National Media Coverage
The Oregon Department of Education has announced that eleven school districts are the recipients of competitive Farm to School and School Garden grants totaling $189,140. The majority of the funds (87.5%) will be spent on purchasing Oregon food products, with a smaller portion (12.5%) dedicated to food-, agriculture-, and garden-based education activities. This article details which districts in the state will be receiving these grant dollars, and how they are planning on spending that money. · Read the entire article.
More Oregon school districts land farm-to-school grants by Christina Williams Sustainable Business Oregon Published 01/25/2013
This article details how eleven school districts will share $189,140 in state funding to purchase Oregon-grown food and implement garden-based education programs in their schools through a specialty grant awarded by the Oregon Department of Education. The eleven school districts mentioned are: Bend-La Pine, Bethel in Eugene, Centennial in southeast Portland and Gresham, School District No. 4J in Eugene, Gladstone, Joseph School District in northeast Oregon, Lebanon, North Powder Charter School, Ontario, Douglas County, and Sherman County School District. · Read the entire article.
School Garden Turns into Living Learning Laboratory for Nevada Fifth Graders by Mark Williams, Nevada USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator USDA Blog Published 12/21/2012
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Can a school garden supplement food supply? by Bonnie Matton Special to the Leader-Courier Reno Gazette-Journal Published 12/19/2012
Can a school garden supplement a town's food supply in a sustainable way? That question was recently answered by Bob Gardner's fifth grade students at Dayton Elementary School. The class had the responsibility of planning, growing and selling produce using a garden and hoop house constructed for the previous fifth grade class. · Read the entire article.
School Nutrition (December 2012) by School Nutrition Association Published 12/01/2012
In this issue of School Nutrition feature ideas and innovations in school cafeterias, including 10 pages on Farm to School efforts happening across the States (p.24-25 & 28-34) including the article about 2012 Farm to Cafeteria Conference (Burlington, VT) and Taste Washington Day on page 25. · Read the entire article.
Commission works to get more barley recipes on school menus by JOHN O’CONNELL Capital Press Published 11/16/2012
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Local Alaska foods make way into school lunch menus by Alex DeMarban Alaska Dispatch Published 11/08/2012
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Microgreen farmer has a vision for the Alaskan diet Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Microgr by Nancy Tarnai Fairbanks Daily Newsminer Published 11/03/2012
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Unalaska Kids Eat Local by Stephanie Joyce KUCB Published 10/30/2012
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http://eugeneweekly.com/article/letters-editor-10-11-2012 by Megan Kemple Eugene Weekly Published 10/10/2012
This is a letter to the editor written by Farm to School Program Director and Oregon State Lead for the National Farm to School Network, Megan Kemple. In response to a series titled "Shortchanging our Schools", Megan details the work of Willamette Farm and Food Coalition's Farm to School Program. · Read the entire article.
Biz Beat by Eugene Weekly Staff Eugene Weekly Published 10/10/2012
This Biz Beat mentions that October is National Farm to School Month, and in celebration of the month, Willamette Farm and Food Coalition is offering tasting tables at area schools. The Biz Beat goes on to promote the sale of Farm to School Fuji apples at local health food stores. The 3lb bags of apples are a fundraiser for Farm to School. · Read the entire article.
Tasting Table of Locally Grown Food by KEZI Staff KEZI Published 10/09/2012
A short piece mentioning state representative Nancy Nathanson's support for a $5 million dollar expansion of Farm to School activities in the state. · Read the entire article.
A healthy Tasting Table for Students by KEZI Staff KEZI Published 10/09/2012
This is a short article highlighting a request to expand the dollars available for reimbursing schools for making local food purchases. · Read the entire article.
FARM TO SCHOOL Bounty by the basket by Sam Wheeler Ashland Daily Tidings Published 10/09/2012
This article details the success of Ashland Middle School's student garden. With descriptions of tomatoes everywhere, the author notes that this year the garden is expecting to surpass 100 lbs of produce sent to their cafeteria, a milestone for the quarter acre lot. Interviews with students show that the garden is providing a real education in food and nutrition, and the food service director of the Ashland School District notes that school gardens brought in more than 60 pounds of carrots, onions, and green beans in the spring of 2012. · Read the entire article.
School lunches: Thoughts and tips from a school chef, a farm to school program director, a dietitian by Amy Wang The Oregonian Published 10/07/2012
School lunches: Thoughts and tips from a school chef, a farm to school program director, a dietitian, a vegan blogger and a sixth-grader · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Month by KATU KATU Published 10/05/2012
This KATU news segment celebrates Farm to School month by taking a visit to Pearmine Farms. Pearmine Farms participates in the national Farm to School movement by hosting field trips for area students and doing presentations at area schools about farming. The video segment features Pearmine Farmer Molly McCargar's thoughts on farming her family's land, and the importance for children to know where their food comes from. Also featured in the video segment is Oregon Department of Agriculture's Farm to School Manager, Michelle Markesteyn Ratcliffe, talking about the importance of Farm to School in the lives of the children involved and the local economies of Oregon. · Read the entire article.
Revolution in the Cafeteria: how Western Washington’s school districts are turning the tide by ERIN SIRIANNI edible SEATTLE Published 10/01/2012
The surrounding school districts of Seattle are aiming for more than just meeting the school-lunch status quo. They’re raising the bar to provide freshly prepared, whole-foods based meals and to show students that a nutritious school lunch can be delicious. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Educates Local Students by Sean Cuellar KEZI Published 09/24/2012
This article and video clip follows a farm to school field trip conducted by Willamette Farm and Food Coalition's Farm to School Program. Fifth graders from River Road Elementary are seen harvesting strawberries from the Small Farmer's Project, and shopping for their harvest meal at Thistledown Farm. The article and video clip mention that the Farm to School Program has reached over 1,700 students in the Eugene/Springfield area. There is also mention of the new family program that promotes the use of EBT at area markets and farm stands. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program Seeks Proposals for Pilot Project by Christen McCurdy The Lund Report Published 09/19/2012
This article announces the start of the administration of the $200,000 of funds from the passing of HB 2800 in 2011. The article explains that the $200,000 is only a tiny fraction of the $23 million, and that the the funds for the pilot program have been difficult to administer due to issues in the Oregon Department of Education. The article goes on to describe that hiring child nutrition specialist, Rick Sherman, to coordinate the farm to school/school garden program for the Oregon Department of Education has enabled the implementation of HB 2800's pilot program to move forward. · Read the entire article.
Healthier School Lunches by KATU KATU Published 09/07/2012
This KATU video segment discusses the changes being made to cafeterias all over the state. Highlighting new fresh fruit and vegetable salad bars, reporters talk with Michelle Markesteyn Ratcliffe about the harvest of the month posters and an emphasis on kids choosing what they eat. · Read the entire article.
What's For Lunch: The Move to Improve School Nutrition by Capital Public Radio Multimedia Documentary Published 08/24/2012
This multimedia documentary from Capital Public Radio explores schools around Norther California that are creating new menus, juggling budgets and cooking up innovative ways to convince kids to eat their vegetables. · Read the entire article.
Local food offers lessons at De Soto schools by Patrick B Anderson LaCrosse Tribune Published 08/15/2012
Farm to School Watermelons are ready for harvest. · Read the entire article.
Abernethy Elementary School by Steve Beaven The Oregonian Published 08/14/2012
This article discusses the debate over school lunches while looking at Abernethy Elementary's (Portland) school lunch program. The school has a comprehensive food curriculum that includes the use of fresh produce grown by students on school grounds in school lunches. The program is under attack by federal regulators that say school districts must abide by federal guidelines for lunches which do not include the costs of a chef preparing school meals from scratch as Abernethy Elementary does. · Read the entire article.
The 'nutrition magicians' by Melissa Pasanen Burlington Free Press Published 08/10/2012
Long a leader in the farm-to-cafeteria movement, Vermont holds a national gathering to share ideas as the program explodes in popularity. · Read the entire article.
Oklahoma Table: Messengers of Local are Youth Today by Sherrel Jones NewsOK Published 08/08/2012
Oklahoma Farm to School program aims to support local producers, feed local children and build a sustainable future. · Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Focusing on Farm to School by Kyle Midura WCAX-TV Published 08/05/2012
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Farm to School Conference 2012 KTVB Published 08/01/2012
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Sibley East High School: Growing a Better School Lunch by Community Blueprint Published 07/30/2012
Over 9 months in the making, this video documents one of Minnesota's largest school gardens located in Arlington, Minnesota. We followed a school ag class from seeding to harvest through a school year. This video documents that process and helps other schools recreate the success they've had. Sibley East High School is not just taking the farm to school — it’s taking its school to the farm. · Read the entire article.
Idaho statesman Farm to School conference by Barker, Rocky Idaho Statesman Published 07/25/2012
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Innovators in School Nutrition by Juliann Schaeffer Today Published 07/01/2012
This article profiles four groundbreaking school districts' innovative farm to school program including the Bethel School District in Eugene, Oregon. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Conference 2012 KIVI Published 07/01/2012
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Innovators in School Nutrition by Juliann Schaeffe Today’s Dietitian Vol. 14 No. 7 P. 28 Published 07/01/2012
This article profiles four groundbreaking school districts' innovative school-nutrition programs, including Florida's Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where nutrition professionals work to serve healthy meals to students from various ethnic groups. Also profiled is Minnesota's St. Paul Public Schools, which serves locally grown food, and Vermont's Burlington School District, where there is a strong farm-to-school program and school nutrition professionals serve food from different regions of the world. Oregon's Bethel School District which also partners with local farms. · Read the entire article.
Minneapolis Commissary Tour Turns Page on the Past by Mike Mitchelson Food Service News Published 06/07/2012
Minneapolis Public Schools hired Bertrand Weber as director of nutrition services for MPS in January, and he turned quickly to improving the district’s offerings to students, which includes bringing salad bars in the city’s high schools this fall—and in all schools by the spring 2013. His goal is also to greatly improve the MPS Farm-to-School program by creating relationships with local farmers and processors. He had a little help with his efforts on May 7 from the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy, which organized a facility tour for farmers and distributors. The facility? The district’s massive central commissary, through which go the 2.1 million breakfasts and 3.7 million lunches the city’s public schools serve annually. At the moment, it’s basically a packing facility. Weber has a plan to change that, however, and the tour was a starting point. “The five-year plan is to make into a central kitchen,” he said. “As this happens, and we have some facilities to do some processing, we’ll bring more in-house, do scratch cooking.” · Read the entire article.
Straight from farm to school by Charis Prunty The Brookings Register Published 05/21/2012
Hillside Prairie Gardens working with school district to offer local produce to students. · Read the entire article.
Backroads of Montana Backroads of Montana Published 05/15/2012
A profile of Sally Young, nutrition director at Geenfield Elementary School. Greenfield is a tiny, rural school and home ot one of the National Farm to School Network's 2011 Farm to School Month poster contest winners. · Read the entire article.
Pounds Of Produce From School Gardens by Amy Rowley ThurstonTalk.com Published 05/12/2012
Plant a pole bean seed – it’s a classic elementary school science experiment. What kid has not watched in amazement as their bean seed sprouts and then quickly reaches to the sky? Karen Ray, School Garden Program Manager at the Thurston County Food Bank, is taking the project many, many steps further. In 18 schools across four Thurston County school districts, the Food Bank is supporting the creation and maintenance of school gardens – allowing kids to plant, weed, and harvest fresh produce. · Read the entire article.
Real food and Minneapolis Public Schools by JoAnne Berkenkamp IATP Blog Published 05/10/2012
Thirty-five years ago, the Minneapolis Schools set up a large, central commissary to provide food to schools throughout the district. It was designed as a “pre-pack” operation where purchased, pre-processed foods were packaged and shipped to schools for re-heating and serving to students. Just a few months ago, MPS began to dream about a food revolution of its own. MPS’ new Director of Nutrition and Culinary Services, Bertrand Weber, and his staff have set bold new goals to improve the quality of food being served and to support local farmers and the local economy through an expanded Farm to School program. That means big improvements ahead for the 3.7 million lunches and 2.1 million breakfasts served annually by MPS. · Read the entire article.
Real food and Minneapolis Public Schools by JoAnne Berkenkamp IATP Blog Published 05/10/2012
erhaps you were thinking that in this crazy world we live in things never change for the better? Well, if you are a student or a parent in the Minneapolis Public School (MPS) district, you have something to look forward to. Thirty-five years ago, the Minneapolis Schools set up a large, central commissary to provide food to schools throughout the district. It was designed as a “pre-pack” operation where purchased, pre-processed foods were packaged and shipped to schools for re-heating and serving to students. The “pre-pack” approach meant that the district didn’t cook its own meals and nearly all the food came to kids wrapped individually in plastic. That’s about to change. Just a few months ago, MPS began to dream about a food revolution of its own. MPS’ new Director of Nutrition and Culinary Services, Bertrand Weber, and his staff have set bold new goals to improve the quality of food being served and to support local farmers and the local economy through an expanded Farm to School program. That means big improvements ahead for the 3.7 million lunches and 2.1 million breakfasts served annually by MPS. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 05/01/2012
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Whatcom County school lunches serve up local flavors thanks to harvest program by Kie Relyea Bellingham Herald Published 04/29/2012
Whatcom County children are chomping on locally grown kale, apples and blueberries in their school lunches, thanks to an effort called Harvest of the Month that expanded to all of the county's public school districts this school year. Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/04/29/2499601/whatcom-county-school-lunches.html#storylink=cpy · Read the entire article.
Whatcom County School LUnches SErve Up Local Flavors Thanks to Harvest Program by Kie Relyea The Bellingham Herald Published 04/29/2012
Whatcom County children are chomping on locally grown kale, apples and blueberries in their school lunches, thanks to an effort called Harvest of the Month that expanded to all of the county's public school districts this school year. The idea is to introduce an item that can be grown in Whatcom County in one school lunch each month, primarily at the elementary school level. The goal is to be as seasonal as possible so families can find the featured items in stores or at farmers' markets… · Read the entire article.
Film explores benefits and challenges of farm to school by Janet Kubat Willette AgriNews Published 04/28/2012
Childhood obesity is shaping up as one of the major health challenges of the 21st century, Mary Story says in the new documentary, Farm to School: Growing our Future. Story is a professor in the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. The film explores Minnesota's farm to school movement, both opportunities and challenges. · Read the entire article.
Farm to school documentary makes food the star by Janet Kubat Willette Published 04/25/2012
The premiere of the documentary, Farm to School: Growing our Future, was like a real Hollywood premiere, a Cannon Falls farmer said. John Peterson of Ferndale Market said it was fun to take in the premiere, which included a reception beforehand, a red carpet and visiting dignitaries including the Minnesota Commissioner of Health Edward Ehlinger and president of Twin Cities Public Television, Jim Pagliarini. Peterson served on a panel for a discussion following the premiere and on another panel following a screening at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. He senses a growing interest in farm to school, he's hearing about it in studies and reading things online. · Read the entire article.
AK First Lady visits Keet for local fish lunch by Ed Ronco KCAW Published 04/11/2012
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Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 04/05/2012
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4 Mental Health Benefits of Gardening by Linda Wasmer Andrews Yahoo! Health Published 03/23/2012
Gardening can improve the beauty of your surroundings or put a bounty of vegetables on your plate. But it’s also excellent therapy for your stressed-out mind. Below are four ways that gardening enhances mental well-being. · Read the entire article.
'Farm to School': Moving from pink slime to purple beets by Beth Hawkins MinnPost Published 03/22/2012
Praise for "Farm to School: Growing Our Future," by dietician Mary Story, the senior associate dean of academic and student affairs at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. The 30-minute program is envisioned as a call to action. It airs Sunday, March 25, at 8 p.m. on Twin Cities Public Television’s Minnesota Channel and at a dozen events around the state over the next couple of months. · Read the entire article.
More MN Schools Serving Locally-Grown Foods by John Michaelson Public News Service - MN Published 03/21/2012
More Minnesota students are finding locally grown foods as they peruse the choices in the cafeteria lunch line, thanks to the Farm to School program from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP). When IATP started the Farm to School program in 2006, says JoAnne Berkenkamp, the institute's program director for local foods, less than 20 districts took part. This year, there are 145. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school food: Beyond apples to grass-fed hot dogs by Dave Peters Minnesota Public Radio MPR news blog Published 03/20/2012
Every year, the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy surveys Minnesota schools to measure how much local food schools are providing to students. The numbers are out again and they're up again. · Read the entire article.
