Involved Groups and Organizations
The following organizations have resources and information to help with your local Farm to School program.
Action for Healthy Kids
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Thousands of volunteer administrators, educators, health professionals, parents, and others take action at the state, district, and school building level through Action for Healthy Kids' Teams in all 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia, because healthy children learn better.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Alternative Energy Resources Organization
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Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
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Appalachian Sustainable Development
Formed in 1995, ASD focuses on developing healthy, diverse and ecologically sound economic opportunities through education and training, and the development of cooperative networks and marketing systems. Our work encompasses two broad areas: Building a strong local food system based on organic and sustainable farming and fostering forest conservation through value-added wood processing and "green building."
Baum Forum
The organization facilitates an on-going dialogue on food and farming issues, focusing on the preservation of a healthy, diversified food system. Through a program of conferences and seminars, the Forum offers a variety of perspectives to a broad audience of the professional food and agriculture community, educators, and concerned citizens.
Berkshire Grown
Berkshire Grown envisions a community where healthy farms define the open landscape, where a wide diversity of fresh, seasonal food and flowers continue to be readily available to everyone, and where we celebrate our agricultural bounty by buying from our neighboring family farms and savoring their distinctive Berkshire harvest.
Buy Fresh
Buy Fresh is a source of information on where to find locally grown, fresh, crisp and delicious food in Essex County and the Merrimack Valley.
C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at Michigan State University
Coordinates and assists in the development of farm to school programs throughout the state.
CAFE (Clinch Appalachian Farm Enterprises)
CAFE is a developing farmers cooperative. Please contact Steve Hodges at 423-733-4195 for additional information.
California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division
California Farm to School Taskforce
The California Farm to School Taskforce is a group of farm to school stakeholders including food service staff, community based organizations, farmers, farmer organizations, and state agencies including the CA Department of Health, the CA Department of Education, and the CA Department of Food & Agriculture.
California Food and Justice Coalition
The Southern California-based CFJC, which represents dozens of statewide policy groups, has been one of the most vocal advocates of community food security. They are dedicated to building strong, sustainable, local and regional food systems that ensure access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for all people at all times. CFJC offers support to Farm to School programs nationwide.
Camden Children
The Camden City Garden Club, Inc. provides horticultural related, recreational and educational opportunities for residents of all ages of the City of Camden and the Delaware Valley. Through the Club's various hands-on experiences, children and adults will realize that gardening is fun, easy and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
An organization of more than 750 farmers, processors, gardeners, businesses and individuals in North and South Carolina who are committed to sustainable agriculture and the development of locally-based, organic food systems. They provide support of local and organic food systems through promotion and marketing assistance; education and advocacy efforts; and information sharing/networking.
Center for Ecoliteracy
The Center for Ecoliteracy is a public foundation that supports a grant making program for educational organizations and school communities in the Bay Area. It's grant programs have supported and helped shape Farm to School programs in Berkeley, Sonoma, Yolo, Mendocino.
Center for Food & Justice
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Center for the Micro Eco-Farming Movement
Center of Sustainable Agriculture
Integrates University of VT and community expertise to promote sustainable farming systems throughout Vermont and the region.
Champlain Valley Localvores
We are a group of consumers interested in increasing the amount and diversity of local food produced in Vermont. While we live in the Chittenden county area and will be concentrating our efforts here, we hope you'll find this web site useful wherever you are. The centerpiece of our efforts is the Eat Local Challenge, in which we try to eat only locally grown and processed foods for up to an entire month. We are also spending more time this year on education, thru speakers at pot lucks and food preparation workshops.
City Green
City Green works to facilitate the creation and expansion of urban community gardens and communal green open spaces in Northern New Jersey’s cities to enrich the lives of inner city residents, while cultivating education in public health, nutrition and the environment.
Communitiy Alliance with Famlily Farmers
Since 2001, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) has been conducting Farm to School programs in California. A statewide, farmer-member organization, CAFF has worked in dozens of school districts from L.A. to Humboldt, running farm education programs and creating distribution solutions for schools wanting to buy local produce.
Currently active CAFF hubs of Farm to School work include the Central Valley, Humboldt County, the Bay Area, the Central Coast, and Ventura. Each of these regions have active elements of Farm to School programming with the strongest programs in Humboldt and on the Central Coast (which we define as Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara and Monterey Counties).
Basic elements of CAFF's Farm to School program are:
1) "Know Your Farmer" Educational Program, which introduces students to local farmers and healthy, fresh foods through local food system lessons, farmer visits to classes and farm field trips.
2) Harvest of the Month Tasting Kits, which provide teachers with locally-grown produce and curriculum for teaching about nutrition and agriculture. These are only currently available in Humboldt and the Central Coast.
3) Farm to School distribution solutions. CAFF works with school food service, produce distributors and farmers to bring local produce on the menu. In the Central Valley and Ventura CAFF operates the Growers Collaborative which consolidates produce from small family farms for sale to institutions.
Please contact farmtoschool@caff.org for more information.
