FarmtoSchool

Farm to School is a movement and set of programs that connect schools with local farms to provide fresh, locally grown food for school meals and to integrate food system education into classrooms. Programs typically involve procurement of seasonal produce from nearby farms for school cafeterias, school or community gardens that produce food used in cafeterias and classrooms, and nutrition or agriculture education that teaches students about where food comes from, cooking skills, and healthy eating.

Participation aims to improve child nutrition and food literacy while supporting local agriculture and regional economies. By increasing the use of local products, programs can also reduce transportation distances, emphasize seasonal eating, and provide hands-on learning opportunities through garden-based education and field trips to farms or farmers markets.

Implementation challenges include coordinating procurement logistics, ensuring consistent supply, meeting food safety standards, securing ongoing funding, and aligning with district meal patterns and nutrition guidelines. Success often depends on strong collaboration among schools, farmers, local governments, and community organizations, as well as access to technical assistance and funding such as grants or reimbursements.

Global reach: Farm to School initiatives exist in many countries and may be administered by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or school districts. While approaches vary by region, common elements include local procurement, school or community gardens, and nutrition or culinary education. Evaluation focuses on changes in menu offerings, student fruit and vegetable intake, food knowledge, and the economic impact on local producers.