Farm to School Programs Contribute to Vibrant Communities

If you enjoy visiting farmers’ markets or eating out at local restaurants, you’ve probably heard the term “farm to table.” Now, schools across the country are making the connection to local farms and ranches.

To demonstrate the growing importance of “farm to school” programs, October has been designated as National Farm to School Month. Across the country, it’s a time for school districts to celebrate the connections between children and local food, as well as educate students about the origins of food. Furthermore, it’s a great way to promote farm-fresh food as a vital way to improve child nutrition while supporting local economies.

What Does “Farm to School” Involve?

Farm to school provides students with access to nutritious, high quality, local food so they are ready to learn and grow. Programs differs by location, but they typically include at least one of these elements:

• Education: Students learn about agriculture and how it’s related to the food they eat. They also participate in activities related to health and nutrition, including cooking demonstrations.
• Procurement: Schools work to purchase, promote and serve local foods in their cafeterias.
• School gardens: Through hands-on learning, students plant and nurture school gardens. Often, the crop yield is then shared in the classrooms or cafeteria.
• Field trips: Students see first-hand how local farms contribute to enriching communities and strengthening the local economy through the production of fresh, healthy food.

Local farmers, fishers, ranchers, food processors and food manufacturers can gain significant opportunities by serving schools. Also, when schools buy from local producers and processors, they in turn create new jobs and strengthen the local economy.

Get Involved in the Farm Fresh Movement

This month is full of exciting opportunities for everyone — including food enthusiasts, farmers, ranchers and nutrition professionals — to get informed and involved in making better food choices. During National Farm to School Month, take action to grow farm to school programs in your own community.

Teachers and parents can volunteer to support a school garden, attend taste tests in their school cafeteria or participate in nutrition education activities in the classroom. Individuals can visit local farmers’ market, or buy a food item you’ve never tried before to cook and share with family and friends.

Free Meals for Houston ISD Students Following Hurricane Harvey

Following Hurricane Harvey and the flooding due to water released from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs, the Houston Independent School District announced all students will eat all school meals for free during the 2017-18 school year.

With the help of the Texas Department of Agriculture, which waived the required application process for the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program, hopefully some of the extra meals will be procured from local producers. It will be a great way to extend the farm to school initiative through the year.