Over a half million students statewide offered farm-fresh, local food last year. by JoAnne Berkenkamp, Andrew Ranallo Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Published 03/16/2012
Schools serving over 558,000 students—or more than 68 percent of the state’s K-12 student population—are now engaged in Farm to School according to a pair of surveys released today by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA). Farm to School efforts make locally grown vegetables, fruits and other healthy choices an integral part of school meals while creating new opportunities for family farmers. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 03/07/2012
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Kent Schools celebrate National School Breakfast Week Kent Reporter Published 03/06/2012
Kent School District Nutrition Services celebrated the National School Breakfast Week with fresh, healthy breakfast items featuring Washington grown blueberries and apples from local farms. · Read the entire article.
Atlantic Cape Community College conference looks to bring Jersey Fresh produce to schools by DIANE D’AMICO Pree of Atlantic City Published 02/24/2012
Getting a Jersey tomato into a Jersey school isn’t always easy. Speakers at the winter N.J. Farm to School Network Conference at Atlantic Cape Community College said Friday that challenges range from costs and safety concerns to the simple fact that most New Jersey produce is grown when schools are on summer break. · Read the entire article.
Can Gardening Help Troubled Minds Heal by Kristofor Husted NPR Published 02/22/2012
If you haven't noticed, gardens are popping up in some unconventional places – from prison yards to retirement and veteran homes to programs for troubled youth. Most are handy sources of fresh and local food, but increasingly they're also an extension of therapy for people with mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD; depression; and anxiety. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 02/14/2012
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Green and Growing by Mike Lee Oregon Association of Nurseries Magazine Published 02/01/2012
"The elective hort program at Newberg High School went from 34 students four years ago to 220 this past year. The horticulture program revenues have grown over the last four years, reaching over $30,000 a year. All of those funds went directly back into infrastructure, operating supplies, labor and educational materials for the program. The relationship between the school and city of Newberg is a cooperative effort to beautify the city, with the Horticulture program donating thousands of plants for cityscapes. Hundreds of young people graduate from Newberg High School each year with a better understanding and appreciation of the plant world around them". · Read the entire article.
Program Teaches Students About Cafeteria Composting by Tiffany Eckert KLCC Published 01/29/2012
Anne Donahue is a master composter with the city of Eugene. She's working with Eugene elementary schools to reduce their food scrap waste. At a recent compost workshop, organizers showed how students should the sort their food scraps. · Read the entire article.
What Not To Waste by Adeline Bash The Register Guard Published 01/28/2012
"Through new city-funded school compost and gardening programs, local elementary and middle school students are learning how disposing of lunchtime trash can make a big environmental impact on their school and their communities. 10 Eugene elementary and middle schools received a $5,000 grant from the city’s Waste Prevention and Green Building program. Students, teachers and parents from five Eugene and Lane County schools gathered for a cafeteria composting workshop at Adams Elementary School to learn how to utilize an additional $10,000 grant from the city to start both compost and garden projects at their schools. The workshop covered everything from what sorts of trash can be composted to how to properly maintain bins of compost throughout the year so they can eventually be used to fertilize gardens." · Read the entire article.
City to help local schools turn food waste into garden resource by Jaculynn Peterson My Eugene Published 01/27/2012
"The city of Eugene has partnered with the School Garden Project of Lane County to build and implement five new school gardens and cafeteria composting programs in the 2011-2012 school year. The city grant will provide funding for a full-time Americorps staff person to create the school gardens and implement the compost programs." · Read the entire article.
Cook for America Bringing Colorado Schools back to Scratch Cooking! Nightline Published 01/24/2012
Cook for America is changing our school districts. Catch Jeremy West, food service director at the Greeley-Evans school district and Chair of the Colorado Farm to School Task Force, talk about how his district has returned to scratch cooking and "stealth health" recipes. Funds from Fujis by Sarah Lemon Mail Tribune Published 01/18/2012
Sales of organic Fuji apples in 3-pound bags bearing the Farm to School logo benefit a nonprofit educational effort that began about a year ago in the Rogue Valley. Farm to School's apple program is a partnership between produce distributor Organically Grown Co. in Eugene and about a dozen grocers, four of them in the Rogue Valley. Grocers donate 70 percent of the apples' sales, and raised about $5,000 in a short, test run between April and June last year. This year, customers have nine months instead of three to purchase the apples at four stores locally. · Read the entire article.
Minnesota Department of Health awards SHIP 2.0 grants to fight chronic disease by Journal staff International Falls Journal Published 01/04/2012
In a nation-leading effort to reduce chronic disease, the Minnesota Department of Health has awarded 18 grants to Minnesota communities to help lower the number of Minnesotans who use tobacco or who are obese or overweight. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 01/04/2012
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Greasy to gourmet: Seattle chefs help schools trade corn dogs for couscous by Claire Thompson grist Published 01/04/2012
In the spring of 2010, the drive toward healthy school lunch in Seattle got an additional boost with a grant from the Centers for Disease Control. The goal was to form a partnership with local chefs to revamp the cafeteria menu. Soon, the district connected with Tom Douglas, a beloved Seattle chef whose company operates 12 highly regarded restaurants in the city. · Read the entire article.
Bill would allow schools to buy local produce by Caitlin Conrad KTVL News Published 12/29/2011
ROGUE VALLEY, Ore --U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden is looking to create a connection between local schools and local farms. The Oregon senator recently introduced the Fresh Act. The bill would loosen restrictions on how school lunch programs purchase food. Under the Fresh Act, schools could choose to spend 50 percent of food vouchers at the USDA warehouse or buying produce from local farmers. Rogue Valley Farm to School Executive Director Tracy Harding says this would be a positive move for both kids and agriculture in the area. She hopes if the act goes into law schools will choose to buy local. · Read the entire article.
USDA Farm to School Team Site Visit by USDA Farm to School Team USDA Published 11/30/2011
Information from the USDA Farm to School Team visit with Morrison Public Schools in Oklahoma September 2011. · Read the entire article.
USDA Farm to School Team Site Visit - Union PSD by USDA Farm to School Team USDA Published 11/30/2011
Information from the USDA Farm to School Team visit with Union Public Schools in Oklahoma last September has now been posted on their website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/reports/Union/1.htm · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 11/30/2011
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Getting More Done With Less: How Farm to School Programs Can Overcome Limited Access to Resources by Stephanie Kennedy Food First Published 11/23/2011
Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy acknowledges the Massachusetts Farm to School Project as a driving force behind the movement to bring people locally grown food. The rapid growth of the Mass. Farm to School Project has gotten the attention of both farms looking to sell and schools looking to buy. At the start of the project in 2004 there were five schools statewide that purchased locally grown, and currently there are 250. Despite a limited budget, the Mass. Farm to School Project will continue to educate children about nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Healthy students are happy students by Janelle Verke Pine Journal Published 11/18/2011
Third-grader Maverick Buchin said it best when he stated, “I have to keep myself healthy. I’m going to be a scientist when I grow up.” Buchin is one of 450 students in the Barnum Elementary School eating healthier lunches during the school day than most of us remember from our own childhood school lunch experience. That is all thanks to the Barnum School District’s commitment to the health of their students and their decision to provide higher-grade options in the lunchroom, including fresh fruits and vegetables for free. · Read the entire article.
Thinking Outside the Cookie Box-- Farm to School teaches where food comes from by Melissa Mckeon Worcester Telegram and Gazette Published 11/03/2011
Worcester participated in Massachusetts Farm to School Project's pilot program, the Kindergarten Initiative, last school year. The program taught over 300 kindergartners in 14 classrooms about where food comes from and why local fresh food tastes better. The Kindergarten Initiative provides a hands-on experience for the children by taking them to the farms and letting them learn for themselves to pick healthier options over junk food. The program is a wonderful opportunity for students who live in the city to experience a farm and to expand their food choices. · Read the entire article.
Thinking Outside the Cookie Box-- Farm to School teaches where food comes from by Melissa Mckeon Worcester Telegram and Gazette Published 11/03/2011
Worcester participated in Massachusetts Farm to School Project's pilot program, the Kindergarten Initiative, last school year. The program taught over 300 kindergartners in 14 classrooms about where food comes from and why local fresh food tastes better. The Kindergarten Initiative provides a hands-on experience for the children by taking them to the farms and letting them learn for themselves to pick healthier options over junk food. The program is a wonderful opportunity for students who live in the city to experience a farm and to expand their food choices. · Read the entire article.
Thinking Outside the Cookie Box-- Farm to School teaches where food comes from by Melissa Mckeon Worcester Telegram and Gazette Published 11/03/2011
Worcester participated in Massachusetts Farm to School Project's pilot program, the Kindergarten Initiative, last school year. The program taught over 300 kindergartners in 14 classrooms about where food comes from and why local fresh food tastes better. The Kindergarten Initiative provides a hands-on experience for the children by taking them to the farms and letting them learn for themselves to pick healthier options over junk food. The program is a wonderful opportunity for students who live in the city to experience a farm and to expand their food choices. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 11/03/2011
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Carving a niche by Leelanau News Leelanau News Published 10/28/2011
October was designated “National Farm to School Month” by Congress last year, demonstrating the growing importance and role of Farm to School programs as a way to improve child nutrition, support local economies, and educate children about the origins of food. in Leelanau County have gotten a chance to eat the fruits and vegetables of their labor. It’s all part of the Farm to School Month activities. They have created recipes for school lunches with produce from nearby farms and learned from local farmers, who have been invited into the schools to let kids know how their food is grown. · Read the entire article.
Portland area elementary students celebrate National Farm to School Month by Kelly House The Oregonian Published 10/27/2011
Sauvie Island Organics interacts with school children teach kids about where food comes from and encourage them to try new foods. This article also discusses the funding needed to fill the gap between what schools can afford and the price of the organic food as well as some statewide programs that are working to address this need. · Read the entire article.
Senator Wyden Teaches Kids About Local Food by Sonia Talati Published 10/26/2011
Ron Wyden visits Clear Lake Elementary school in Eugene, OR to highlight their farm to school program, which teaches kids about where the food comes from and incorporates food from local farms into school meals. · Read the entire article.
Senator Wyden Teaches Kids About Local Food by Sonia Talati KEZI News Published 10/26/2011
Senator Ron Wyden visits Clear Lake elementary school in Eugene, OR. to highlight the work of Farm to School, which teaches school children about where their food comes from and works to incorporate locally grown or processed food into school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Changing the Country One Student At a Time by Lizzie Holzapfel Simple Good and Tasty Published 10/20/2011
The other day I chatted with Lynn Mader, an IATP (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy) staff member who works on the Farm to School program in Minnesota. We talked about the successes and challenges of the program and how it is working to bring positive change to our community, to our state and to our countr · Read the entire article.
Wisconsin Celebrates National Farm to School Month in October Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & consumer Protection Published 10/20/2011
MADISON – October in Wisconsin brings a bountiful harvest of corn, pumpkins, apples, cranberries, and so much more. Through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) AmeriCorps Farm to School Program, students can enjoy these Wisconsin-grown products at school. In Crawford County, AmeriCorps Members Kathleen Hein and Kate Maxfield are celebrating October as National Farm to School Month by serving pumpkin soup and seeds to about 700 students.In November 2010, Congress approved a resolution to officially designate October 2011 as the first National Farm to School Month. This month allows us to recognize the importance of child nutrition and educating children about the origins of food. The AmeriCorps Farm to School program began in Wisconsin in 2008. Since its beginning, the program has worked with 12 partner sites, placed 79 service members, and served 20,000 students statewide. · Read the entire article.
Wisconsin Celebrates National Farm to School Month in October Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & consumer Protection Published 10/20/2011
MADISON – October in Wisconsin brings a bountiful harvest of corn, pumpkins, apples, cranberries, and so much more. Through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) AmeriCorps Farm to School Program, students can enjoy these Wisconsin-grown products at school. In Crawford County, AmeriCorps Members Kathleen Hein and Kate Maxfield are celebrating October as National Farm to School Month by serving pumpkin soup and seeds to about 700 students.In November 2010, Congress approved a resolution to officially designate October 2011 as the first National Farm to School Month. This month allows us to recognize the importance of child nutrition and educating children about the origins of food. The AmeriCorps Farm to School program began in Wisconsin in 2008. Since its beginning, the program has worked with 12 partner sites, placed 79 service members, and served 20,000 students statewide. · Read the entire article.
Environmental education center will host open house, harvest festival at Wilsonville farm by Special to the Oregonian The Oregonian Published 10/20/2011
West Linn - Wilsonville School District is being visited by a Farm to School liason to deliver apples to second grade classrooms to introduce fresh food to encourage the community exposure to farms. · Read the entire article.
5 Farm-to-School Marketing Tips by Rachael Brugger Hobby Farms Published 10/19/2011
This month, farmers and schools across the U.S. are celebrating the U.S.’s first National Farm to School Month. Thanks to a resolution approved by Congress in November 2010. Farm-to-school programs connect K-12 schools with local farms to provide farm-fresh foods for school meals. These programs not only aim to improve child nutrition and provide health and nutrition education · Read the entire article.
Students discover taste for locally grown food by Janet Kubat Willette AgriNews Published 10/14/2011
Dover-Eyota Schools celebrated Farm to School Week by inviting their farmers to school. Jerry Kathan of Kathan's Ridgeview Orchards in LaCrescent is one of two farmers who accepted the invitation. · Read the entire article.
Food for Life by Rachel Foster: School Gardens Grow Healthier Kids Eugene Weekly Published 10/13/2011
School Garden Project (SGP) gets kids out into school gardens to understand what grows and what can be harvested in Oregon. Healthier diets are being emphasized nationally because of the current obesity rates, so these school gardens use hands on experience to teach kids about their food. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School:Implementing Farm to School Activities School Food Service Professionals Working with by USDA USDA Published 10/13/2011
Implementing Farm to School Activities School Food Service Professionals Working with Farmers Create a Farm to School Plan or Vision Establishing a plan or vision for your Farm to School efforts will help ensure success. There are many resources available to assist you in developing a Farm to School plan/vision. · Read the entire article.
Cafeteria Food Fight by Robert Gottlieb Los Angeles Tribune Published 10/10/2011
Corn dogs and chicken nuggets are out. Butternut squash tortellini and quinoa salad are in. After years of advocacy by the Healthy School Food Coalition, California Food Policy Advocates and other groups, the Los Angeles Unified School District has revolutionized the menus in its school cafeterias. The emphasis is on more healthful and sustainable food, and the backlash, predictably, has already begun. · Read the entire article.
Kim Szeto Receives "Farm to School" Award by Myrna Greenfield Jamaica Plain Patch Published 10/04/2011
This year, the Massachusetts Farm to School Project presented its Blue Ribbon Award to Kim Szeto for her amazing work! Kim is the farm to school coordinator for Boston Public Schools and is responsible for 'Local Lunch Thursdays' in 44 cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Preventive health measures needed Daily Oklahoman Published 10/01/2011
Article in Daily Oklahoma mentioned Farm to School as a state program that can help in preventative health. “Preventative Health Measures Needed” · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 10/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
Locally grown food a hit in schools by Carol Stender AgriNews Published 09/29/2011
BENSON, Minn. — Jeanine Bowman didn't panic when she received 1,800 ears of locally grown sweet corn in late August. Instead, she prepared it with other fresh, local foods in the Morris Area School's hot lunch program. · Read the entire article.
District 191 buying fresh, locally grown produce by Michael Ricci Sun Newspapers Published 09/28/2011
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Independent School District 191 officials have begun an effort to foster higher academic achievement, but the effort is not a classroom venture. · Read the entire article.
District 191 buying fresh, locally grown produce by Michael Ricci Sun Newspapers (Burnsville) Published 09/28/2011
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Independent School District 191 officials have begun an effort to foster higher academic achievement, but the effort is not a classroom venture. · Read the entire article.
Fresh produce on the menu at Hill-Murray by Kate Zillmer Oakdale Lake Elmo Review Published 09/28/2011
Last week, Hill-Murray High School's Homecoming lunch menu featured football-shaped chicken nuggets, "touchdown taters" and a serving of fresh corn on the cob. · Read the entire article.
Northfield Recognized for Farm to School Month by Corey Butler Jr. Northfield Patch Published 09/27/2011
Northfield High School students are featured in a video for the program, which advocates for students to connect with local produce and producers. · Read the entire article.
