Pennsylvania Profile

Farm to School programs come in many shapes and sizes unique to the communities that build them. After exploring the resources and existing programs on the left, contact your state Farm to School lead for additional information and assistance specific to Pennsylvania:
Elaine McDonnell
814-865-5869
etm101@psu.edu

There is a lot of interest in farm to school within Pennsylvania. A variety of governmental agencies and community organizations are involved in some way. However, a barrier in arranging successful business relationships between local farmers and local schools has been the lack of local distribution routes from farms to schools, prohibitive school food service contracts, and lack of full-service kitchens. Pennsylvanian farmers and local schools have been primarily connected through educational events. Nevertheless, there are many schools and colleges that purchase local products.

Farm to School supportive legislation was passed in the state in 2006.