Community Alliance with Family Farmers
CAFF seeks to build a movement of rural and urban people to foster family-scale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economies and promotes social justice. They support farm to school programs in various regions – Ventura, Yolo, Santa Cruz, Fresno, Sonoma and the North Coast.
Community Farm Alliance
Community Farm Alliance is a grassroots membership organization with over 2,000 members in 75 counties in Kentucky. From creating new Farmers' Markets in underserved urban communities, to developing Farm-to-Cafeteria programs that link local farmers with institutional buyers, to promoting family farm-friendly policies in the halls of the State Capitol, CFA provides a grassroots voice for Kentucky's citizens–farmer and non-farmer, urban and rural alike–on farm, food, and economic issues.
Community Food Connections
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
CISA links farmers and communities to strengthen agriculture and enhance the economy, rural character, environmental quality, and social well-being of western Massachusetts. Through our Farm Sales to Institutions program, we work with colleges, hospitals, workplaces and schools to increase local purchasing and with farmers to expand their markets. We also release a bimonthly Farm to School e-newsletter packed with stories about local efforts to incorporate agriculture into schools through cafeteria programs, school gardens, and ag-related curricula. To sign up for the newsletter, please email claire@buylocalfood.com. Website: www.buylocalfood.com
Claire Morenon
Program Coordinator
(413) 665-7100 ext. 16
www.buylocalfood.com
CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture)
1 Sugarloaf Street
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Connecticut Department of Education
Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC)
CLOCC is a nationally recognized consortium that brings together hundreds of organizations and individuals to confront childhood obesity in Chicago. CLOCC fosters and facilitates connections between researchers; public health advocates and practitioners; corporations; policymakers; and children, families, and communities.
Cooking With Kids, Inc.
Cooking with Kids engages elementary school children in hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods from diverse cultures. Students are encouraged to explore many varieties of foods using all of their senses, to have fun, and to exercise choice.
Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is the most comprehensive outreach and engagement program at the University of Kentucky. Our mission, simply stated, is to make a difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through research-based education. Jointly with our other land grant partner, Kentucky State University, we take the University to the people in their local communities, addressing issues of importance of all Kentuckians.
Cornell Farm to School Program
The Cornell Farm to School Program conducts research and shares information designed to increase the capacity of extension educators and other community leaders to develop farm to school connections.
Cornercopia Organic Student Farm
The Student Organic Farm on the St. Paul Campus We are a student driven and run transitioning to organic farm on the St. Paul Campus at the University of Minnesota. We grow 100+ varieties of fruits and vegetables, in 2005 we specialized in a Wild Salad Mix and Heirloom Tomatoes. We offer a student Farm Planning and Growing Class During spring semester and internships for students during the growing season.Cultivating Health and Nutrition through Gardening Education
Food Sense CHANGE improves the nutrition of limited income children and their families by teaching a nutrition curriculum enhanced by gardening, cooking and other hands-on activities. In addition to teaching classroom lessons, primarily in elementary schools, CHANGE instructors act as a support system and resource for teachers as they incorporate nutrition education into their daily classroom work. CHANGE instructors also participate in school family nights and other family or adult outreach activities.
Davis Farm to School Connection
The Davis Farm to School Connection supports programs within the Davis Joint Unified School District that connect classroom studies with hands-on experiences. These experiences include garden based learning, classroom cooking, local, seasonal food in the cafeteria, farm visits for second graders and waste management programs such as composting and recycling.
For more information contact:
Talia Hack-Davie, Davis Farm to School Connection Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 1813
Davis, CA 95617
(530) 219-5859
info@davisfarmtoschool.org
Department of Defense Produce Program
E-Plaza of Northern New Mexico
A website for farmers, ranchers, consumers, funders, educators, and organizations to share information and resources in Northern New Mexico.
Eat Local, Inc.
Eat Local, Inc. educates the public on the importance of eating locally grown foods, provides access to local foods, supports local farmers, and cultivates a community in which the values of eating locally are promoted and celebrated.
Ecotrust
The Food and Farms program of the Ecotrust coordinates the farm to school program. See http://www.ecotrust.org/farmtoschool/ for more information
F is For French Fry
Our nation’s educational institutions are fueling a public health crisis, reinforcing the eating habits that will create the next generation of overweight adults. F is for French Fry takes an in-depth look at what your kids are learning about food in school, and the government policies that make that possible — and, indeed, encourage it.
F.o.C.u.S--A Foothill Collaborative for Sustainability
F.o.C.u.S is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to facilitate and cultivate the growth of sustainable systems within Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. The group is currently working to assist local school districts in changing their school food program.
Family Farmers and CSA
There are approximately 57 family farmers and 13 CSA’s (community supported agriculture) in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians and Western North Carolina alone.
Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom
New Hampshire Agriculture in the Classroom is part of a national effort to develop an understanding and appreciation of one of the nation's major industries - AGRICULTURE. We provide support and reinforcement for all educators in the task of helping young people develop an awareness of the diversity of New Hampshire agriculture, its contribution to the state's economy and a basic understanding of food production.
Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Farmers
There are 84 farmers' markets in North Carolina.
Florida A & M University
Florida Farm to School Program
The Florida "Farm to School" program is an initiative seeking to bring nutritious, fresh food from local farms to schools including K-12, colleges and universities.
Food Distribution Division of the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
The Food Distribution Division contributes to the nutritional well being of the citizens of North Carolina by distributing USDA commodities to eligible Recipient Agencies. Food Distribution administers nine food programs for USDA.
Food For Thought: The Ojai Healthy Schools Program
Food For Thought: The Ojai Healthy Schools Program is a grassroots, community-driven effort, working in partnership with the Ojai Unified School District (OUSD), to bring locally grown fruits and vegetables, nutrition education, and agricultural literacy to the children of the Ojai Unified School District.
Food Link in New York
Food System Economic Partnership
FSEP exists to catalyze change in the food system of Southeastern Michigan. We provide research, education and outreach with urban and rural partnerships, resulting in agricultural development opportunities, sustainable communities, and healthy local economies.
Food Works
An educational organization specializing in community-based food/garden curriculum.
FoodChange
FoodChange (formerly the Community Food Resource Center) aims to improve lives through nutrition, education and financial empowerment. FoodChange is a primary partner in the SchoolFood Plus Iniative and home of the CookShop Program.
Foodshed Alliance
We work with farmers, community members, and agricultural leaders to develop projects that foster the growth of a sustainable local food system. We bring farm produce directly into schools in northern NJ. Contact: Tammy Scully 908 362-7967 info@foodshedalliance.org
Garden City Harvest
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The partners in the Garden City Harvest project believe that we need to revive our regional tradition of producing our own food for our community, including the 20% of Missoulians who live in poverty.
GardenABCs
GardenABCs is a forum for parents, educators and community members seeking guidance, resources, fundraising, networking and teaching support to start and maintain learning gardens.
Whether they’re school- or community-based, urban farms or native land restoration projects, gardens are valuable teaching tools.
The goal of this share-site is to bring people together to promote the environment, healthy eating, exercise, sustainability, self-reliance, core values, academics, and charitable giving through garden initiatives.
Our inspiration comes from years spent volunteering at a successful elementary school harvest garden, and the many incredibly talented and passionate educators, parents and advocates we’ve met along the way.
To learn more: http://gardenabcs.com
Grow Montana
Grow Montana is a broad-based coalition whose COMMON PURPOSE is to promote community economic development policies that support sustainable Montana-owned food production, processing, and distribution, and that improve all of our citizens' access to Montana foods.
Growing Hope
Works with schools to establish garden programs, integrate food systems into classroom curricula, and encourage buying of school lunch food from local farmers.
Growing Minds: A Project of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Program
An educational program of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), links gardening and agriculture with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
Growing Power
Growing Power, Inc. is a non-profit organization and land trust supporting people from diverse backgrounds and the environment in which they live by helping to provide equal access to healthy, high-quality, safe and affordable food. This mission is implemented by providing hands-on training, on-the-ground demonstration, outreach and technical assistance through the development of Community Food Systems that help people grow, process, market and distribute food in a sustainable manner.
Harvest of the Month
After several years of varied local implementations, Harvest of the Month is being introduced and made available statewide with this tool kit. The overall goal of the tool kit is to provide knowledge- and skill-based strategies that are standardized, cost-effective, replicable, convenient
These strategies are designed to motivate and empower students to increase consumption and enjoyment of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and to engage in physical activity every day. This How to Grow Healthy Students booklet will help guide you to use the materials in this tool kit and implement a successful Harvest of the Month program.
Healthy Schools Campaign
The Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) is a growing not-for-profit organization dedicated to making schools healthier places in which to learn and work. HSC work benefits students, teachers, administrators, and the community at large. Healthy Schools Campaign is a leader in addressing environmental healthy and wellness – particularly in connection to the crisis of childhood obesity and asthma. HSC does this through its partnerships, publications, engagement and advocacy.
Healthy Schools Meals Resource System
A list of chefs willing to volunteer their time as part of a food and nutrition education program
Home Grown Wisconsin
A cooperative composed of 25 family farms of southeastern and south-central Wisconsin.
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Local Foods Program
IATP’s Local Foods Program works to expand the use of sustainably and locally grown foods in K-12 schools and support healthier eating habits among school children.
Isles, Inc., Trenton
Isles assumes that strengths and assets exist in even the most challenged areas in its work to foster self-reliant families in healthy, sustainable communities. Over all, this nonprofit supports personal and community change, offering an array of services and training that empower people to improve their lives, families and communities — while they restore the environment.
Jennings County Growers
The Jennings County Growers Co-op ran the pilot program for the Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana Department of Health on fruits and vegetables to be sold to schools in Indiana. Farmers who were selling what they grew at the farmers market were involved. For several years they worked with some state departments to get rules, regulations, and the Indiana code adjusted. Early funding came from the Indiana Rural Development Council. The project was completed successfully and leaders report that the local economy was raised as a result of selling to hospitals, jails, schools, and restaurants.