Locally grown: Hill-Murray students connect with area farmers by Kathryn Elliott TheCatholicSpirit.com Published 09/27/2011
On the last school day of homecoming week at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood, local farmers Brian and Leslie Axdahl came to the cafeteria to display a rainbow bounty of peppers, squash, tomatoes and corn. They walked around lunch tables and greeted students, who were gearing up for a pep rally later that day. · Read the entire article.
VIDEO: Local Food for Local Schools by Tom Niemisto Minnesota 2020 Published 09/26/2011
This September is the first official Farm to School Month in Minnesota. It's a new program that follows through on an old idea - serving local produce in Minnesota schools is best for nutrition and economic development. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy is a facilitator with local farmers and school districts who want to get more involved in Farm to School lunch menus. · Read the entire article.
Area School District Connecting with Local Farmers by Raquel Hellman KIMT News Published 09/26/2011
EYOTA, MN - "Making it Better": That's the name, and the goal, of a health initiative program in Minnesota. It's a challenge to communities to encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices. · Read the entire article.
Voices from the field: Charlotte Gamblin talks about starting a farm to school program by Admin About Harvest Published 09/26/2011
Interest in Missouri around farm to school is catching on. Hear from a local food service director who is starting up a program for several schools in her district. Missouri Farm to School and Missouri Farm to Institution (FTS/FTI) are projects of the Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MoCAN). Missouri Farm to School seeks to increase access to locally grown foods in order to strengthen the health, well-being and economic security of all communities and family farmers. · Read the entire article.
Celebrate Farm to School Month With the ‘Food, Inc.’ Book by Max Follmer Take Part Published 09/26/2011
It’s hard to believe that October is right around the corner. And this October is pretty special, because it marks the first ever National Farm-to-School Month, celebrating the growing number of farms that are working to supply the schools in their area with fresh and local produce and food. · Read the entire article.
State to promote Alaska grown food in schools by staff Juneau Empire Published 09/22/2011
Article about the Farm to School Challenge · Read the entire article.
Schools partner with JPS Farms by Kathy Burrill Chisago County Press Published 09/22/2011
This year is a very exciting year for Chisago Lakes Area Schools. The district formed a partnership with JPS Farms, located in Center City, to buy fresh, organic produce on a weekly basis from JPS Farms. · Read the entire article.
Lunchroom Harvest scheduled at Central Middle School by Dan Gustafson Wayzata.com Published 09/21/2011
An event to celebrate Farm2School Month introduces students to farmers, bakers, and others who supply food for school lunches · Read the entire article.
From farm to plate: Local tours show chefs food supply by JEFF HOUCK The Tampa Tribune Published 09/20/2011
It's one thing to be a chef who espouses the virtues of buying and cooking locally grown food that has been cultivated using the best possible farming practices. It's another to see firsthand where those ingredients come from. Closing the gap between chefs and farmers was the idea John Matthews had when he organized a tour this month for staff from restaurants his Suncoast Food Alliance supplies in Tampa, Bradenton and Sarasota. · Read the entire article.
A healthier school lunch in Robbinsdale schools by Kelly Smith Star Tribune Published 09/20/2011
Using a state health grant, Robbinsdale schools aimed to make salads appeal to kids of all ages. To their surprise, it's actually worked. · Read the entire article.
Sprout City Farms and the Denver Green School partner together to break records and change the way s by Sprout City Farm youtube Published 09/20/2011
Sprout City Farms and the Denver Green School partner together to break records and change the way students eat healthy organic food. · Read the entire article.
The kids are loving it: Brainerd schools serve fresh, locally grown produce by Jodie Tweed Brainerd Dispatch Published 09/19/2011
A partnership between area farmers and the Brainerd School District is providing locally grown fruits and vegetables for students' lunches. It's a win-win situation for all, especially Brainerd students who, whether they realize it or not, are eating healthier lunches. · Read the entire article.
Schools Take Aim at Growing Farm to School Initiative WCAX.com Published 09/19/2011
Video · Read the entire article.
The Greenhouse by Wayzata Public Schools Published 09/18/2011
A greenhouse at Central Middle School provides space for hands-on learning in science, nutrition and service to others: the harvest of vegetables become a healthy lunch for fellow students! After years of disuse, the greenhouse was recently renovated and reopened with resources from Culinary Express. Now, students get a taste of learning while also growing the movement for more fresh, local foods in school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Students blossom along with elementary school garden project by Kristina Iodice The Gazette Published 09/17/2011
Growing things. Eating things. Learning things: A lot can happen with a garden, as students at Rockrimmon Elementary School found out as they managed one from season to season. At least 60 kids are involved in the Rockrimmon Garden Club, When the project came together, kids applied for and received a $5,000 Green Grant from the district that they may seek again. Neighbors have donated tools. Parents and students alike donated time and effort to build the first set of raised beds. Tepa, a local company, donated fencing to keep critters out. Pikes Peak- Farm to School donated materials. It has really become a community project,” said Rockrimmon Principal - Barbara Barton. · Read the entire article.
A change of taste in school lunches by Kelly Smith Star Tribune Published 09/16/2011
More students are eating locally grown food this fall as Minnesota schools move to comply with new federal guidelines released next year. · Read the entire article.
Organic Valley Farm to School time at the Skagit Co-op by Jodie Buller Skagit Co-op Published 09/16/2011
We were honored to host a Wednesday afternoon visit from Organic Valley friend Carlee, up from Portland with her husband and daughter to sample out some OV cheeses and talk about their September fundraiser - every OV cheese purchase at Co-ops this month sends $1 to the National Farm To School Program. · Read the entire article.
A change of taste in school lunches by Kelly Smith Star Tribune Published 09/16/2011
Passing kids' taste tests: This year half of the state's students are getting fresh, locally grown food in Farm-to-School programs, aided this year by a new resource. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Department of Health recently launched an online directory to connect schools to farms in the state, located at www.minnesotagrown.com. · Read the entire article.
Pick a peck of potatoes: Garden teams up students, community in Whitefish by Hilary Matheson dailyonterlake.com Published 09/16/2011
The second annual harvest of the Lions Club Farm to School Garden was under way Thursday in Whitefish. About 280 Whitefish Middle School seventh- and eighth-graders got their hands dirty harvesting the 50- by 300-foot garden filled with varieties of squash, zucchini, potatoes, carrots and beets. · Read the entire article.
Chisago Lakes students being served locally grown vegetables and fruits Chisago County Press Published 09/15/2011
Students across Minnesota, including those in Winona area schools, will enjoy a wide variety of Minnesota-grown produce during the month of September as part of the expanding effort to connect K-12 students with fresh, locally grown foods and the farmers who grew them. · Read the entire article.
Locavore: Harvest for Students Week by Erica Noonan Boston Globe Published 09/15/2011
Massachusetts Harvest For Students Week took place in September and was a huge success for everyone involved. Schools and colleges around the state participated and put locally grown items in their cafeteria menus. School districts such as Boston, Cambridge, Andover, Brookline and many more not only served fresh local foods but provided samplings, demonstrations and activities to teach students about the benefits of local foods. · Read the entire article.
Emerson Family School Pioneers Fresh Food Program by Colleen McCarthy Starkville Daily News Published 09/14/2011
A profile of a successful Farm to Preschool program in Starkville, Mississippi. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program by Katie Eldred KAAL-TV Published 09/13/2011
Dover-Eyota schools are serving up lunches that grow in their back yard. It is all a part of their effort in the Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Lunch from the farm at Southview Thisweek Newspapers Published 09/13/2011
Gary Pahl of Pahl's Market visited Southview Elementary on September 12 to promote the locally grown fruits and vegetables being served for lunch in ISD 196. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program by Katie Eldred ABC 6 NEWS Published 09/13/2011
Dover-Eyota in Minnesota schools are serving up lunches that grow in their back yard. It is all a part of their effort in the Farm to School program. As of 2010 over 123 school districts in Minnesota have implemented some sort of farm to school program. · Read the entire article.
Local Chef Adds Healthy Flavors to Washington School Meals Tray Talk - Success Stories Published 09/12/2011
This year, Highline School District (Washington) Nutrition Services staff spent a day in the kitchen with Chef Garrett Berdan, RD, LD for a hands-on workshop preparing recipes with ethnic flavor, whole grains, fresh fruits and roasted vegetables. Highline Schools, which is home to students from 130 countries, works hard to offer a variety of ethnic dishes, like their Philippine Pancit Noodles and Chicken made with carrots and cabbage (locally grown when these vegetables are in season!). A different ethnic meal, like Somali Spaghetti and Hawaiian Luau Chicken, is featured on the lunch menu each month as part of the district’s Ethnic Foods Project. The project has been a hit with students and teachers! · Read the entire article.
Our View: A tasty move in local schools The Free Press (Mankato, MN) Published 09/11/2011
Not only is that fresh apple, sweet corn and cantaloupe on your child’s lunch tray a pleasant surprise at Mankato area schools this year, but the produce will likely have come from an area grower. · Read the entire article.
Food from the Farm (MU Extension) by University of Missouri Food from the Farm (MU Extension) Published 09/09/2011
Information about Food from the Farm, a University of Missouri Extension program, is available at http://missourifamilies.org/Kindergarten/. Funding for the program also comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and the Junior League of Kansas City. · Read the entire article.
State’s own foods served in public schools by Jane Lightbourn The Hastings Star-Gazette Published 09/08/2011
Students here will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of Minnesota-grown produce during the month of September as part of the expanding effort to connect kindergarten to grade 12 students with fresh, locally grown foods and the farmers who grow them. · Read the entire article.
Students to Get a Big Taste of Minnesota during Farm to School Month by Andrew Ranallo, IATP Hmong Times Published 09/08/2011
MINNEAPOLIS - Students across Minnesota will enjoy a wide variety of Minnesota-grown produce during the month of September as part of the expanding effort to connect K-12 students with fresh, locally grown foods and the farmers who grow them. · Read the entire article.
Healthier Food on the Menu in SLP Schools by Todd Svanoe St. Louis Park Patch Published 09/07/2011
St. Louis Park Schools will serve more fruits and veggies and less fat, but kids are selective and eat what their parents model. · Read the entire article.
Wee Farmers take Root at Millcreek Elementary. by University of Kentucky KyForward Published 09/07/2011
Fayette County Farm Bureau picked Millcreek Elementary as its pilot site to expand its school gardening projects. Farm Bureau also helps with the Farm to School network in Fayette County Public Schools and offers a free agriculture literacy conference for teachers each June. · Read the entire article.
October is National Farm to School Month! by Cornell University Cornell University Farm to School Extension Research Program Published 09/06/2011
In November 2010, Congress approved a resolution introduced by Representative Rush Holt (NJ) to officially designate October as National Farm to School Month. To celebrate the first National Farm to School Month, schools across the country will be inviting farmers and chefs to visit their school during the month of October. · Read the entire article.
Alaska students learn life of the herd via the buffalo man by Reba Lean Fairbanks Daily Newsminer Published 09/05/2011
· Read the entire article.
Alaska students learn life of the herd via the buffalo man Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - by Ruba Lean Fairbanks Daily Newsminer Published 09/05/2011
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More Minnesota Schools are Serving Up Locally Grown Food by John Michaelson Public News Service Published 09/01/2011
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Gov. Dayton has declared September "Farm to School Month" in Minnesota. The Farm to School initiative is a program of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP). · Read the entire article.
From the farm to the classroom by MATT TUNSETH Alaska Star Published 09/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
September 2011 -- Farm to School Works for Healthy Food Choices by Congresswoman Betty McCollum AgriNews Published 09/01/2011
This September has been declared, for the first time, Farm to School Month by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. If you are not familiar with Farm to School programs, they connect small and mid-size farms that produce fresh, minimally processed foods with local schools to improve childhood nutrition and strengthen rural economies. Starting in 2005, Farm to School was an innovative idea being pioneered by St. Paul Public Schools. Today, it is a nationwide movement that is succeeding in getting more fresh fruits and vegetables onto students' plates. · Read the entire article.
Plan Now to Celebrate Local Healthy Food in October and Beyond by Susan Navrosky The Superintendent Published 09/01/2011
This article highlighted National Farm to School Month and Food Day and Oregon Harvest for Schools.(see page 13 of this pdf). Farm to School Week Toolkit by State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture Published 09/01/2011
Farm to School Week Toolkit and Program ideas. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 09/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
USDA official praises Salinas schools by Mike Hornick The Packer Published 08/31/2011
An early adopter of school salad bars drew praise from a U.S. Department of Agriculture official on a recent visit to Salinas.The Salinas City Elementary School District has salad bars in all 13 of its schools thanks to a program begun seven years ago by parents many of whom work in agriculture and supported by grower-shippers. · Read the entire article.
'FoodCorps' workers seek to reconnect Oregon students with the state's agricultural roots by Eric Mortenson The Oregonian Published 08/30/2011
Oregon's first four "FoodCorps" representatives began work this week, becoming part of a campaign to encourage school kids to eat right, reduce obesity, reconnect with the state's agricultural roots and support farmers. Oregon Harvest for Schools, a project created by the state Department of Education, features locally-grown food in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Best Back-to-School Lunches by Miriam Kresh Green Prophet Published 08/29/2011
In the U.S., efforts such as the Farm to School movement integrate food and nutrition education in the classroom. Through their efforts, more American children eat fresh local foods in school cafeterias, and local farmers benefit too. · Read the entire article.
From Pears to Pumpkins, Schools offer more produce. by Tom Karst THE PACKER Published 08/29/2011
More servings of fruits and vegetables are part of the back-to-school menu for U.S. school foodservice directors. More than 30% of schools already have “farm to school” programs and still increasing. · Read the entire article.
Not your father by The Reporter Pennlive.com Published 08/29/2011
Pamela Gallagher, coordinator of School Nutrition Services in the North Penn School District, said, “We’ll continue to work at creating exciting, appetizing meals for kids that are also healthy and nourishing," as students prepare to return to the classroom, school food serve departments are gearing up to entice them to eat healthy with tasty offerings. The district is involved in the Farm to School program and cafeterias will also stock fresh apples, pears, peaches and apple cider from Frecon Farms in Boyertown and lettuce from Ray Gehman’s Greenhouse in Franconia. · Read the entire article.
Our New Food by School Lunch Boston School Lunch Boston Published 08/29/2011
Food Corps is a pilot program of Americorps which aims to provide nutrition education in schools, build school gardens, and bring more local food into school lunches. Sadie Richards will be working with Kim Szeto and the Farm to School Initiative to continue work with bringing local food into school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
OK Foodie Radio Talk Show with Lisa Griffin, Tiffany Poe and Susan Bergen KRMG OK Foodie Published 08/27/2011
Lisa Griffin, Child Nutrition Director for Union Schools, Tiffany Poe, chef, and Susan Bergen, Peach Crest Farms, were guests on the KRMG OK Foodie radio talk show talking about re-training cafeteria personnel in knife skills and menu prep along with using local produce. The Farm to School Program & Dept of Agriculture was mentioned several times. (Select the August 27, 2011 show from the list to listen) · Read the entire article.
PART 1: Thinking Outside the (Lunch) Box by Chef Zachary Pope & Lea Hurt Crofton Patch Published 08/26/2011
School lunches have been the brunt of jokes for as long as kids have been lining up with plastic trays. Maryland has made great strides in promoting healthy eating with the Farm to School program which helps bring more Maryland-grown products to school lunch rooms. · Read the entire article.
DeKalb County Farm-to-School Program Scores a Win-Locally grown produce to be served in school cafet by Lisa Kuebler North Druid Hills- Briarcliff Patch Published 08/25/2011
The DeKalb County Farm to School Movement scored a big win recently when the DeKalb County School Nutrition Program announced that this year, all schools will be featuring at least one Georgia-grown produce item each month. · Read the entire article.
A Closer Look at the 2012 Farm Bill by Aliza Wasserman The Jew and the Carrot Published 08/25/2011
While headlines about the Farm Bill focus on the role of commodity subsidies in creating the ubiquity of processed foods in the U.S. (and increasingly in the global) food system, on the final day of the 2011 Hazon Food Conference, some of the most passionate and committed members of what some are calling the “new Jewish food movement” got a deeper look at the details of the policy landscape that shapes the way the U.S. food system functions and influences the rest of the globe. · Read the entire article.
