Farm to School Program

Farm to School Program
Name	Farm to School Program
Formed	2002
Jurisdiction	United States Department of Agriculture
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Parent agency	United States Department of Agriculture
Keypeople	Tom Vilsack, Debbie Stabenow, Blanche Lincoln

Farm to School Program is a United States Department of Agriculture initiative that aims to connect K-12 schools with local farmers and ranchers to provide fresh, healthy, and nutritious food to students. The program is supported by various organizations, including the National Farm to School Network, Food Corps, and The Jamie Oliver Foundation. It also collaborates with state departments of agriculture, such as the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, to promote agricultural education and sustainable agriculture practices. The program has received endorsements from notable figures, including Michelle Obama, Michael Pollan, and Alice Waters.

Introduction

The Farm to School Program is designed to improve the health and well-being of students by providing them with access to fresh, locally grown produce. The program is modeled after successful initiatives in countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan, where school meal programs have been integrated with local agricultural systems. In the United States, the program is supported by organizations like the National Education Association, American Heart Association, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The program also partners with universities and research institutions, such as the University of California, Davis and the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, to conduct research and evaluation on the effectiveness of the program. Additionally, the program collaborates with non-profit organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the National Wildlife Federation, to promote environmental education and conservation practices.

History

The Farm to School Program was established in 2002, with the passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The program was further expanded and supported by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The program has since received funding and support from various sources, including the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Health, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The program has also been influenced by the work of notable figures, including Marion Nestle, Eric Schlosser, and Wendell Berry, who have advocated for food system reform and sustainable agriculture practices. Furthermore, the program has been shaped by international agreements, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the World Health Organization's Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.

Program Components

The Farm to School Program consists of several key components, including farm-to-school procurement, agricultural education, and school gardens. The program provides funding and technical assistance to schools to help them develop and implement these components. Schools can use the funding to purchase equipment, such as greenhouses and hoop houses, and to hire staff, such as farm-to-school coordinators and gardening instructors. The program also provides resources and support for schools to develop curricula and lesson plans that integrate agricultural education and nutrition education. Additionally, the program partners with organizations like the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to promote sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

The Farm to School Program has numerous benefits for students, schools, and communities. The program helps to improve the health and well-being of students by providing them with access to fresh, nutritious food. It also helps to support local economies by providing a market for local farmers and ranchers. The program can also help to improve academic performance and attendance rates by providing students with hands-on learning experiences and engaging them in the learning process. Furthermore, the program can help to promote community development and social cohesion by bringing together students, parents, and community members to work on school gardens and farm-to-school projects. The program has also been recognized by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses for its potential to improve child health and well-being.

Implementation

The Farm to School Program is implemented at the local level, with schools and districts working together to develop and implement their own farm-to-school programs. The program is supported by a network of state agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups that provide technical assistance, funding, and resources to schools. Schools can apply for funding and technical assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture and other organizations, such as the National Farm to School Network and the Food Corps. The program also partners with private companies, such as Whole Foods Market and Chipotle Mexican Grill, to promote sustainable agriculture practices and healthy eating habits. Additionally, the program collaborates with universities and research institutions to conduct research and evaluation on the effectiveness of the program.

Evaluation and Impact

The Farm to School Program has been evaluated and studied by various organizations, including the National Farm to School Network, United States Department of Agriculture, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The program has been shown to have a positive impact on student health and well-being, as well as on local economies and communities. The program has also been recognized for its potential to improve academic performance and attendance rates, and to promote community development and social cohesion. The program has received awards and recognition from organizations like the National Education Association and the American Heart Association, and has been featured in publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post. Furthermore, the program has been influenced by international initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All.

Category:Agriculture in the United States Category:School meal programs in the United States Category:United States Department of Agriculture Category:Food and agriculture organizations Category:Health and nutrition programs Category:Education and community development programs