Farm to School Programs

As the country becomes more health-conscious and concerned about eating habits, an increasing number of schools have embraced the farm to school movement.

Farm to school refers to programs that encourage agriculture-related education (such as gardening and farm visits) and support for locally-produced food.

The USDA’s Farm to School Program, run by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), includes training, research, assistance and grants.

What Do Farm to School Programs Accomplish?

Farm to School programs connect grade schools with farms in their region and give schools the opportunity to serve healthy local foods in cafeterias. Local foods featured in school cafeterias increases economic opportunities for local food producers (from farmers to manufacturers) and can include fruits and vegetables, meats, and dairy products.

The USDA Farm to School Program allows schools to define what counts as “local” food, depending on climate, location, and the availability of local food producers.

Another hallmark of these nationwide programs is the hands-on-learning approach, allowing students to participate in fun and educational activities, such as maintaining a school garden, taste tests, and cooking classes. Education about nutrition is also integrated into the school’s curriculum.

Farm to school programs aim to improve the health and knowledge of school-aged children, support local economies, and protect the environment by emphasizing the importance of healthy-eating habits, local or regional food producers, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Visit the USDA to learn more about the national Farm to School Program, and visit Florida Farm to School to learn more about the state's program. You can also contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for more information on locally-produced foods.

Related Sites & Articles

• Hot Topics
• Alternative Farm Enterprises
• Community Supported Agriculture
• Starting a Farmers Market
• Local Food
• UF/IFAS Publications
• Non-Governmental Organizations Serving Farmworkers in Florida
• UF/IFAS Sites
• Florida Farm to School Program
• Tourism--Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises

For-Sale Products

Popular Stories

• Agriculture 
  • Aquaculture,
  • Citrus,
  • Crops,
  • Forest Resources,
  • Livestock,
  • Nursery & Greenhouse,
  • Organic,
  • Safety,
  • Small Farms,
  • Turf & Sod
• Environment
  • Ecosystems & Species,
  • Water,
  • Recreation,
  • Getting Involved
• Families & Consumers
  • Aging & Caregiving,
  • Children,
  • Food Safety,
  • Health & Nutrition,
  • House & Home,
  • Money Matters,
  • Relationships,
  • Workplace
• Lawn & Garden
  • Calendar,
  • Getting Started,
  • Maintenance & Care,
  • Plants & Grasses,
  • Problems,
  • Types of Gardens,
  • Industry Professionals,
  • A - Z Index
• Sustainable Living
  • Agriculture,
  • Environment,
  • Lawn & Garden,
  • Consumers,
  • Involved Citizens,
  • Government Issues,
  • Building & Construction,
  • Land Use & Development
• Disaster Prep & Recovery
• 4-H Youth Development