Tomatoes become teaching point Push for fresher, healthier school lunches continues by Times Staff Writer Gunnison Country Times Published 08/25/2011
As part of the Colorado School’s Harvest of the Month program — which has been adopted district-wide by RE1J entering the new school year — the tomato is the first in a long list of fresh ingredients slated to be on kids’ lunch trays, as well as their minds. Each month of the school year has its own featured item. Along with receiving multiple servings of that item, students will receive lessons in the nutritional value and history through informative posters and classroom units. Participation in the Harvest of the Month program coincides with an expansion of Mountain Roots Food Project’s Farm to School program, which saw great success at Crested Butte Community School (CBCS) last year. · Read the entire article.
Detroit sustainable food movement receiving national assistance by Jody Helme-Day Examiner Published 08/25/2011
Detroit is getting a helping hand in the local, sustainable food movement from national organizations. Food Corps, a group modeled after AmeriCorps, just graduated 50 volunteers last week to be sent to 10 US cities to combat childhood obesity. Research has also shown that children who participate in farm-to-school programs eat one more serving of fruits and vegetables per day than children who don’t. · Read the entire article.
Lunch Lessons: Recipe for Success by Anne Cooper Huffington Post Published 08/25/2011
Our children's health and our nation's school food did not change for the worse overnight, but we can't put the brakes on the damage it is doing fast enough. A strong school-lunch program eliminates highly processed foods and puts a strong emphasis on fresh whole foods cooked from scratch. · Read the entire article.
FARM-TO-SCHOOL LUNCHES by Rona Gindin Edible Orlando Published 08/25/2011
Determined foodservice teams are doing what they can, and starting in 2012, their efforts will be aided by a new statewide initiative called Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives that was designed, in part, to ultimately marry local farm products and school lunch lines. The myriad child-nutrition efforts of Michelle Obama on a national level, along with those of several national organizations such as Farm to School, will assist. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Goes Direct - Wide by CB Staff The PEAK online Published 08/24/2011
Factory food took over most American schools in a rolling, greasy wave of chicken nuggets and highly processed everything over the last few decades. Now obesity and childhood diabetes reach epidemic proportions across the United States and family farming is facing the greatest decline of all occupations in America. In response, Farm to School programs popped up to support healthier school lunches. Finally, real ingredients, fresh food, and spices like cumin, cilantro, and garlic are making their return to the cafeteria tray, and kids are learning about where their food comes from. · Read the entire article.
Can FoodCorps Get America to Eat Healthfully? by Bryan Walsh Time Health Published 08/23/2011
The Hopi and Pima, like many other Native American tribes do suffer from dangerously high levels of obesity, higher than average Americans on a national level, the Hopi people call themselves the 'farmers of the desert." Native Americans who live on reservations often lack access to fresh, wholesome food, while at the same time they've lost connection to their own healthier traditional diets. FoodCorps is now assisting them to improve access to healthy food, FoodCorps a new national service organization that aims to fight obesity and diet related disease through promoting school gardens and farm-to-school programs. · Read the entire article.
Food’s New Foot Soldiers by Mark Bittman New York Times: Opinionator Published 08/23/2011
FoodCorps, which started last week, is symbolic of just what we need: a national service program that aims to improve nutrition education for children, develop school gardening projects and change what’s being served on school lunch trays. · Read the entire article.
FoodCorps Creates Jobs, Community, and Healthy Food. by Kelly McCartney SHaReAaBLe Published 08/22/2011
When President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act into law in 1993, he introduced the concept of community service to a new generation of young people through the flagship AmeriCorps program. Now, in the same grand tradition, a new project has been launched: "FoodCorps," The goal, here, is to build “a nation of well-nourished children: children who know what healthy food is, how it grows and where it comes from, and who have access to it every day.” To that end, FoodCorps outlines three key tasks for its Service Members: 1) Deliver hands-on nutrition education 2) Build and tend school gardens 3) Bring high-quality local food into public school cafeterias This a sound investment in a healthy future and gives our kids a chance to beat back the painful and costly epidemic of diet related disease. Among the founding team members are Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, the two guys behind the Peabody-winning documentary King Corn. They are joined by: Eschmeyer: who have worked at Slow Food USA, the "National Farm to School Network," and the Montana FoodCorps. Combined, they bring a solid pedigree of food activism to the program. · Read the entire article.
FOODCORPS MEMBERS GET THEIR HANDS DIRTY by Jerusha Klemperer Cilvil Eats Published 08/22/2011
At a compost bin that doubles as a podium, urban farming hero Will Allen faced the inaugural class of 50 FoodCorps service members—sitting together in Milwaukee but about to spin out to ten states around the country–giving them advice for the year of service they have ahead of them. · Read the entire article.
Maggie Smith: Getting kids to eat their veggies by Maggie Smith MADISON.COM Published 08/22/2011
13 schools throughout La Crosse County have implemented an innovative Farm2School program that includes fresh, local foods in the lunch line and coordinated nutrition education. · Read the entire article.
Thomas Vilsack: How the Obama administration plans to expand agricultural opportunities in Michigan by Thomas J. Vilsack Mlive Published 08/21/2011
Michigan is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, producing more than 200 different food commodities. In Michigan, the agri-food industry contributes $71.3 billion annually to the economy and with USDA’s support, the "farm-to-school" movement is creating new markets for farmers while providing healthy food for children at 2,000 schools nationwide. · Read the entire article.
Reduced, free lunch numbers way up in Collier, Lee schools by Heather Carney Naples News Published 08/20/2011
Collier schools will participate in a new farm-to-school program. The district will work with local farmers in Immokalee to provide the schools with the freshest seasonal produce instead of shipping it into Collier from out of state. · Read the entire article.
PeachCrest Farms & Farm to School Sunup Published 08/20/2011
· Read the entire article.
USDA gives $294,000 to help create jobs in Nebraska Read more: http://journalstar.com/news/local/ar Lincoln Journal Star Published 08/19/2011
Grant for Farm to School expected to create 6 jobs. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School by SUNUPTV You Tube; Farm to School Published 08/19/2011
Peach Crest Farms near Stratford to learn about the Farm to School program with owner Susan Bergen. In addition, Jason Young discusses how the Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center helped establish food safety and management practices at Peach Crest. · Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Goodbye, Mystery Meat? School Lunches Get More Healthful by Allison Aubrey NPR Published 08/18/2011
Kids may claim that Tater Tots are the only edible food in the school cafeteria, but in reality, school lunches are getting more healthful. And where does this fresh food come from? Farm-to-school initiatives are in the works at 70 percent of school districts. · Read the entire article.
Audio: Interview with Debra Eschmeyer by Jane Black Smart Food / Edible Radio Published 08/18/2011
In this episode of Smart Food, hosted by Jane Black, Debra Eschmeyer who is the Founder of Food Core, speaks about her newest program that brings Farm-to-Schools starting in August 2011. The concept behind Food Core is to provide nutritional education, school gardens and high quality fresh food to local community schools. So far, 10 states are participating in this program. Listen here to this podcast by Edible Radio. · Read the entire article.
Connecting WIC participants with farm-fresh produce by Mary MacVean Los Angeles Times Published 08/18/2011
Occidental College in Eagle Rock has helped establish a connection between farmers and several stores, including Prime Time, that stock only products approved for WIC shoppers. As seasons change, other farms will provide apples and tangerines, says Zeltser, manager of the Farm to WIC project that's run by the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental. · Read the entire article.
Schools Restore Fresh Cooking to the Cafeteria by Kirk Johnson The New York Times Published 08/16/2011
At Greeley’s school in Colorado, last year the burrito's were arriving from the factory wrapped in cellophane, each one had more than 35 ingredients, including things like potassium citrate and zinc oxide. This year: 12, including real cheddar cheese. Italian salad dressing went from 19 ingredients to 9, with sodium reduced by almost three-fourths and sugar — the fourth ingredient in the factory blend — eliminated entirely - “We’re going to teach children how to eat again.” · Read the entire article.
First lady earns James Beard Leadership Award by Tim Carman The Washinton Post Published 08/10/2011
First Lady Michelle Obama was one of 10 people selected today for the James Beard Foundation’s inaugural Leadership Awards, handed out to activists, educators and business leaders who help create a “healthier, safer and more sustainable food world,” according to a release. · Read the entire article.
Growing minds, growing kids Mountain Xpress Published 08/09/2011
Ready to go back to school? So is Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. During the previous school year, ASAP's Growing Minds Farm to School Cooking Program reached nearly 1,400 area students with the help of educators, chefs and community volunteers. Growing Minds works to connect farms and schools and give children positive experiences with healthy foods. Experiences include farm field trips, nutrition education, school gardens, and local food in cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Growing minds, growing kids by Webmaster Mountain Express Published 08/09/2011
Ready to go back to school? So is Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. During the previous school year, ASAP's Growing Minds Farm to School Cooking Program reached nearly 1,400 area students with the help of educators, chefs and community volunteers. Growing Minds works to connect farms and schools and give children positive experiences with healthy foods. · Read the entire article.
Omaha School Districts Incorporating More Local Foods by Center fo Nutrition Center for Nutrition Published 08/09/2011
“Farm to School is a nationwide movement that teaches children about agriculture and helps them to understand their sources of food. In Omaha, we have been exploring the feasibility of getting more local foods served in school cafeterias from the perspectives of school food service directors; food distributors and farmers, ranchers and other producers,” said Chelsey Erpelding, Farm to School coordinator at the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition.To better understand this feasibility, a meeting of more than 60 area school representatives, farmers, ranchers, distributors, parents and concerned citizens was hosted by the Center last December. · Read the entire article.
BARNYARD ART by Hannah Guzik Mail Tribune Published 08/05/2011
As roosters ran in the dust at their feet and an old dog slept among the pumpkins, eight kids sat at a picnic table Wednesday, blank paper before them and oil pastels in hand. · Read the entire article.
Local Cooking Experts Star at Statewide School Nutrition Conference by Jeff Hudson The Davis Enterprise Published 08/04/2011
About 100 food and nutrition professionals from across the state gathered Thursday at UC Davis to learn how to make tastier, more nutritious school lunches. The key message? Use fresh, locally grown ingredients, tangy spices and ethnic recipes that reflect the diversity of California’s population. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm-to-School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly Newsletter Published 08/03/2011
· Read the entire article.
Farm to School movement takes off in Jackson County by Admin Smoky Mountain News Published 08/03/2011
A Farm to School movement, an effort to get fresh, healthy foods in front of school kids, has taken off in the region, witnessed by more than 100 participants in a recent Farm To School Cooking conference in Asheville where chefs from the Biltmore Estate and Asheville restaurants Cúrate and Red Stag Grill, led workshops aimed at preparing teachers to cook fresh local foods with students this school year. · Read the entire article.
Shumlin plan would trade USDA staples to local foods by Andrea Suozzo Addison County Independent Published 08/01/2011
Local administrators are welcoming a move by Gov. Peter Shumlin’s campaign to free up federal funding for fresh, local foods in schools by allowing states to receive cash vouchers from the USDA instead of commodity food. · Read the entire article.
Shumlin plan would trade USDA staples to local foods by Andrea Suozzo Addison Country Independent Published 08/01/2011
Governor Shumlin of Vermont campaigns for federal funding for fresh fruits and vegetables in schools · Read the entire article.
In Mecklenburg, the classroom can also be a veggie patch by Karen Sullivan The Charlotte Observer Published 07/29/2011
At least 31 school gardens are expected to be in production this year, a success story for parents, teachers and local groups pushing to give students hands-on learning in their schoolyard Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/07/29/2489766/in-mecklenburg-the-classroom-can.html#ixzz1TqQNY8XE · Read the entire article.
Farm to School by Morgan Sailor Ahwatukee Foothills News Published 07/29/2011
Ashley Schimke, the Arizona Department of Education’s first farm to school specialist, is working to increase the amount of fresh, locally grown produce offered in Arizona schools. · Read the entire article.
Farms Do No Harm: Volume I - Spring-Ford Could Adopt Farm to School by Jennifer Hetrick Limerick, Royersford and Spring City Patch Published 07/27/2011
With the multi-faceted benefits of buying regionally raised food becoming broadly recognized, more and more schools and districts throughout the country are moving toward purchasing the freshest samplings of nourishment. Farm-to-school programs teach Kentucky kids how to eat healthier by Jessie Halladay USA Today Published 07/26/2011
Taylor is part of a group of students who participated in a farm-to-school program that started last year with help from a state grant that was awarded to three Kentucky counties. Ten more counties were awarded grants of $5,400 in June from federal stimulus funds to start programs that incorporate healthy foods into the classrooms and cafeteria through partnerships with local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school programs teach Kentucky kids how to eat healthier. by Jessie Halladay USA TODAY Published 07/26/2011
Taylor is part of a group of students who participated in a farm-to-school program that started last year with help from a state grant that was awarded to three Kentucky counties. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school programs teach Kentucky kids how to eat healthier by Jessie Halladay Citizen-times Published 07/25/2011
Taylor Hisel has always liked eating the vegetables out of her grandfather's garden, but until she started growing fruits and flowers at Jackson County High School in eastern Kentucky, she never understood how involved the growing process could be. “I just thought you put it in the ground and put water on it,” said 16-year-old Taylor, who will be a junior this fall. Taylor is among a group of students participating in a farm-to-school program that started last year with help from a state grant — funded with federal stimulus money — that gave three Kentucky counties $5,400 each. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School takes off In information-gathering stage by LINDA HALL The Daily Record Published 07/25/2011
Even though Wayne County is heavily agricultural, a Farm to School initiative aimed at feeding area schoolchildren the freshest food possible is a process. In part, it involves identifying what local foods may be incorporated into school lunches and when they are available. · Read the entire article.
Upper Moreland School District Grows and Grows by Gerry Dungan Upper Moreland WillowGrove Patch Published 07/25/2011
The Upper Moreland School District has taken nourishing its students to the next level. Through its wellness program, the district was able to procure a $6,500 Farm to School grant, received last July. With this grant, the district has been able to make unprecedented headway in promoting nutrition and healthy choices among its student body. · Read the entire article.
California Authors: Connecting the Dots From California Fields to Our Dinner Tables by Georgeanne Brennan The Sacramento Bee Published 07/24/2011
California, children do not need to be served reheated processed food manufactured in Kentucky or Missouri when they are surrounded by some of the most, if not the most, productive orchards, fields, farms, ranches and dairies in the world. Let's reconnect our children and ourselves to our rich agricultural landscape through creating a true California school lunch. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown produce from the Glory Hole garden by Jennifer Nu Published 07/23/2011
· Read the entire article.
Scaling-up Connections between Regional Ohio Specialty Crop Producers and Local Markets: Distributio by Inwood, Shoshanah, Jill Clark and Jeff Sharp Ohio State University Published 07/21/2011
This Ohio State University report explores the opportunities for scaling up distribution of local fruits and vegetables to retail outlets in Ohio by using conventional distribution methods. · Read the entire article.
Start ’em early: Preschoolers to grow new gardening program by Dennis Fujimoto The Garden Island Published 07/20/2011
18 schools are participating in the recently launched Farm to Preschool Program on Kaua'i Island. The program is one of four Communities Putting Prevention to Work projects being funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is coordinated by Malama Kaua'i. For more information, visit www.malamakauai.org. · Read the entire article.
Michigan one of two states to pilot program that lets schools buy local produce by Megan Hart Muskegon News Published 07/20/2011
School lunches may be a little fresher in the future if schools and farmers partner to serve local produce. A pilot program being tested in Michigan and Florida would allow schools to use federal commodities money to buy produce from farmers in their areas. · Read the entire article.
School garden takes root in time for fall by Sam Wheeler KVAL Published 07/19/2011
"An organic garden has taken root at Ashland High School to boost local and sustainable lunchtime cafeteria options for students next academic year. The idea for the project sprang up at the beginning of this year through an AHS student club called Superheroes of Sustainability, which was started by 2011 graduate Sophie Javna, 17, of Ashland. Through the club, Javna invited members of the community, who are on the forefront of sustainable practices, for lunch-hour presentations and discussions with students." · Read the entire article.