This was finished a few years ago and other parts of the state are now selling to schools as well. Additionally, meat products were introduced to Indiana schools a few years ago.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Kentucky Department of Education
The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's K-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities.
Key Oklahoma Farm to School Partners
A list of key partners in initiating farm to school programs in Oklahoma (scroll down to the fifth section on the page.)
Kids and Nutrition
Kids And Nutrition is a UK based website offering a unique reference point on maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet in children. The website features and articles are written by professionals with expertise and interest on the topics.
Kids First Rhode Island
Kokua Hawaii Foundation
A 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai’i. The mission of the foundation is to provide students with exciting and interactive encounters that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so that they will be lifelong stewards of the earth. The foundation supports hands-on learning activities that engage their senses and make lasting impressions on children’s minds, and believes that children are the seeds of change to preserving and protecting the beautiful islands iof Hawaii.
Laconia School District
Local Matters
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Our belief is that everyone has a right to eat flavorful, fresh, locally grown food that is produced in a sustainable manner. Local Matters also operates The Greener Grocer, a “for profit” produce stand owned by the partners of Local Matters, which purchases products directly from the Central Ohio farm community. Beginning in August, the Greener Grocer will offer an "alternative" farmers market in five underserved, urban neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio. The Greener Grocer's "Veggie Mobile" will arrive at a different community recreation center each afternoon, set up tables with fresh, nutritious, locally sourced fruits and produce and sell these items for an affordable price. The Greener Grocer's Veggie Mobile is able to accept EBT cards for sales transactions and is working to expand this program to local schools as part of our "Farm to School" efforts in the fall of 2008.
Check us out: http://www.local-matters.org/wp/local-food-to-school-program/
Mad River Valley Localvores
VermontLocalvore.org is the collaborative effort of several people in the Mad River Valley who are interested in educating people in the Mad River Valley and Vermont about the importance of eating food that has been grown and produced locally.
Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition
Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Food Service.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Market and Production Development Division
Get Real Maine can connect you to local farmers’ markets or CSA farms, alert you to upcoming agricultural events, or link visitors to more information about Maine’s diverse agricultural landscape.
Maine Department of Education
Child Nutrition Services offers information to local schools about purchasing local products. Contact Child Nutrition Services 207-624-6842 child.nutrition@maine.gov for more information or assistance.
Maine Farm Fresh Connection
Maine Farm Fresh Connection procures food from 50 Maine farmers and sells to local institutions. They procure vegetables, fruits, meats, cheese, honey, maple syrup, and dry beans from small and mid-sized farmers from around the state and sell the products in CSA, farmers’ markets, retail, roadside stands, and directly to institutions.
For more information contact Martha Putnam (207) 761-0345
Marketing Division of the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Maschio’s Food Services
Maschio's goal is to serve each district with conscientious, personal management based on their specific goals and objectives while bringing heightened customer satisfaction, increased program participation, sound financial responsibility and nutrition integrity to their school food service program.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' mission is to support, promote and enhance the long-term viability of Massachusetts agriculture with the aim of helping this state’s agricultural businesses become as economically and environmentally sound as possible. By so doing, it is hoped that our farmers will continue to support and maintain thousands of acres of valuable open space for the benefit of the state’s economy and environment. The Department’s divisions and bureaus are working to fulfill this mission through a variety of initiatives and programs.
Michael Field Agricultural Institute.
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI)was founded in Wisconsin in 1984 as a public, nonprofit research and education institute to develop and share agricultural concepts and practices that promote resource-conserving, ecologically sustainable and economically viable food and farming systems. Its mission is to enhance the fertility of the soil, the quality of food, the health of animals, and the strength of the human spirit by revitalizing the culture of agriculture. The institute serves both farmers and the consuming public that depend on multi-functional agriculture systems for healthy food, natural resource management and vibrant rural communities. MFAI programs serve a wide range of farmers and gardeners - from small and mid-size organic farmers to larger conventional producers. While many of MFAI programs focus on Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, others are national and international in scope.
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Facilitates opportunities for local producers to sell directly to individual school districts.
Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems
Co-sponsored a summer garden and school project with Grand Rapids Public Schools and will be pursuing an expanded farm to school effort through a Kellogg grant.
Michigan Land Use Institute
Coordinates the Taste the Local Difference farm-to-school project in northwest Michigan, which links schools to local farms for cafeteria meals, school snacks, fundraisers, curriculum enrichment, and community connection. The Institute also writes about farm-to-school policy and successful models for its Great Lakes Bulletin News Service. Learn more at www.LocalDifference.org.
Missoula County Public School District
Missoula Food Bank
At Missoula Food Bank, our mission is to respond to the emergency food needs of the hungry and work to reduce the incidence of hunger and its effects on individuals, families and the community. Each year we distribute more than 250 tons of food - canned goods, fresh produce, bakery items, cereal, baby food, formula and more - to Missoula area residents. That's enough to serve roughly 1,000 households a month.
