Farm to School

Farm to School enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites.

Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.

Farm to school implementation differs by location but always includes one or more of the following:

- Procurement: Local foods are purchased, promoted and served in the cafeteria or as a snack or taste-test;

- School gardens: Students engage in hands-on learning through gardening; and

- Education: Students participate in education activities related to agriculture, food, health or nutrition.