Local school food Sentinel Source Published 07/18/2011
Half a dozen years ago, Doug Davis, who runs the food service program for the Burlington, Vt., school system, went to pick up a shipment of apples provided by the federal government’s bulk food program. The program, which was crafted for farm price stabilization purposes many decades ago, supplies all sorts of food to every state, largely for use in schools. As he was taking delivery of the apples, Davis took note of the fact that the fruits had been trucked across the country from Washington state — a considerable distance from Vermont where, it being October, local apple orchards were in their harvest season. · Read the entire article.
Asheville's Emily Jackson connects farmers to schoolkids, consumers by Barbara Blake Citizen-times Published 07/16/2011
In Emily Jackson's colorful life, one of the threads has been homegrown tomatoes. Today, as program director for Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project's Growing Minds program, Jackson's world revolves around homegrown tomatoes and other produce grown on farms and in backyards and schoolyards right here in the mountains. “Our mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food,” Jackson said. “We want to keep farmers farming and to connect children and their families to where their food comes from.” · Read the entire article.
10 state budget cuts that might surprise you by Jake Ellison KPIU Published 07/15/2011
The Domestic Marketing Program at the Department of Agriculture was eliminated. This includes the Farm-to-School Program, which was dedicated to fostering relationships between schools and agricultural producers in Washington State, and the Small Farm Direct Marketing Assistance Program. (Amount saved: $911,000) · Read the entire article.
Local officials combat rising obesity rates by BRITTANY TREVICK The Daily Iowan Published 07/15/2011
Experts said childhood obesity can be avoided through exercising, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and attending programs that encourage children to not lead a sedentary lifestyles — something Iowa City has begun to focus on in recent years. And while the Iowa City School District has tackled children's eating habits through its Farm to School program — aimed at connecting students with local farmers to provide children with knowledge and experience with local, healthy food — the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert St., is spearheading a new youth exercise project. · Read the entire article.
FL Selected to Participate in Farm to School Pilot Program Southeast Ag-Net Published 07/14/2011
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Food and Nutrition Service will conduct a pilot for acquiring fresh fruits and vegetables to build on farm-to-school programs in Florida and Michigan. The pilot will use commercial distribution models already in place and allow schools to obtain locally grown produce. · Read the entire article.
USDA Seeks Ways to Boost Farm-to-School Programs by Steve Karnowski ABC News - US Published 07/13/2011
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a new report on what works in farm-to-school programs, what doesn't and what the agency can do to help them work better. The report was put together by a USDA team that traveled to 15 school districts across the country and comes as officials, including first lady Michelle Obama, are promoting the importance of healthier food for kids. · Read the entire article.
USDA launches pilot program aimed at getting more food from local farms into school cafeterias by STEVE KARNOWSKI Newser Published 07/13/2011
The popularity of farm-to-school programs that put locally grown food on cafeteria trays has exploded in recent years _ so much so that the federal agency in charge of school lunches is giving them a new stamp of approval. · Read the entire article.
USDA Seeks Ways to Boost Farm-to-School Programs by STEVE KARNOWSKI ABC News Published 07/13/2011
The popularity of farm-to-school programs that put locally grown food on cafeteria trays has exploded in recent years — so much so that the federal agency in charge of school lunches is giving them a new stamp of approval. · Read the entire article.
School lunches changing to healthier options by DEANNA CORONADO Daily Dunklin Democrat Published 07/12/2011
When analyzing the changes in school nutrition requirements throughout the U.S. and in the state of Missouri, specifically within local districts like Kennett Public Schools, its interesting to take a look at how the national programs like the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act has changed the look of the lunch tray. · Read the entire article.
USDA Launches Fresh Produce Program for Florida, Michigan Schools USDA Published 07/12/2011
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will conduct a pilot for acquiring fresh fruits and vegetables to build on farm-to-school programs in Florida and Michigan. The pilot will use commercial distribution models already in place and allow schools to obtain locally grown produce. · Read the entire article.
2010 USDA Farm to School Report by USDA Farm to School Team USDA Published 07/12/2011
On July 12, 2011, Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the release of the USDA Farm to School Team’s 2010 Summary Report at the School Nutrition Association's Annual National Conference in Nashville, TN. The Report summarizes the overall common threads of lessons learned, best practices, tips, common barriers and possible solutions from the Team's 2010 site visits. The Report also includes the Team's recommendations for ways in which the Department can continue its support of Farm to School and local food systems. Oklahoma had two sites chosen for visits and were Morrison Public Schools & Union School district in Tulsa. There were several mentions of the Oklahoma programs throughout the report. · Read the entire article.
Oklahoma obesity rate shows fastest growth since 1995, report says by CHRIS CASTEEL Daily Oklahoman Published 07/08/2011
Article in the Daily Oklahoman mentions Farm to School as one of the state’s programs to help aid in combating childhood obesity. · Read the entire article.
CREST students grow a garden and a curriculum in Wilsonville by Special to the Oregonian OregonLive.com Published 07/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm-to-School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly Newsletter Published 07/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 07/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
Organic Valley and National Cooperative Grocers Assocation Join Forces to Improve School Lunch CROPP Cooperative Published 06/30/2011
Organic Valley, the nation’s oldest organic farmer-owned cooperative, and National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), a business services cooperative serving 120 consumer-owned food co-ops nationwide, today announced they are joining forces to improve school lunch. · Read the entire article.
Alaska wild fish headed to rural school lunches Capitol City Weekly Published 06/29/2011
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) nutrition researcher Andrea Bersamin and her colleagues will begin studying the best ways to connect fishermen and processors with K-12 schools to provide wild fish to Alaska's school children, provide opportunities for food systems and nutrition education, and support local businesses. · Read the entire article.
Community garden faces hitch in its water supply by Alan Choate Las Vegas Review-Journal Published 06/27/2011
· Read the entire article.
Santa Cruz City Schools Tries to Make School Food Cool by Shanna Mccord Santa Cruz Sentinel Published 06/26/2011
The Santa Cruz school district is taking another stab at getting more kids to eat cafeteria food with a new marketing plan ready to launch in the fall. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School bill on the way to Governor Published 06/24/2011
The Senate unanimously approved a “Farm Oregon school" bill this morning, allowing more Oregon schools to participate in programs that provide local healthy food options while supporting local farms. House Bill 2800 will create a grant program to support the purchase of local foods for Oregon schools and educational activities related to Oregon agricultural products. Farm to School: Planting a food story by Virginia Martin Register-Star Published 06/23/2011
Columbia County’s Farm to School program may seem new, but it’s been developing over some years. The concept of food as something that, voila, magically appears only to satisfy requirements of palatability and low cost, is, we hope, entering its twilight among the broader population. In our schools, that outdated food concept has been a subject of enormous concern and discussion, and our teachers and school food services had been keeping a sharp eye on the various farm-to-school efforts elsewhere that were improving, among other things, children’s health and nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Farm food in the cafeteria by Erin Maxson KDRV Published 06/23/2011
The Oregon Senate is currently looking at House Bill 2800 which would provide additional funding for schools to purchase food grown in the region. · Read the entire article.
Farm to school is flourishing in Vermont by Megan Camp Burlington Free Press Published 06/17/2011
Thirteen years ago, the directors from three organizations dedicated to supporting a sustainable food system — Food Works at Two Rivers, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont and Shelburne Farms — gathered around a picnic table on a sunny day for one of our frequent brainstorming sessions. Those first conversations evolved into a collaborative project we named Vermont Food Education Every Day (VT FEED) · Read the entire article.
Farm to School-Stacy Sobell and Tracy Harding Immense Possibilities; PBS Published 06/16/2011
Great interview with Stacey Sobell and Tracy Harding discussing the Farm to School program. Along with good video footage of National Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
Students growing veggies they hope to eat in the fall by Jean Caspers-Simmet AgriNews Published 06/16/2011
The dill has spread into a soft bed of green. The potatoes are unfurling, the tomatoes and peppers are reaching upward, and the spinach and lettuce are thick and luscious. Marigolds form orange and yellow borders. Mustangs Roots and Shoots, the Independence Community School District garden, has 13 raised beds in back of the school administration building. Elementary school students planted the beds, which are divided by classroom, on May 19. · Read the entire article.
Putting Fish Back Into Schools, and More by Posted by Fishermen Published 06/15/2011
· Read the entire article.
Somerville Schools Buying More Local Produce by Amanda Kersey Somerville Patch Published 06/15/2011
Somerville schools can't afford to serve the 4,300 students who eat cafeteria meals each day the succulent strawberries that go for $3 per pint at the city's farmers markets. If only, school food staff say. However, the district's cafeterias dish up less expensive Massachusetts-grown fruits and vegetables throughout the year. · Read the entire article.
An interview with Stacey Sobell and Tracy Harding by Jeff Golden Immense Possibilities Published 06/15/2011
An interview with Stacey Sobell and Tracy Harding · Read the entire article.
A nod to local farmers for National Garden Week by Bradon Wilson Cherokee Tribune Published 06/12/2011
Thanks to the efforts of many gardeners and community leaders, local children are getting to the roots of what they consume, which is very basic knowledge for the elderly population, but an otherworldly phenomenon for much of my generation. Read more: Cherokee Tribune - Bradon Wilson A nod to local farmers for National Garden Week · Read the entire article.
Local school districts buying more produce from area farms by PAUL POST Saratogian Published 06/11/2011
Last fall’s apples are still putting smiles on the faces of area students under a “buy local” program that might be gaining momentum. A new U.S. Department of Agriculture ruling now allows local schools to specify “New York-grown” when placing bids for lunch program apples. · Read the entire article.
Eugene School Wins Garden Contest by Jessica Debbas KEZI-9 Published 06/10/2011
A small Eugene school won a nation-wide contest that will help the students to make healthy choices. The Village School, a charter school of just over 200 kids in south Eugene, won the Annie's, Inc. Root 4 Kids contest. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Successful Model in Tucson KOLD News 13 Published 06/10/2011
Chefs move for Schools finds success in Arizona. · Read the entire article.
Michelle Obama announces Let's Move! Child Care tools for daycare centers by Jeneba Ghatt The Washington Times Published 06/10/2011
Michelle Obama unveiled the Let's Move! Child Care while visiting children at CentroNia, a bilingual child care center in Washington DC. · Read the entire article.
Real Food Movement "Grows" in Eugene, Ore. as Another Local School Wins Farm to School Program in Na Didgital Journal Published 06/06/2011
Annie's, Inc. today announced The Village School in Eugene, Ore. as the winner in its second Root 4 Kids contest encouraging kids to dig and plant new veggies. The Village School generated more sign-ups than over 750 other schools throughout the nation competing to win their choice of a Farm to School program or school garden. · Read the entire article.
CROP OF TROUBLE, A cold, wet spring slows growth and forces farmers to adjust by Sherri Buri McDonald The Register-Guard Published 06/06/2011
WFFC’s Farm to School Program was highlighted briefly at the beginning of this news story with a great picture on the photos tab within this link. · Read the entire article.
Cherokee Tribune - School cafeteria staff get a taste of locally grown food by Kyle Dominy Cherokee Tribune Published 06/03/2011
Members of the Cherokee County School District cafeteria staff got a firsthand look at how food goes from the field to their kitchen this week.Yesterday, about 300 school system employees embarked on a tour visiting four Cherokee County farms that help supply fresh produce to feed students. · Read the entire article.
Health Department OK’d for farm, school program by TOM BERRY Murray Ledger and Times Published 06/03/2011
Calloway is one of 10 counties in the state to be approved for $5,400 in grant funding to promote healthy diets among youngsters. County Director of Public Health Linda Cavitt said Thursday the center will partner with the Calloway County Extension Office, Calloway County Schools and local farmers to kick off activities in the school cafeteria, the classroom and the community. The purpose of the program is to educate children about what they eat, what they learn about food and what they learn about good eating habits in the community. · Read the entire article.
Dover-Eyota High School students expand their orchard by Heather Thorstensen AgriNews Published 06/02/2011
Dover-Eyota High School students expanded an orchard at their school on May 16 with help from apple grower Jerry Kathan. Last spring, he helped students plant 15 dwarf apple trees, representing three Minnesota-hardy varieties, in a courtyard of the school. This year, he led 17 horticulture students in 9th through 12th grades plant five semi-dwarf pear trees. · Read the entire article.
School gardens blossoming by Rob Daniel Iowa City Press-Citizen Published 06/02/2011
The work of the dozen or so students at Kirkwood Elementary mirrored the efforts at seven other schools in the Iowa City School District that have had students, teachers and parent volunteers plant gardens on the school grounds. It is part of a movement by students and the district's Farm to School chapter to allow students to grow their own food and learn more about where it comes from, said Heather Widmayer, coordinator for the Farm to School chapter of the Johnson County Local Food Alliance. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program Unveils New Logo, Availability of Grants: by Division of Agriculture Monthly Newsletter Published 06/01/2011
Farm-to-school legislation would create jobs for a healthy Oregon OregonLive.com Published 06/01/2011
Discusses the significance of HB2800 in Oregon; both economically and in the health of our children. HB2800 would create at least 269 new Oregon jobs in the first two years, help address food insecurity, help encourage healthy eating behavior among children, and help children learn better through food, nutrition, and agricultural opportunities. · Read the entire article.
Schools Serve Fresh Iowa Lettuce For "Spring Greens Day" by Nadia Crow KCRG-TV9 Published 06/01/2011
More than 450 kids at Van Allen Elementary School in North Liberty got a taste of lettuce from the Hawkeye state. The greens didn't cost the students a dime to try. The goal: support local farmers while tackling childhood obesity. · Read the entire article.
Bamberg schools awarded grants to plant on-site gardens The Times and Democrat Published 06/01/2011
Richard Carroll Primary and Middle schools in Bamberg School District One have won $3,000 grants to plant on-site gardens and put more fresh fruits and vegetables on the table. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School project premieres in Mt. Laurel by Kevin Haslam The Central Record Published 06/01/2011
The Mount Laurel school district premiered its participation in the Farm-to-School program in early May. Food Service Director Stella Crawford, who has been with the district for eight years, debuted the program and was happy to see all of the fresh produce that came in, including farm fresh strawberries, tomatoes, radishes and garden salads. · Read the entire article.
From local farms to local schools by KATE CERVE Beaufort Gazette Published 06/01/2011
Vegetables fresh from local farms will be a fixture in the cafeterias of Beaufort County's public schools this fall.The school district, Clemson University Extension and state agencies are developing a "Farm to School" program to serve locally grown produce in school lunches in Beaufort, Jasper and Colleton counties. · Read the entire article.
Alaska Farm to School Program Update by Division of Agriculture Monthly newsletter Published 06/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
Are tight school budgets really an obstacle to farm-to-school success? by Dave Peters Minnesota Public Radio Published 05/31/2011
One of the supposed obstacles to expanding the farm-to-school effort that gets local food into the school lunchroom is the tight budgets that school food programs operate under. But a survey this spring of 67 Minnesota food producers interested in the school market indicates this may not be the problem some have thought. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School: Digging Up the Roots of Childhood Obesit Living Green Magazine Published 05/30/2011
The childhood obesity rate has been on the rise since the 1970s, and current statistics indicate nearly one-third of American children are obese and overweight. The ever-increasing pace of modern life is partly to blame, with more and more of us relying on the convenience of fast food. But because the causes of childhood obesity stem from many different factors, the issue remains largely unsolved. Newly developing farm-to-fork school lunch programs across the country aim to change just that. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School: A Closer Look at HB 2800 by Kyle Curtis BlueOregon Published 05/28/2011
The Farm to School Bill, HB 2800, is currently sitting in the Ways and Means Committee but if passed it would benefit both student health and Oregon’s rural economy. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School: A Closer Look at HB 2800 by Kyle Curtis Blue Oregon Published 05/28/2011
There is a wide support for local food in schools around Oregon. House Bill 2800 would provide funding to support economic development including rural Oregon. · Read the entire article.
Kids find out what grows and how to garden well www.thecordovatimes.com Published 05/27/2011
· Read the entire article.
Farm to School initiative launches in Davenport by Kay Luna Quad-City Times Published 05/26/2011
A pilot project of the new community-based Farm to School initiative in Davenport, the new raised-bed garden - filled with tiny green sprouts, just beginning to rise out of the earth - is the first of its kind in the Davenport Community School District. · Read the entire article.
Paul Banks’ new greenhouse augments health program by Randi Somers Homer Tribune Published 05/25/2011
· Read the entire article.