Mixed Greens: A Children
The mission of Mixed Greens is to teach the children of the Grand Rapids area the value of health and Michigan agriculture through the growing, preparing and sharing of food using schoolyard vegetable gardens and kitchen classrooms. Mixed Greens is working collaboratively across the sectors with community institutions to create, promote, and support schoolyard garden and kitchen classroom programming. Currently, Mixed Greens oversees garden and kitchen programming in several Grand Rapids Public Schools and are working on the development of an independent, inner-city vegetable garden conservatory with commercial kitchen for their youth-based educational activities.
Montana Campus Compact
The Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) is the largest higher education network in Montana. MTCC is a nonprofit organization committed to renewing the public purposes of higher education through community service, service-learning, volunteerism, and civic engagement programming available to students, faculty, and staff.
National Center for Appropriate Technology
Since 1976 the National Center for Appropriate Technology has been serving economically disadvantaged people by providing information and access to appropriate technologies that can help improve their lives. During the organization's rich and varied history, NCAT projects have ranged from low-tech to high-tech, addressing complex issues of housing, economics, and environmental quality. Weatherizing houses, training farmers, monitoring energy use, demonstrating renewable energy technology, testing new products and providing information on building construction are just a few of the many ways that NCAT has contributed to fostering healthy communities and a better quality of life for everyone.
Network for a Healthy California
The mission of the California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families is to create innovative partnerships so that low-income Californians are enabled to adopt healthy eating and physical activity patterns as part of a healthy lifestyle.
New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food
New Hampshire Department of Education
The Department of Education offers a wide variety of programs and services in support of New Hampshire's students, teachers, educators, administrators, families, and community members.
New Jersey Agricultural Society
The New Jersey Agricultural Society preserves and enhances agriculture, farming and related activities and businesses in New Jersey through educational, informational, and promotional programs. This membership-based organization is the sponsor of such programs as Learning Through Gardening, New Jersey Agricultural Leadership Development Program, and New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger. In terms pf farm to school specifically, they provide financial and educational support to elementary school gardens in NJ, teacher professional development, lesson plans, and activity guides.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Welcome to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), an agency which oversees programs that serve virtually all New Jersey citizens. One of the Department's major priorities is to promote, protect and serve the Garden State?s diverse agriculture and agribusiness industries.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture
In 2006, New Mexico led pecan production in the United States with a 46 million pound crop valued at $85 million surpassing Georgia and Texas. New Mexico's own Dona Ana County is the top pecan-producing county in the United States.
New Mexico Farmers
We invite you to visit New Mexico's Farmers' Markets, offering you the freshest fruits and vegetables available anywhere. Meet the people who grow your food - face to face - and enjoy the vibrant flavors, aromas and colors of the New Mexico harvest.
New York School Nutrition Association
The New York School Nutrition Association has been supportive of farm to school efforts in the state.
NH Fruit Growers Association
NH-DAS-Surplus Distribution Section
The Bureau of Purchase and Property's prime responsibility is to purchase goods and services for all state agencies and institutions unless they are specifically exempted by law. Doing Business with the State is an opportunity to participate in providing economic, high quality and efficient services to state agencies, political sub-divisions and non-profit organizations.
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
North Carolina Department of Defense Farm to School Program
North Carolina Farm to School Program
Approximately thirty farmers participate in the North Carolina Farm to School Program. These farmers are located in Franklin, Johnston, Rowan, Columbus, Onlsow, New Hanover, Lenoir, Granville, Duplin and Harnett counties. For more information,
Contact the Marketing Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, or the Food Distribution Division
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Council
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey
We are a unique collaboration among the stakeholders in our food system. Our members include farmers, consumers, retailers, processors, educators and researchers. NOFA-NJ serves the NJ/PA region as a catalyst in the development of a sustainable organic agricultural system; educates diverse audiences about the significance and meaning of organic practices for food and the environment, and helps organic and progressive conventional farmers build and maintain sustainable operations.
NY Farms!
NY Farms! is a broad based statewide coalition of organizations, individuals, businesses, agencies and institutions, committed to the future of New York's farms and families. NY Farms! website provides farm to school information and resources.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
Agriculture has changed to meet demand and the realities of modern economics but farmers markets and marketing cooperatives still let consumers meet the folks who grow their food face-to-face. The future of agriculture will require a new vision as we face evolving technologies and demands. The role agriculture plays is ever changing in the areas of production and environmental demands. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is excited about these challenges and are addressing them with zeal and enthusiasm.
Oklahoma Food Policy Council
The Oklahoma Food Policy Council is a joint project of the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture with support from USDA Risk Management Agency.
Olympia School District
Organic Consumers Association (OCA)
The OCA is a grassroots non-profit public interest organization which deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, corporate accountability, and environmental sustainability. We are the only organization in the US focused exclusively on representing the views and interests of the nation's estimated ten million organic consumers.
