfast, lunch, afterschool snacks; and in classrooms – snacks, taste tests, educational tools
• Local foods related curriculum development and experiential learning opportunities through school gardens, farm tours, farmer in the classroom sessions, chefs in the classroom, culinary education, educational sessions for parents and community members, visits to farmers’ markets.
The National Farm to School Network aims to enable every child to have access to nutritious food while simultaneously benefiting communities and local farmers. The National Farm to School Network sprouted from the desire to support community-based food systems, strengthen family farms, and improve student health by reducing childhood obesity. The Network is a collaborative of the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute, Occidental College and the Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC). The Network coordinates, promotes and expands Farm to School at the state, regional and national levels. Eight regional lead agencies and national staff provide free training and technical assistance, information services, networking, and support for policy, media and marketing activities. 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.
American Farmland Trust
"American Farmland Trust is the nation's leading conservation organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and supporting a sustainable future for farms."
Health Impact Assessment HB 2800: OREGON FARM TO SCHOOL AND SCHOOL GARDEN POLICY
"A Health Impact Assessment detailing the potential impacts of Oregon’s 2011 Farm to School and School Garden legislation"
May 2011
House Bill 2800
"Relating to Oregon Farm-to-School and School Garden Program; creating new provisions; amending ORS 336.426; appropriating money; and declaring an emergency."
How to Apply Geographic Preference from the National Farm to School Network
An overview of a USDA Q&A document lays out many frequently asked questions about applying geographic preference to your produce bid and provides key answers. A must-read for anyone looking to change their produce buying methods to support more regional procurement.
Prevalence of F2S Programs in States with F2S Policy
"Are Farm-to-School Programs More Common in States With Farm-to-School-Related Laws?"
From the Journal of School Health
Regional Food Hub Resource Guide from the USDA
"Food hub impacts on regional food systems, and the resources available to support their growth and development"
Riverside Farmers Market Salad Bar Handbook
“The Farmers’ Market Salad Bar Program” seeks to increase consumption of fresh fruits
and vegetables among students by purchasing directly from local farmers and preparing fresh food
on a daily basis. Simultaneously, the program integrates nutrition education in the classroom,
gardening and composting activates, and guided tours to the local Farmers’ Market; with hopes to
modify students daily decision of food choices. Students, parents, and staff participation are
integral to the program’s success.
Salad Bar Recipe Sample for Elementary
This is an example of a salad bar recipe written to comply with USDA requirements. It reflects actual production data aggregated over 1 week for all elementary schools in a district. The recipe is written with ALL items offered on the salad bar. Not every item was offered every day but all items are offered at some point depending the rotation. Fruit is managed as a separate component so is it is not included in this recipe.
Salad Bars in Schools - from USDA recommendations for implementation
"A Food and Nutrition Service's (USDA) report found that most school-aged children did not eat the recommended number of daily servings for fruits and vegetables. Simply incorporating salad bars as part of school lunch has shown to increase fruit and vegetable consumption an average of 1.2 servings per student per day, according to research conducted by a team headed by Dr. Wendy Slusser, MD, MS at UCLA. Currently, only 21 percent of U.S. schools offer a salad bar at least once a week. Following are tips to help start a salad bar at your school."
School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Released by the CDC, this guide includes information about healthy school environments and farm to school.