Program Aims To Build Healthy Eating Habits by Jane Lindholm Vermont Public Radio Published 05/24/2011
The Farm to School program has been instituted in 200 Vermont schools, uniting the classroom, the cafeteria and the community. A recent study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows promising statistical results on how this program changes behaviors. Linda Berlin, of the Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Abbie Nelson, director of VT Food Education Every Day, talk about the program that has been working to build healthy eating habits among Vermont school kids by connecting them with local agriculture. Listen to Jane Lindholm's interview with Linda Berlin and Abbie Nelson. · Read the entire article.
Taste Testing Kale by Diane Loupe Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch Published 05/24/2011
In a system-wide effort, parent and student volunteers grew and harvested kale, cafeteria staff cooked it with olive oil and garlic, and every student was offered a taste. Surprise! Many liked it. · Read the entire article.
Cordova by Mt. Eccles Students www.thecordovatimes.com Published 05/23/2011
Michaud moved by local-food movement by David Robinson Morning Sentinel Published 05/20/2011
Marble, 29, is the fourth generation to farm the same land in the western Maine hills in Farmington, where his family goes to sell most of their crops, eggs and baked goods. About 80 percent of what they produce is sold directly to consumers within 10 miles of the farm, many gathering at year-round farmers' markets, Andy said. Marbles' vegetables are also sold to area schools, which participate in the farm-to-school programs sparked by community advocacy group Western Mountains in Alliance in Farmington, according to Andy. · Read the entire article.
http://mcclendonsselectblog.com/2011/05/23/back-to-school/ by Kate McClendon McClendon's Select Published 05/20/2011
Marsha, Aidan and I had the pleasure of returning to the Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center (ANLC) today to help serve lunch to their students once again. As you may recall, some months ago Chef Charleen Badman from FnB decided to put on a lunch for the ANLC students so they could see for themselves what farm fresh veggies and dishes made from scratch would taste like for lunch · Read the entire article.
Local veggies to fill school cafeterias by Sara Wright Bluffton Today Published 05/17/2011
Fruits and vegetables grown on South Carolina small and mid-size farms will make their way to school cafeterias this fall, the Beaufort County school board voted Tuesday night. · Read the entire article.
Lawmakers want more South Carolina grown food in state schools by Chris Dyches WBTV Published 05/17/2011
The Rock Hill School District served 12,000 meals a day to students. That's a lot of food. South Carolina law makers want to encourage schools to put more locally grown produce in student's bellies. · Read the entire article.
World-travelled chef wins honors for sustainability efforts at Knox College by LISA COON The Register-Mail Published 05/14/2011
The Illinois Steward Alliance selected Helmut Mayer as a recipient of the 2011 Golden Beet Award for incorporating Galesburg area-produced foods into meals served at the college. “There’s a very high demand here for locally grown. Organic used to be the thing, but kids know organic can be mass produced — industrialized,” he said. “Locally grown is the big thing now.” · Read the entire article.
Study: Local Food Can Improve Oregon’s Health, Create Jobs Science Business Published 05/12/2011
A new study suggests that proposed legislation in Oregon that offers incentives to deliver fresh local food to schools would help improve the health of the state’s residents and create hundreds of new farm-industry jobs. The study was funded by a grant from the Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Health Impact Assessment Upstream Public Health Published 05/11/2011
Between Fall 2010 and Spring 2011, Upstream collaborated with Farm to School and school garden stakeholders to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on HB 2800, evaluating its potential effects on Oregonians’ health. Read the Executive Summary and final Health Impact Statement here. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-Schools Program Hopes to Keep Local Produce Local by Nate Stewart WLTX Published 05/11/2011
"And by bringing together those partners, we hope to have a lot of discussion on where we are now and where we can go," said Holly Harring, South Carolina's Farm-to-School coordinator. The program has a $1.6 million grant from The Center for Disease Control. One of its biggest goals is education. · Read the entire article.
Excerpts from the Future of Food conference The Washinton Post Published 05/10/2011
They were among the 30 speakers at the Washington Post Live Future of Food conference last week, many of whom talked about a growing food movement, about rising demands that more Americans — especially the poor — have access to fresh food and that big commercial farmers should not be allowed to pollute the water system with pesticides or feed animals vast amounts of antibiotics. · Read the entire article.
Produce in schools can be nutritious, educational by Pam Strickland Know News Published 05/06/2011
Jon Dickl, director of school nutrition and food services for Knox County Schools, isn't in the business of growing and picking fresh foods, but he does have a couple of local farms that are preparing bids for the school district for a new farm-to-school program. It would make Knox County, which will spend about $1 million on produce next year, the largest district in the state with such a program. The Knox County district serves about 35,000 lunches and 12,000 breakfasts daily. State education officials hope to make it a model that other districts can follow. · Read the entire article.
Local Preschoolers Learn To Tend A Garden Fox 5 Video Published 05/06/2011
Video featuring the Farm to Pre-School program of Community Health Improvement Partners in San Diego, CA. · Read the entire article.
Missoula Children Published 05/05/2011
Celebrate local food with the Coyote Choir of Missoula, Montana! · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program Update: by Division of Agriculture Newsletter Published 05/04/2011
· Read the entire article.
Kids dig (for) real food by Jenn Savedge Mother Nature Network Published 05/03/2011
What's the best way to get kids to eat real food? Get them involved in the process of putting food on the table. The closer they are to the root of that process, the better chance they have of recognizing, trying and even liking the food on their plate. Cooking with kids is a great start. Even better: gardening with kids so they can see where their food is coming from. That's the general idea behind a new contest that aims to teach kids about real food by rewarding one lucky school with a Farm to School program or a school garden. The contest is called Root 4 Kids. · Read the entire article.
Karst chat with USDA's Janey Thornton: how "geographic preference" will work with school meals by Tom Karst The Packer Published 04/27/2011
A conversation with about the new geographic preference rule with Janey Thornton, Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. · Read the entire article.
Nourish California Aims to Grow Food Literacy by Gretchen Goetz Food Safety News Published 04/27/2011
California, a state that has long been at the forefront of the fresh food movement, is planting the seed of its "California cuisine" in the next generation. This month marked the launch of the "Nourish California" program, an educational initiative designed to teach kids about where food comes from before it gets to the plate, from growing to preparation. · Read the entire article.
Family gardening: The solution to hunger is in your own backyard by SeANNE SAFAII, Ph.D., RD and ELIZABETH BEECHLER/UI dietetics student CDA Press Published 04/27/2011
As day to day living costs continue to climb, now is a great time to supplement your family's diet with food grown in your own yard. To encourage family gardening, Coeur d'Alene School District 271 is hosting a theme meal on Tuesday, May 3, in all of the local elementary schools. Currently, Coeur d'Alene School District Nutrition Services participates in Idaho's Farm to School Program which connects local food and agriculture with schools and students to help support healthy children, healthy schools, healthy farms and healthy communities. · Read the entire article.
In San Diego, Gary Petill and Vanessa Zajfen make a great team with kids’ interests at heart by Meredith Modzelewski School Food Focus Published 04/27/2011
San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), is now asking farmers around San Diego to plant food especially for SDUSD: last month, the district sourced 8,000 lbs of broccoli from one farm, and now two growers are collaborating to grow enough organic cilantro for the district. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program brings locally grown produce to the lunchroom by Mary Meehan Lexington-Herald Leader Published 04/26/2011
First-graders eat the crunchy, locally grown treat with their fingers; a few discover that a strip of lettuce can make a nice goatee. But, that bit of improvisation aside, the idea of introducing kids not only to healthy food, but healthy food grown close to where they live, is at the heart of the Farm to School program, which offered first-grade students a taste test last week. · Read the entire article.
Fed grant funds UA childhood obesity research Arkansas News Published 04/25/2011
A $4.78 million federal grant is funding a multi-campus obesity intervention project involving University of Arkansas scientists and educators. The project improves access to fresh fruits and vegetables via a direct farm-to-school distribution network linking local farmers to these schools, Nayga said. · Read the entire article.
On Earth Day: School Gardens Help Albany Kids Grow by Barbara Grady Albany Patch Published 04/23/2011
In school gardens throughout the Albany Unified School District, students are growing lettuce, beans, chard, spinach and other vegetables – some of which is then used in the school lunch program. · Read the entire article.
Who Grew That?! The Farmer of the Month Program by Jennifer Jewell ANewsCafe.com Published 04/23/2011
"If you are going to love carrots, your best bet is to try them fresh from the farm - and Matthew Martin's carrots are some of the sweetest carrots you are ever going to taste!" Gina Sims exclaims. Matthew Martin is the Farmer of the Month for 35,000 kindergarten through 12th grade public school students throughout the North State. · Read the entire article.
Schools, farmers, state push vegetables from farms to school by Vicki Naegele Fronteirsman Published 04/23/2011
· Read the entire article.
Nourishing the future leaders of Dunklin County today Daily Dunklin Democrat Published 04/22/2011
As many moms know, where our families and friends live, work, and play is just as important as their access to healthcare and medical services. For the children and youth in Kennett and Dunklin County communities, these keys to long term health and success often begin at school. Farm to School is one way Dunklin County is improving school nutrition. · Read the entire article.
WI Mom: Farm To School is a No-Brainer by Tim Morrissey Public News Service Published 04/22/2011
Supporting the Farm to School program is a "no-brainer" for Jennifer Engel, Sun Prairie. The young mother calls the program great for local farmers, and for parents who want their kids to eat healthy food at home and at school. · Read the entire article.
Grant help tackle childhood obesity Argus Leader Published 04/20/2011
Dakota Rural Action in Brookings will use a $115,110 grant it received earlier this year to develop a framework for a Farm to School Program in South Dakota. The program aims to improve nutritional quality of school food and teach children the importance of improved nutrition to help prevent childhood obesity. · Read the entire article.
Community conservation projects recognized Providence Business News Published 04/19/2011
Four community conservation projects have been selected to be honored with John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Awards on May 12, Environment Council of Rhode Island announced on Tuesday.The “Rhode Island Farm Produce to School Lunch Program,” developed by the Kids First organization in 1999 and now includes all 36 Ocean State school districts, will receive the John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award. The program provides students with fresh fruit and vegetables and schools have a network of 26 farmers to buy from. In 2010, more than 200,000 pounds of locally grown food were served at Rhode Island schools. · Read the entire article.
Oregon Farm to School Act Could Bring More Local Food to Eugene Schools Eugene Daily News Published 04/19/2011
As farms continue to pump out locally produced and processed goods and school children continue to wolf down cafeteria lunches, it’s a curious conundrum that more food doesn’t pass directly from local producers into the school systems. In Lane County, the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition and other local organizations have been addressing this issue for the past several years. With a mission to strengthen the local economy, benefit public health and support local food producers, WFFC has been promoting farm to school connections, becoming a leader in the region and the National Farm to School Network‘s State Lead Agency for Oregon. Now, with a current bill pending review by Oregon’s House of Representatives, the potential exists to strengthen that connection even more. · Read the entire article.
NJ Farm to School Network Spring School Garden Trainings in May Princeton Online Published 04/19/2011
The New Jersey Farm to School Network is organizing a series of regional, on-site school garden trainings to take place inseveral cities across New Jersey this spring. Led by instructors with experience in running successful school garden projects, these workshops will give participants ideas about how to start and sustain school gardens and how to incorporate garden education into the classroom, meeting NJ state curriculum standards. · Read the entire article.
Eating Fresh Here: Farm to School Systems Change by Deb Bentzel Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Blog Published 04/18/2011
Food systems movers and shakers have long been stymied about how to make locally grown foods, especially fresh produce more accessible, available, and affordable for low-income city dwellers. At the heart of this challenge is fairness. Farmers cannot lower their prices if they want to remain in business and low-income communities should not have to forego food that is affordable, delicious, nutritious, and stimulates the local economy. Fair Food, a nonprofit based in Philadelphia, has spent the past 10 years working to better connect the region’s farmers with the wholesale marketplace. · Read the entire article.
Oregon Farm to School Act Could Bring More Local Food to Eugene Schools by Sarah Nicholson Eugene Daily News Published 04/18/2011
Willamette Farm and Food Coalition is a leader in bringing local producers into the school system. HB2800 could have a significant impact on progressing this further. With the farm to school program actively involved in Eugene, Springfield and Bethel school districts, these schools are well prepared to utilize more local food purchasing. This article discusses the projects that farm to school is involved in, as well as what some local farmers, school officials and farm to school representatives think about HB2800. · Read the entire article.
Asparagus first of seasonal produce by Candace Krebs Ag Journal Published 04/15/2011
Wayne and Connie Whitmore of Coyle, Okla. proudly sell asparagus to the Coyle elementary school where Connie teaches kindergarten, but finding an affordable way to buy and serve the fresh produce is a challenge for schools. Connie also incorporates garden education into her classroom. · Read the entire article.
Making School Lunches Healthier with Home Town Farms by Jennifer Kaplan Ecopreneurist Published 04/15/2011
Childhood obesity is on the rise, and having a healthy school lunch is one way to fight this problem. Changing how kids eat is one of the most effective ways to improve their health, which is why school lunches are getting so much attention these days from people like Michelle Obama and chef Jamie Oliver, and why Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in December 2010. As the founder and CEO of Home Town Farms, ecopreneur Dan Gibbs has a vision that can help, getting school lunches and our kids back on the right track. Home Town Farms is a pioneer in the development of vertical, organic, urban farming as the solution to many of the problems stemming from how we grow and eat food · Read the entire article.
Doing the dirty work by Barbara Tucker The Tonawanda News Published 04/14/2011
Students growing food for a school cafeteria may seem like an unlikely project. Not, however, to members of the Science Club at Cardinal O’Hara High School. Members of the club broke ground in the fall with the intention of growing a garden for the school lunch program. “The students enjoyed playing in the dirt,” says club moderator Marley Smith. “Knowing that the garden will produce vegetables for the newly anticipated salad bar was a huge motivation factor to recruit more 16 students to get down and dirty.” · Read the entire article.
Farm to School? How About Farm to Summer Camp by Daniel Klein The Huffington Post Published 04/13/2011
Youth farm isn't your typical summer camp playing basketball or swimming, instead, these kids learn how to garden, cook (and of course play games). It sounds a little strange, but its a unique program that kids love, it gets them outdoors and they learn where their food comes from and how to enjoy it. I filmed some of their activities over a couple months last summer, and did some cooking with the kids as well... this week's episode is a culmination of that. Kids and food are a great and entertaining combination so I hope you enjoy watching this episode as much as I enjoyed making it. · Read the entire article.
State Bill Sparks Worries Over Local Farm to School Programs by Diane Conners Michigan Land Use Institute Published 04/13/2011
The Michigan House will vote soon on a bill that could force many schools to privatize their food service, raising questions about the fate of popular farm to school programs and whether school cafeterias should be seen as profit centers or, instead, as places to invest in fresher, healthier food for kids. · Read the entire article.
Produce to begin growing at four more schools by Rob Daniel Iowa City Press-Citizen Published 04/12/2011
The number of gardens in the Iowa City School District is growing by four and the district is gaining a school greenhouse as well, district officials said Tuesday. · Read the entire article.
Will Michigan House Bill Stunt Farm-to-School Efforts? by Rachel Fox, RD Eat Drink Better Published 04/12/2011
Michigan House Bill 4306 addresses school contracts for food service, custodial and transportation services. The bill aims to mandate schools to participate in competitive bidding for the provision of these services. This means all schools that have successful food service operations without corporate control will be forced into privatization. What are the basic arguments for and against this bill and what does it mean for farm to school initiatives? · Read the entire article.
HB 2800 and Farm to School NPR-Jefferson Public Radio Published 04/11/2011
Great discussion about the importance of HB2800; Tracy Harding executive director at Rogue Valley Farm to School explains the role of the Farm to School program in general, OSU Economist Bruce Sorte discusses the structure of the agriculture sector and the economic benefits of HB2800, Marah Hall campaign manager for House Bill 2800 talks about the goals of Upstream Public Health and HB2800. Farm to School discussion begins at 7:15 minutes and ends around 20:00 minutes. · Read the entire article.
Bill would aid schools, local farms, sponsors say by Mark Johnson The Register-Guard Published 04/10/2011
The Oregon Farm to School Act, HB2800 was approved by the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and now moves to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for budgetary approval. Short discussion of the potential benefits of HB2800, with quotes from Lane County Farm to School advocates. · Read the entire article.