Organic Valley
Organic Valley coordinates the "School Lunch Lottery" a community event in which participants taste, explore, and discuss current realities and future possibilities of school lunch. This participatory game is designed to create awareness and build cooperation at the community level to develop healthier school lunch options for our children.
Oyster River School District
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension
Pride of the Prairie
Pride of the Prairie is a collaborative effort whose purpose is to promote the production and use of locally grown food and develop a regional food system in western Minnesota that provides good, nutritious food, nurtures a healthy environment and provides economic opportunity for area entrepreneurs.
Princeton School Gardens Cooperative
The Princeton School Garden Cooperative is a group of individuals who believe in garden based education and in re-connecting students to the earth's bounty in the garden, the classroom and the cafeteria. Princeton now has outdoor garden classrooms in every public elementary school. Our goal is to create flourishing edible gardens at every Princeton Public School K-12 and to share ideas and lesson plans with anyone and everyone so they can grow edible teaching gardens at their schools, community centers and even their own homes. The Cooperative has worked with committed teachers, principals, parent volunteers and students at each of these schools to design, plant, water, weed and nurture the gardens into being.
Public Health Law and Policy: Planning for Healthy Places
Planning for Healthy Places at Public Health Law & Policy works to engage public health advocates in the land-use decision-making process throughout California. We develop tools for training advocates in the relationship between the built environment and public health, and provide technical assistance for creating and implementing land use policies that support healthier communities.
REAP Food Group - Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch Program
The REAP (Research, Education, Action, and Policy) Food Group: sponsors the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch Program.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management - Division of Agriculture
Rhode Island Department of Health
Ripple Riley Thomas
Ripple Riley Thomas, long-time growers, packers and shippers of fresh pears, began developing a market to distribute small fresh pears directly to California School Districts. RRT now contracts with many growers in California ahead of their growing season ensuring consistent pricing for both growers and school food service programs. An additional benefit is the cost savings that school programs experience by working directly with the grower.
Rodale Institute: The New Farm
The Rodale Institute®, a global leader in regenerative agriculture, is devoted to innovative agriculture research, outreach and training through The New Farm® programs. The Institute works with people worldwide to achieve a regenerative food system that renews and improves environmental and human health, working with the philosophy that "Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People ®."
School Nutrition Committee - South Haven
A local grass-roots committee is forming to establish and strengthen the link between what is grown on local farms and what is served in the cafeteria in schools. The committee is seeking energetic, enthusiastic community members who are interested in joining a new Farm-to-School Committee. The committee will meet this spring to brainstorm the potential advantages of buying locally grown produce and incorporating it into South Haven Public Schools' food service programs and other school and community-sponsored venues where food is served. For more information, call (269) 637-6499 or (269) 639-2408.
Seeds of Solidarity
Seven Generations Ahead
Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to build ecologically sustainable and healthy communities. SGA advocates for proactive, local community solutions to global environmental issues, and works to promote clean, renewable energy; eco-effective materials and products; intelligent, sustainable building design; and fresh, local food raised using ecologically safe and healthy practices. Seven Generations Ahead is an educational resource and catalyst for local municipalities, businesses, and residents wanting to align their economic, social, and environmental values.
Shelburne Farms
Non-profit education center and working farm dedicated to cultivating a conservation ethic.
Slow Food Northern New Jersey
Slow Food Northern NJ’s mission is to connect earth friendly farmers, food producers, and chefs with New Jersey palates by spreading awareness and nurturing appreciation of slowing down to enjoy healthy, locally grown food. Through Slow Food NNJ initiatives, such as food tasting and seminars, cooking demonstrations, farm tours, school food garden programs, and much more, residents will develop a real taste for our state and find themselves in a Garden State of Mind.
Slow Food USA - School Food in Schools Program
Slow Food in Schools’ Garden-to-Table projects rest on the three building blocks of pleasure, tradition, and sustainability. Ranging from after-school cooking classes to farm tours to schoolyard gardens, our Garden to Table projects are diverse yet all involve the fundamental principles of Slow Food. All projects are hands-on and create a direct connection between children and their food source, emphasizing the pleasures of taste and the table.
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP)
Southwest Marketing Network
The Southwest Marketing Network's purpose is to help Southwestern producers and communities develop new and improved markets and enterprises and to rebuild local food systems.
Start Now
Planet Earth is in trouble. The evidence is everywhere and all but overwhelming. We care desperately for the future of life on earth, but we feel helpless in the face of corporate disregard for anything but profit and governmental disregard of all but corporate interests. The power, we feel, is out of our hands, and environmental disaster is seemingly inevitable. Hopelessness has become our worst enemy. Start Now stands against hopelessness.
Steps to a Healthier Willmar
The Steps to a HealthierUS Initiative is an overall effort of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), designed to identify and promote programs that encourage small behavior changes to reduce the burden of chronic disease.
A centerpiece of the Steps Initiative is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Steps to a HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement Program. It is a five-year program that funds states, cities and tribal entities to implement chronic disease prevention efforts. These efforts focus on reducing the burden of obesity, diabetes and asthma, and on the related risk factors of physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use.
Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado
The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado is a new organization committed to incorporating the concept of sustainability into all the workings of the local communities of Southwest Colorado, and to do this we need the involvement of everyone in our community.
Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is a national alliance of farm, rural development, and conservation groups that organized in 1988 to affect federal agriculture policy. SAC member groups advance common positions to support small and mid-size family farms, protect natural resources, promote healthy rural communities, and provide nutritious and healthy food to consumers. By bringing grassroots perspectives to the table normally dominated by big business, SAC levels the playing field and gives voice to sustainable and organic farmers.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
SAREP, University of California, Davis has been involved in community food systems and farm to school for several years. SAREP staff are also the leaders in conducting comprehensive evaluations of farm to school programs across California – Davis, Winters, Berkeley and Compton.
Sustainable Community Gardens - Full Circle Farm
Sustainable Community Gardens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the renewal of local, sustainable food systems throughout Silicon Valley. The garden provides affordable access to locally produced food, as well as education in environmental living, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and gardening. We seek diverse means to engage our community at all ages and stages, encouraging and assisting individuals from all walks of life in their active support of a sustainable future. We run two projects - The Charles Street Gardens, a 92-plot organic community garden, and Full Circle Farm, an educational, 11-acre farm at Peterson Middle School in Sunnyvale.
Sustainable Fare
Sustainable Fare is an independently operated food service and consulting company that focuses on integrated sustainable food systems designed for all food service institutions. Sustainable Fare's emphasis is on locally grown foods and high quality seasonal menus, prepared fresh with unprocessed ingredients for healthy and nutritious meals. Sustainable Fare takes a holistic approach to the relationship between the community and the dining services to develop sustainable food practices that compliment one another.
Sustainable Food Center
Sustainable Research and Education
SARE is a program of USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
The goal of the Department of Agriculture and Industries is to serve the farmers and consumers of this state to the best of our ability. Farmers work hard every day to provide our nation with the safest, most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.
Our department has the responsibility to help the few family farmers that remain in business in any way that we can. The Department of Agriculture and Industries also has a tremendous responsibility to consumers. Our inspectors and lab personnel work hard every day to increase consumer confidence in the safety of our food supply. The work of this department touches the life of every person in the state each day. We consider it a privilege to work for the people of Alabama.
The Food Trust
Runs The Kindergarten Initiative in selected Philadelphia schools
The Hartford Food System
The Hartford Public Schools Food Service
The Intervale Center
The Intervale Center supports financially viable and environmentally sustainable agriculture. We manage 354 acres of farmland, nursery, trails, wildlife corridors and compost production along the Winooski River in Burlington, Vermont, and we share what we do and what we learn with others around the state and throughout the world.
The Jersey Fresh Information Exchange
New Jersey farmers grow some of the best produce in the country. But these juicy tomatoes and peaches, sweet corn and melons and plump blueberries don't always get into the groceries and restaurants where you shop and eat. To help raise consumer awareness about New Jersey produce and get it into new retail locations, Rutgers Cooperative Extension piloted an innovative produce distribution and merchandising project in 2004.
The Massachusetts School Nutrition Association
The School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts is one of the leading organizations committed to educating, supporting, and inspiring school nutrition and food service professionals.
The Michigan Apple Committee
Working with the Michigan Department of Education and Agriculture as well as the Department of Defense to establish farm to school business relationships.
The Michigan Department of Education
Collaborates with various entities in the State of Michigan to link local farmers to local school districts. The MDE is identifying school districts that are interested in using local produce in the National School Lunch Program and working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture to identify local growers and shippers for the program.
The New North Florida Marketing Cooperative
The New North Florida Marketing Cooperative
A group of innovative African-American farmers formed the New North Florida Cooperative Association Inc. in 1995. The goal of the cooperative was to provide marketing services to the participating farmers, collectively sell produce to markets such as local school districts, and ultimately to increase the amount of product being sold, thereby increasing the farmers’ income.
The North Carolina Farm to School Program
The North Carolina Farm to School Program is run through a collaborative effort between the Markets and Food Distribution Divisions of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs and the Department of Defense. Food Distribution surveys North Carolina schools to determine the quantity of produce that the school can use and then turns the total quantities over to the Department of Defense who works with the Markets Division to locate the farmers to procure the product. Food Distributions picks up the product from the farmers and delivers it to the schools. The Department of Defense then bills the schools for payment.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
NOFA Vermont is a non-profit association of farmers, consumers, and gardeners who support local organic farming.
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social prosperity of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. We work with the farmers that grow our food, the consumers that eat the food, and those concerned with the ecological well-being of our environment and natural resources.
The Red Tomato
Serves as an intermediary between farmers and schools.
The Southwest Marketing Network
This is a collaborative network dedicated to increasing agricultural marketing skills for farmers and ranchers in the Southwest. One of its New Mexico-based members - Farm to Table - is instrumental in Farm to School in the Southwest. Additionally FTT and SWMN have been chosen as the Regional Lead Agency for the National Farm to School Network.