Food Corps Gets Kids (and Recent Grads) Into Gardens by Sara Beladi NBC Washington Published 04/10/2011
With growing public interest in locally raised food and garden based-education, FoodCorps -- an offshoot of AmeriCorps -- has captured the attention of hundreds of young adults, many of whom are recent graduates. Starting this summer, the organization will place young adults in high-obesity communities for a year-long term of service, during which they will work to develop farm-to-school chains, build and tend school gardens and implement nutrition education. · Read the entire article.
Good Marks for Farm to School by David Rainville The Recorder Published 04/10/2011
The nationwide Farm to School project is showing results here in Franklin County. “I feel the local food revolution started here in Western Mass. We’re modeling for the state and the nation new ways to support our communities,” said Kelly Erwin, managing consultant of the Massachusetts Farm to School Project at Saturday’s Farm to School Forum at Greenfield Middle School. The forum brought together school food-service directors, farmers, food producers and educators to discuss the benefits and obstacles associated with serving local food in schools. · Read the entire article.
Schools, Farmers Team Up With Fresh Foods by Shlomit Auciello Heral Gazette Published 04/08/2011
A federal program designed to address childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is inspiring local schools to create a variety of programs. · Read the entire article.
Oregon bill would boost farm-to-school cafeteria programs by Paris Achen Mail Tribune Published 04/08/2011
House Bill 2800 would provide $2 million in funding which would reimburse part of the cost of school meals when they use local food products. Discusses need for state funding for Farm to School programs specifically in the Southern Oregon Medford School District. · Read the entire article.
Plainfield School Receives Grant To Promote Fruit And Vegetable Consumption New Jersey Today Published 04/07/2011
ueen City Academy Charter School in Plainfield is one of nine schools that will receive $7,500 mini-grants for programs to help students eat more fruits and vegetables, learn about good nutrition and promote locally grown produce from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. “Children are more likely to eat foods they’ve had a part in growing, so with this funding, the schools will plant vegetable gardens and get a hands-on lesson on where our food comes from,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. · Read the entire article.
Fulton County Students Eat Better, Local by Christine Foster Rosewell Patch Published 04/07/2011
Some local students recently learned that not all fries are bad; in fact, baked sweet potato fries may actually have health benefits, when consumed in moderation, according to a new education initiative by Fulton County Schools. The system’s Farm to School and Georgia Grown programs kicked off during February at fifteen area schools. · Read the entire article.
Cape May School Gets Grant to Promote Veggies, Fruit to Pupils Cape May County Herald Published 04/07/2011
Cape May City Elementary School is one of nine schools that will receive $7,500 mini-grants for programs to help students eat more fruits and vegetables, learn about good nutrition and promote locally grown produce from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. A school garden will be planted as part of the grant. Schools will be required to grow at least three different vegetables that will be harvested and sampled by students. · Read the entire article.
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Brings USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' College Tour USDA Published 04/07/2011
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today provided highlights of how Maryland can tap into USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, which promotes local and regional food systems by stimulating community economic development and ensuring equitable access to affordable fresh and local food. Merrigan discussed the initiative and food systems policy with students, faculty and community leaders at the University of Maryland. One example of how farmers can get involved is to participate in local farm to school programs that enable schools to feature healthy, locally-sourced products in their cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Four new Farm to School chapters formed Eastern Iowa Schools Published 04/06/2011
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today welcomed four new Iowa Farm to School Chapters. With today’s announcement, there are now fifteen chapters located across Iowa dedicated to developing and implementing efforts to raise awareness and increase consumption of locally-grown Iowa food in schools. · Read the entire article.
School garden teaches skills, promotes healthy eating by Kendra Evensen Idaho State Journal Published 04/06/2011
There is a 3,400-square-foot garden located outside of the Lillian Vallely School, and Principal Jeff Nauman believes it’s one of the most important teaching tools the school for Native American students has to offer. In fact he started the garden using his personal funds last year because he felt it could help students better apply math and science skills, and provide invaluable hands-on education about growing and eating healthy foods. · Read the entire article.
Locally caught fish on the Sitka middle school menu by Anchorage Daily News Published 04/05/2011
· Read the entire article.
Healthy Snack Program Expanding by KDLG’s Daysha Eaton explains how it will affect kids in rural Alaska. Published 04/05/2011
A program that provides healthy snacks to elementary school kids is expanding. KDLG’s Daysha Eaton explains how it will affect kids in rural Alaska. Ultimate Food Fight Erupts as Feds Recook School Lunch Rules by Nirvi Shah Education Week Published 04/05/2011
Across the country, school cafeteria managers, farm lobbyists, food companies, celebrity chefs, students, and parents have started the ultimate food fight. The skirmish is over the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts, prompted by the recent passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, to rewrite the rules about meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. At stake is what will and won’t be offered in the breakfasts and lunches schools serve millions of children every weekday. In the Burlington, Vt., schools, Food Service Director Doug Davis said his 4,000-student district has easily incorporated orange and dark-green vegetables into menus, in part because of a farm-to-school program that emphasizes local produce. · Read the entire article.
Lewis farmers to mull sales to schools by STEVE VIRKLER Watertown Daily Times Published 03/29/2011
An informational session has been set this week for Lewis County vegetable and fruit growers interested in selling to schools. As part of the county's Farm to School initiative, cafeteria managers at local schools have been surveyed to determine what types and quantities of items they may purchase locally. · Read the entire article.
School District caught between what by Julia O Anchorage Daily News Published 03/27/2011
· Read the entire article.
C-TEC culinary program serving healthier, local food by SETH ROY Newark Advocate Published 03/27/2011
The students in the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County's junior class prepare food for 500 to 600 of their classmates every day. The school also recently received a Farm to School grant, which it is using to buy equipment that will make processing fresh vegetables and other produce easier, as well as to educate students and their families about locally grown choices. · Read the entire article.
What by Julia O Anchorage Daily News Published 03/26/2011
· Read the entire article.
Georgia Organics Hosts First DeKalb County "Farm to School" Meeting by Lisa Kuebler Tucker Patch Published 03/25/2011
Georgia Organics hosted the first DeKalb Farm to School information and input meeting Wednesday night. It was well-attended, and among those in the audience were parents from various local schools, teachers, members of the DeKalb County nutrition staff, the county Health Department, a representative from the Lieutenant Governor's office, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, farmers, CDC representatives, and representatives from 4H and FFA (Future Farmers of America). · Read the entire article.
USDA Expands Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Schools Across the Nation by USDA Food and Nutrition Service Office of Communications USDA Food and Nutrition Service Office of Communications Published 03/23/2011
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that, as authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), USDA will expand assistance to state agencies for schools operating USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) in the 2011/2012 school year. · Read the entire article.
Growing a healthier crop of kids by Jenny Kirk Marshall Independent Published 03/23/2011
The past few years, the Farm to School program has been growing in more ways than one - growing fresh, healthy food and growing in popularity - both of which benefit local students, farmers and communities in Minnesota. · Read the entire article.
Kids Will Eat Beets: Bring More Whole Foods to the Table by Angela Berkfield and Katherine Gillespie Sentinel Source Published 03/22/2011
Vermont is a leader in the national Farm to School movement. Farm to School connects schools and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities and supporting local and regional farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farmers from around the state gather at Oregon by Bethany Monroe Molalla Pioneer Published 03/22/2011
Farmers, ranchers, consumers, and business owners gathered in Salem, Oregon for Family Farms and Ranch Day. There are several bills in the current legislative session which could impact farmers and ranchers. This rally provided a place for contact between state representatives and farmers and ranchers from around the state of Oregon. · Read the entire article.
Growcology - "The Origins and Future of Farm to School" School of Public Health Published 03/22/2011
"The Origins and Future of Farm to School" with Robert Gottlieb · Read the entire article.
Booming Farm to School Movement is a Great Opportunity for Growth of Local and Organic by Deborah Kane Published 03/22/2011
Farm to school programs are becoming more common across the country. Not only are farm to school programs helping improve the quality of school lunches, educating children about food, agriculture and nutrition but they are also having a significant impact on the local economy. Several examples are described here that show the economic benefits of schools purchasing local food. · Read the entire article.
Western Loudoun Schools To Begin Pilot Food Project by Margaret Morton Leesburg Today Published 03/21/2011
It's been more than a year in the making, but starting next month 15 western Loudoun public schools are set to begin a new partnership between the Loudoun County Public Schools system and Kilmer Farms & Orchard to bring locally produced fruit and vegetables into their cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Around Town: Following the Organic Wave, Stoddert Elementary Plants its Garden by Caitlin Ochs Georgetown Patch Published 03/20/2011
Drawing from lessons learned in Alice Water's Edible Schoolyard and the White House Organic Garden, volunteers at Stoddert Elementary helped build the school's first educational garden. · Read the entire article.
Wellness Week Comes to Coventry Schools by Lauren Costa Coventry Patch Published 03/20/2011
Students of school communities in Rhode Island serviced by Aramark will be able to give several new entrees a try during Wellness Week March 21-25. As part of the statewide transition toward fresher, more locally grown and less processed entrees, all Aramark lunches during Wellness Week will feature appealing menu items focused on healthy, yet kid-friendly, foods. · Read the entire article.
Recipes for success by JAIME CONE Battleboro Reformer Published 03/19/2011
Zeman’s Zing Zang took home Best in Show at the Third Annual Twin Valley Jr. Iron Chef Cook-off at Whitingham Elementary School Thursday, with Most Creative going to Team Murdock and J-Lee Crew Stackmasters coming in as the runner-up. The cookoff has enjoyed enormous popularity at Twin Valley, especially among the middle schoolchildren, and the thrill of competition has lured many young chefs-in-the-making back to the stove year after year. · Read the entire article.
EDITORIAL: Eating local in the schools The Register-Gaurd Published 03/18/2011
Somewhere in the state Capitol, there should be a display listing the best ideas the state can’t afford because of the current budget crisis. High on that list should be a $22.6 million proposal by state Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, that would provide state reimbursements to public schools to help them buy locally grown food products for use in their federally subsidized lunch programs. · Read the entire article.
Annie's Urges Support for USDA's Push for More Veggies in School Lunches CNBC Published 03/18/2011
More servings of veggies for kids in school lunches? Yes, please! Now through April 11, Annie's is asking kids, parents and schools to respond to the USDA's recent call for a dramatic change in school lunches - including increasing the number of servings and variety of vegetables offered to students - by sharing letters and pictures of support. · Read the entire article.
'Kidnapping' a fundraiser for farm program Philly Burbs Published 03/17/2011
A mock "kidnapping" will take place this morning at the Snipes Farm & Education Center in Falls to raise money for the farm's education program. Before calling the donors, the volunteers will be treated to a breakfast of green eggs and ham, the spokeswoman said. They'll also get a look at the farm's effort to teach sustainable farming through its school program and its community supported agriculture initiative, the spokeswoman said. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school benefits all farmers, backers say by Mitch Lies Capital Press online Published 03/17/2011
A brief discussion of how increased funding for Farm to School programs, from HB2800, could benefit large and small scale farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school is smart and pays off The Daily Astorian online Published 03/17/2011
Oregon State Representative Brain Clem has been a key player in pushing for state reimbursements to public schools that purchase locally. The importance Clem places on local agriculture is perhaps related to his upbringing in a farming family near Hood River. Either way, his support along with support from community members, farmers, parents, and schools are all needed to further the success of Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
Food & Fitness: Active endeavor at How-Winn Cresco-Times Published 03/15/2011
The northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative (FFI) is one of nine national sites funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation Food and Community Program. Many schools in northeast Iowa have started school gardens with support from FFI. · Read the entire article.
Putnam makes pitch to take over school lunches by Eloísa Ruano González Orlando Sentinel Published 03/15/2011
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam met with state education leaders Tuesday for the first time since he announced he wanted to take over the school-lunch programs. Putnam, who has met with some opposition, argued the state grows a lot of fruits and vegetables and that his office could work with local farmers to put more fresh produce on students' lunch trays · Read the entire article.
San Diego School Lunchrooms Go Green by Ana Tintocalis KPBS Published 03/15/2011
“This broccoli was grown special for you,” Vanessa Zajfen tells students before they eat their lunch. Zajfren is the San Diego Unified School District’s farm-to-school program specialist. “We planted it in November over five months ago, and now it's here in your salad bar,” she adds. · Read the entire article.
Lake Co. group works to grow local produce market by Angela Marshall KAJ18 Published 03/14/2011
The mission of Lake County Community Development is simple: to enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of area residents. Local entrepreneurs can basically turn their ideas into a finished product. They are specifically looking at getting fresh Montana products into schools. · Read the entire article.
Embracing the local: MN Farm to School programs see dramatic increase by Sharon Rolenc Twin Cities Daily Planet Published 03/14/2011
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) study shows a dramatic increase in Farm to School initiatives in Minnesota. A survey of 165 school districts - half those in Minnesota - found that the number engaged in Farm to School rose from only 10 in 2006 to 123 in 2010. · Read the entire article.
Bill Watch: Growing Support For Farm to School by Michael Levine Honolulu Civil Beat Published 03/11/2011
Even as acres of farmland lay fallow, Hawaii imports the vast majority of its food. Hawaii legislators are starting to take steps to change that, even if they're moving slowly. Among the bills still alive are farm-to-school measures that would put local produce into cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Lawmakers look at funding locally grown food in schools by SARAH ROSS Oregon Capitol News Published 03/10/2011
Lawmakers heard a $22.6 million proposal this week to bring local food to Oregon schools. The law would provide for schools to be reimbursed 15 cents for every lunch and seven cents for every breakfast when the school buys food that was processed, packaged, or produced in Oregon. · Read the entire article.
Sizing Food Safety to Fit Small Farms by Gretchen Goetz Food Safety News Published 03/10/2011
Most farmers would rather sift through a batch of seeds than a pile of paperwork. Yet selling to the public requires a food safety plan, which means time spent behind the desk in addition to out in the field. Now an innovative program in Washington state aims to create streamlined guidelines for food safety that will allow small farms to profit from the local food movement without getting bogged down in bureaucracy. · Read the entire article.
FoodCorps: Kids, Dirt, and New Jobs by Diane Conners Michigan Land Use Institute - Our Voices Published 03/10/2011
We really need FoodCorps. It aims to turn school kids on to the amazing experience of planting a seed in the earth, seeing it grow into a brilliant orange carrot, pulling it from the ground like a magic trick out of a hat, scrubbing it clean, and taking a sweet, crunchy bite. However, because FoodCorps, a year into its planning, is supposed to be part of the AmeriCorps service program, it could get axed during current federal budget discussions. · Read the entire article.
Bill links Oregon farms with school lunches by Peter Wong Statesman Journal Online Published 03/10/2011
Lack of funding has been the primary obstacle hindering school districts local food purchases for the national school lunch program. House Bill 2800 will allow schools to contract with local farmers; this will benefit the state and local economy and improve the quality of food that our children consume. · Read the entire article.
Schools Seek State Funding For Fresh Food by Mackenzie Wilson KTVZ Published 03/09/2011
Even during a time when eating organic, local food is the 'it' thing to do, being a farmer in Central Oregon is still no picnic. Supporters of the Farm to School program want to change all that with a two-part bill. School districts like Bend La Pine who buy food from local farmers would get 15 cents for each school lunch. · Read the entire article.
Vote for your favorite new school lunch recipe by Nanci Hellmich USA Today Published 03/09/2011
You can vote for your favorite new school lunch recipe starting today at recipesforkidschallenge.com. As part of first lady Michelle Obama's Recipes for Healthy Kids competition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture challenged teams of school professionals, chefs, students and community members to come up with new recipes that would fit into the school lunch program. · Read the entire article.
Schools Seek State Funding For Fresh Food(VIDEO) by Mackenzie Wilson KTVZ News Published 03/09/2011
This news clip discusses the economic benefits that result from schools purchasing food locally and the role that the state can play in increasing the local purchasing power of schools in Oregon. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Spotlight: Kodiak Farm to School Program by Division of Agriculture The Division of Agriculture Activities Published 03/08/2011
Division newsletter · Read the entire article.
A Good Start: Pajaro Valley Schools Serve Breakfast in the Classroom by DONNA JONES Mercury News Published 03/08/2011
A few minutes before the bell rang to signal the start of the day Tuesday at Calabasas Elementary School, students pulled red wagons laden with apples, oatmeal bars and cartons of milk to classrooms. · Read the entire article.