The UC Cooperative Extension of Alameda County
The University of Wisconsin's Center for Integrated Agriculture Systems (CIAS)
Tierra Miguel Foundation Farm
The Tierra Miguel Farm and Foundation was created to enhance farmers’ and consumers’ connection to the food they eat, and the earth on which it grows. They have a thriving Community Support Agriculture (CSA) program, and provide the produce for Farm-to-School and CSA in the Classroom programs in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. Tierra Miguel welcomes school groups to tour their farm and offers youth internship opportunities. They are located in Northern San Diego County.
To Nourish
Sharon Vecchiarelli, CHHC is a certified holistic nutrition education and counseling. While most dietitians dwell on calories, carbs, fats, proteins, restrictions and lists of good and bad foods, she works with her clients to create a happy, healthy life in a way that is flexible, fun and free of denial and discipline.
UNH Cooperative Extension
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension provides New Hampshire citizens with research-based education and information, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions that strengthen youth, families and communities, sustain natural resources, and improve the economy.
UNH Office of Sustainability Programs
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Office of Sustainability (OS) collaborates with administrators, faculty, staff, and students to integrate the principles and practices of sustainability throughout UNH's "CORE" - curriculum, operations, research, and engagement with local, state, regional, national, and international partners - in order to build and model a Sustainable Learning Community.
University of Minnesota West Central Partnership
The University of Minnesota West Central Partnership works with citizens in the watershed to create and sustain healthy ecosystems, strong local economies and vibrant, self-reliant communities. Its mission--launching education and research that help people understand and achieve sustainability in their region--supports projects that demonstrate public purpose and is committed to building partnerships that connect the citizens of the watershed to local assets and the education, research and outreach resources of the University of Minnesota. Serving 12 counties of the Upper Minnesota River Valley watershed including Big Stone, Chippewa, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, and Yellow Medicine.
University of Montana, Missoula - Department of Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies Program (EVST) seeks to provide students with the literacy, skills, and commitment needed to foster a healthy natural environment and to create a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world. To these ends, the EVST Program educates and challenges students to become knowledgeable, motivated and engaged in environmental affairs. We want our students to acquire the skills and awareness that will enable them to promote positive social change and to improve both the environment and communities of Montana, and thereby the lives of Montanans.
Upper Valley Localvores
The Upper Valley Localvores are an informal group of people practicing and organizing around eating locally.
UT Extension Agencies
Vermont Fresh Network
The Vermont Fresh Network aims to build innovative partnerships among farmers, chefs and consumers to strengthen Vermont's agriculture.
Virginia Cooperative Extension
The Virginia Cooperative Extension is your connection to Virginia's Land Grant Universities. Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. We help people improve their lives by providing research-based educational resources through a network of on-campus and local Extensions and educators.
Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Virginia Department of Education
Vital Communities ? Valley Food and Farm
We are a non-profit program fostering the relationships that make agriculture a vital part of daily community life in the Upper Connecticut River Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. We do this through publications, events and community partnerships that celebrate the region's year-round local bounty and bring together consumers, farmers, chefs, processors, schools, grocers, distributors and more. Come be a part of what we do!
Vital Communities ? Valley Food and Farm
We are a non-profit program fostering the relationships that make agriculture a vital part of daily community life in the Upper Connecticut River Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. We do this through publications, events and community partnerships that celebrate the region's year-round local bounty and bring together consumers, farmers, chefs, processors, schools, grocers, distributors and more. Come be a part of what we do!
VT Food Education Every Day
VT FEED is a partnership of Food Works, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), and Shelburne Farms. We act as a catalyst to rebuild healthy local food systems by cultivating links between classrooms, school cafeterias, local farms, and communities.
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Small Farms and Direct Marketing Program
The mission of the program is to:
Increase the economic viability of small farms
Build community vitality
Improve the environmental quality of the region
This site contains resources and tools to assist new and existing farmers to make sound business decisions.
Washington State Office of State Procurement
The Department of General Administration develops and administers contracts for goods and services on behalf of state agencies, colleges, universities, select non-profit organizations, and local governments.
White Dog Community Enterprises: Farm to Institution Project
White Earth Land Recovery Project
The mission of the White Earth Land Recovery Project is to facilitate recovery of the original land base of the White Earth Indian Reservation, while preserving and restoring traditional practices of sound land stewardship, language fluency, community development, and strengthening our spiritual and cultural heritage.
Willamette Farm & Food Coalition: Food On! Farm to School Program
The Willamette Farm and Food Coalition’s Farm to School Program is committed to providing the children of Lane County with access to local, affordable, nutritious, delicious, and culturally appropriate food. We have been working hard to educate children about where their food comes from and to incorporate locally grown produce into the meals served in our schools.
The Willamette Farm and Food Coalition's Farm to School Program recently
received a Victory Against Hunger Award by the Congressional Hunger Center,
Victory Wholesale Group, and National Farm to School Network, celebrating
outstanding efforts in fighting hunger through creating
innovative farm to school programs.