Are public school lunches making the grade? by Michelle Andujar WillametteLive.com Published 03/08/2011
This article discusses challenges to making school lunches healthier and offers the National Farm to School Network programs as one solution. Sodexo has been contracted with the Salem/Keizer school district lunch program for 31 years and despite some positive changes in lunch composition, parents are speaking up about more that can be done. The author describes school lunch compositions supplied by Sodexo in comparison to alternative providers in Salem, Oregon. · Read the entire article.
Kittery, York schools move to grass fed beef by Susan Morse Seacoast Online Published 03/06/2011
Move over, chipped beef on toast. Grass-fed beef is now on the cafeteria menu at schools in York and Kittery, Maine. Food Service Director Doris Demers has long bought local produce to serve to students as part of her farm to school program. This fall, she extended the slow food movement to hamburgers and cheeseburgers made from grass fed beef raised in Maine. · Read the entire article.
Burton: Workshop to connect local crops, schools News-Leader Published 03/05/2011
A goal of the Missouri Farm to School Workshop being held in Springfield on March 30 is to connect schools, universities and hospitals with food grown by local farmers. · Read the entire article.
11 steps: State program aims to improve diets by Kate Franken SC Times Published 03/05/2011
Farm to School programs provide fresh, local food to students and a new market for farmers. For example, Sartell-St. Stephen students have enjoyed nine local foods this year from neighboring farms, including fresh sweet corn and melons from Svihel Farms in Foley and crisp apples from Collegeville Orchards. · Read the entire article.
From Farm to Classroom Yoga Journal Published 03/05/2011
Many of the nation's schoolchildren don't know where food comes from and don't get to see fresh foods in their raw form, says Anupama Joshi, the co-director of the National Farm to School Network, an organization that promotes relationships between elementary and high schools and local farms. State, feds find common ground on local-food movement by Peter Wong Statesman Journal online Published 03/05/2011
Discusses scaled down version of House bill 2800, which allows the state to reimburse school districts for locally grown food products used in the federal school lunch and breakfast programs. Brief discussion about getting people of all ages involved in farming as an occupation. · Read the entire article.
Leland to create meals from 'scratch' Leelanau News Published 03/04/2011
A $35,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture is being sought by the Leland School District to move its food service program to more cooking “from scratch.” Another identified goal is to purchase eggs, milk, potatoes and apples for the food program locally, and to create meals form “scratch” one day per week. · Read the entire article.
Local fish earns high marks in school lunch program by Robert Woolsey KCAW-FM Published 03/03/2011
A pilot program to serve locally-caught seafood in Sitka’s middle school is gaining momentum. Organizers are modeling the project on “farm-to-schools” efforts in the lower forty-eight. As KCAW’s Robert Woolsey reports, the target audience seems to be eating it up.Sitka’s fish-to-schools program launched in January, and is aiming to serve locally-caught seafood twice a month at Blatchley Middle School for the rest of the year. · Read the entire article.
Cross-age teaching: Decorah High School students helping kids eat healthier by Julie Berg-Raymond Decorah Newspapers Published 03/03/2011
Not too long ago, a group of second grade students in Decorah could not answer the following question: "What sound does the animal make, that gives us hamburger?" It may be hard to believe this could happen in a town surrounded by farms and rooted in rural cultural traditions; but it's a measure of how far people -- even people living in largely rural areas -- have moved away from knowing the sources of the food they eat. That's changing, though -- thanks to the efforts of an organization committed to bringing, in essence, the farm back to the schools. · Read the entire article.
Healthier foods highlight school nutrition efforts by Erik McNeal Neighbor Newspapers Published 03/02/2011
Douglas County School System originated a “Farm to School” program this school year to introduce fruit and vegetables grown in Georgia to students every month. This program helps reduce the carbon footprint by cutting down the travel time for produce to travel and it promotes local farmers, Reich said · Read the entire article.
Students get local flavor at New York State Food Day by LISA KAPPS Observer-Dispatch Published 03/02/2011
When Westmoreland Elementary School students filed through the cafeteria line Wednesday, alongside the staples like and peanut butter and jelly were burritos made with New York state beef and cheese, and quesadillas made with New York state cheddar. · Read the entire article.
As more people look to local foods, market reaches a by Tom Cherveny West Central Tribune Published 03/02/2011
MILAN — For years the school lunch menu was as simple as pizza on Monday, chicken nuggets on Tuesday and beef nachos on Wednesday. "Over and over again," said Jeannine Bowman, school lunch director for the Benson and Morris schools. She upset the apple cart by replacing much of the processed, institutional foods with locally grown foods — everything from apples to bison to zucchini — prepared from scratch on site. The variety has won lots of applause. · Read the entire article.
Earth to Table program donates organic produce to schools by Mary Landers Savannah Now Published 03/02/2011
By delivering CSA shares to parents when they pick their children up from school instead of offering home delivery, the Earth to Table Farm Box Program saved enough money that they could donate produce to the participating school. · Read the entire article.
Ferrisburgh Central School Wins Farm To School Video Contest The Valley Voice Published 03/01/2011
As the camera scanned the salad bar filled with fresh local vegetables at Hartland Elementary School, one student said, “The salad bar is healthy and awesome.” This was a scene in one of three winning videos for The Reel Farm to School: Vermont Farm to School Video Contest. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program by Contributed by: Dr. Stephen Brown, Mat Su/Copper River District Agriculture Agent Mat-su Master Gardeners Newsletter Published 03/01/2011
· Read the entire article.
Missouri working to upgrade school lunches by Carah Hart Harvest Published 03/01/2011
Missouri schools will have opportunities to grow their own food and emphasize organic food. “We’re continuing to work with schools to push more fruits and vegetables — even some more locally grown fruits and vegetables — more farm-to-school projects,” Wooten said. · Read the entire article.
Reaching Minnesota's hungry kids through Farm to School by Sharon Rolenc Twin Cities Daily Planet Published 02/28/2011
During the school year, one Minnesota child in three relies on free or reduced-price school meals for two-thirds of their daily food intake, and yet many low-income children continue to go without the food they need. In that situation, one popular nutrition initiative may help reach under-served kids. Stephanie Heim, Farm to School coordinator with the University of Minnesota Extension, says research has found when schools become engaged in Farm to School programs, school meal participation rates actually increase. · Read the entire article.
Schools poised to offer local produce for meals by Rebecca Williams Knox News Published 02/27/2011
Much of the tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables served this spring for public school lunches will be grown locally, according to Knox County Schools' new director of school nutrition and food services, Jon Dickl. · Read the entire article.
Local milk not on many school menus by THOMAS DIMOPOULOS Post-Star Published 02/26/2011
With farm-to-school initiatives springing up across the country, school lunch programs have started to add products like lettuce and apples that school districts can purchase directly from their local farmers.Milk, however, is a more difficult sell. · Read the entire article.
Jan Poppendieck: Rethinking School Food for the 21st Century by Max Follmer Take Part Published 02/24/2011
Jan Poppendieck teaches sociology at Hunter College, City University of New York. Her book Free for All: Fixing School Food in America (University of California Press, 2010) is a comprehensive overview of the mess our nation's school lunch program is in today. Free for All explores the history of school lunches in America, documents the financial and policy constraints that determine what kids eat, and presents her vision of a system that provides healthy, affordable and fresh food for the nation's students. · Read the entire article.
Buyers want locally grown food by By Jean Caspers-Simmet AgriNews Published 02/24/2011
Luther College buys 400 pounds of locally grown potatoes and 300 pounds of onions each week, said Wayne Tudor, general manager of Luther College dining services for SODEXO. Demand for fresh tomatoes is almost unlimited. Luther would like to buy locally produced dried beans and locally grown mushrooms. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program Serves Up Corn on Cob at St. Anne School by Rob Martin KFYR-TV Published 02/23/2011
Students at St. Anne School in Bismarck got a special lunch time treat today: good, old-fashioned corn on the cobb.The corn was locally grown right here in North Dakota and processed in the Department of Agricultures Mobile Food Processing unit. This is all to promote the Farm to School Program. · Read the entire article.
Boyle schools serving lettuce raised by student by MANDY SIMPSON Advocate-Messenger Published 02/23/2011
Boyle County students may not know it, but some of the lettuce in their cafeteria salads now comes from fellow student Tucker Huntsinger’s Future Farmers of America project. · Read the entire article.
Moving fresh produce from farm to school by Amanda Sears Richmond Register Published 02/23/2011
Several organizations and individuals in Madison County are working together to provide fresh local produce for the Madison County and Berea Independent School district, as well as St. Joseph Hospital in Berea. Emily Agee, food service director for Madison County Schools, has put together a list · Read the entire article.
Workshops aim to bring local foods to local schools High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal Published 02/22/2011
The local food movement is going back to school. "This whole farm-to-school movement is really taking off right now, with a lot of interest and a lot of people trying to find ways to make it work in their community," said Bill McKelvey, Missouri Farm to Institution project coordinator. · Read the entire article.
Immigrants and food: Another way to shape the national conversation by Robert Gottlieb Mercury News Published 02/21/2011
How do we get beyond the hostility and negative associations regarding immigrants and shine a light on their contributions to our economy and culture? One way is to see how immigrants provide for a healthier and more diverse food system. · Read the entire article.
Setting roots: Local food movement expanding by Will Sands The Durango Telegraph Published 02/21/2011
The Farm-to-School movement has been one of the brightest spot in Southwest Colorado’s push for local foods. School districts in Durango, Ignacio and Bayfield have all embraced the idea and realized that the health and education benefits of eating locally exceed a slight rise in cost. · Read the entire article.
Report from the front lines: TEDx Manhattan by Emily Olson Gastronomy at BU Published 02/20/2011
Curt Ellis, co-founder Food Corps, spoke at the TEDx Manhattan “Changing the Way We Eat” conference. Curt modeled Food Corps after the Peace Corps with the hope that young people will want to spend a year working towards school food public service. Curt believes that school food is where it all begins, and that cafeterias should be transformed into health food venues. · Read the entire article.
Moving fresh produce from farm to school by Amanda Sears The Richmond Register Published 02/18/2011
Several organizations and individuals in Madison County are working together to provide fresh local produce for the Madison County and Berea Independent School district, as well as St. Joseph Hospital in Berea. Emily Agee, food service director for Madison County Schools, has put together a list of what fruits and vegetables are needed by each school in our district. It is not necessarily expected that one farmer could fill the order for all the schools, but perhaps could cover one or two schools or work together with other producers to fill orders. · Read the entire article.
Oregon farmers and groups win Progress Awards from the state agriculture department by Eric Mortenson Oregon Live Published 02/18/2011
An Outstanding Cooperator awars was presented to Ecotrust and its Food and Farms Program, which links local food producers and consumers. Ecotrust also is involved in the "farm to school" effort, which puts local products in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Grant aims for new markets for New England food by Lisa Rathke Burlington Free Press Published 02/18/2011
A new $250,000 federal grant is aimed at putting more locally raised food into New England's schools, colleges and hospitals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, awarded this month to the northeast committee of the National Farm to School Network, will help pay for expanding processing of local food in Massachusetts, opening a new processing project in Maine and setting up a model distribution system. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Program Goes Local, Safely by Gretchen Goetz Food Safety News Published 02/16/2011
A school district in Washington state has ditched frozen French fries and chicken fingers this year in favor of fresh fare. Students will not be the only beneficiaries of Vashon's meal service makeover. The local economy is set to get a boost from the program as well. The school district is now working with the Vashon Island Growers' Association (VIGA) to incorporate fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers into school menus. · Read the entire article.
Professor Robert Gottlieb discusses his book, "Food Justice" Food First Published 02/15/2011
Professor Robert Gottlieb discusses his book, "Food Justice" co-authored with Anupama Joshi, who is the co-director of the National Farm to School Network · Read the entire article.
America by Lizzie Simon The Huffington Post Published 02/15/2011
Ask a group of school kids about "mystery meat" and they may have no idea what you're talking about, not if they're on the feeding end of national and local efforts to transform school lunch programs. A genuine movement is afoot at schools to create better, more nutritional meals for kids using produce from local farmers, and in many cases, from gardens the students help create and maintain themselves. · Read the entire article.
What will you eat? The battle for your dinner plate at the Oregon Legislature by Kyle Curtis Blue Oregon Published 02/14/2011
Currently in Salem, there is a pitched policy battle being waged, the outcome of which will determine the make-up of the food that appears on Oregonians’ dinner plate. A version of the Farm to School Act has been in the Oregon legislature since 2007, with various provisions being passed. · Read the entire article.
Getting local food products into Alaska schools a worthy challenge by Nancy Tarnai Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Published 02/12/2011
A profile of Alaska's new National Farm to School Network state lead, Johanna Herron, and the great work she is doing in Alaska. · Read the entire article.
Local farms good source for school lunch by MARK HELMS Valley Courier Published 02/10/2011
Statistically, students receive 50 percent of their calories from school lunches, and for many, the school lunch is the only substantial nutrition they receive all day. Mark Lara, District Food Service Director of North Conejos Schools and representative of the Farm to School Food Coalition asks: what are we serving? His goal is to put fresh, additive and process free Valley grown foods into the lunchrooms of area schools. · Read the entire article.
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Brings USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' College To USDA Published 02/09/2011
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today provided highlights of how North Carolina can tap into USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, which promotes local and regional food systems by stimulating community economic development and ensuring equitable access to affordable fresh and local food. One example of how farmers can get involved, Merrigan said, is to participate in local farm to school programs that enable schools to feature healthy, locally-sourced products in their cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates the First Year of 'Let's Move!' by Honey Berk Parent Dish Published 02/09/2011
Today marks the first anniversary of Let's Move!, the comprehensive initiative launched last year by first lady Michelle Obama with the goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity in a generation. · Read the entire article.
Michelle Obama visits Atlanta, touts fight against childhood obesity by Kristina Torres and Gracie Bonds Staples Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 02/09/2011
Touting what she called a fundamental shift in how America lives and eats, first lady Michelle Obama made Georgia her prime stop Wednesday to celebrate the first anniversary of her "Let's Move" campaign aimed at improving children's health. · Read the entire article.
Local Food for Local Schools by Jennifer Colton Hermiston Herald Published 02/09/2011
State and school officials are going back to basics to improve economy and health through an initiative to bring more Oregon-grown products into the cafeteria. · Read the entire article.
SRPs make nutrition a top priority by Liza Frenette NYSUT United Published 02/09/2011
Sweet potato roux in macaroni and cheese? Yes, it's a school lunch created by Julie Holbrook, food service director for Keene Central School and a member of Keene Support Staff Association. She is among the many NYSUT food service professionals making school meals healthier. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School in Oklahoma by Phil Cross KOKH Fox 25 Published 02/08/2011
A profile of Peach Crest Farm and Oklahoma's Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Happy Anniversary Let's Move! FoodCorps Recruiting First Class of Service Members by Debra Eschmeyer The Huffington Post Published 02/08/2011
When I was at the White House Childhood Obesity Forum in April 2010, one of the First Lady's statements truly resonated with me: "What we have done is start a national conversation. But we need your help to propel that conversation into a national response." Ask and ye shall receive. This week, FoodCorps, a brand new and much anticipated national service organization, opens applications for its first class of service members. · Read the entire article.
The Cook’s Warehouse Hosts Farm-to-School Workshop The Gormet Retailer Published 02/07/2011
Mary Moore, founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse, hosted the fourth half-day Farm-to-School cooking workshop in January for cafeteria workers from the City Schools of Decatur. This class was held in the Decatur High School cafeteria kitchen with about 30 cooks from the eight separate kitchens that feed the city schools’ children. · Read the entire article.
Episode 69 Smart Food - Debra Eschmeyer Edible Radio Published 02/07/2011
On this episode of Smart Food, Debra explains how Food Corps will help bring local food to schools and why spreading the good-food message beyond the farmers-market crowd is so important. · Read the entire article.
From Farm to School Concord Monitor Published 02/07/2011
The Farm to School Program at the University of New Hampshire is planning a series of events to match local farmers with schools in the market for local produce. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Summit by Division of Agriculture Newsletter Published 02/07/2011
· Read the entire article.
Norristown students learn about healthy food choices by MELISSA BROOKS The Times Herald Published 02/06/2011
It’s no secret: Many studies have shown childhood obesity is associated with various health problems, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and sleep apnea. And while for many Americans, old food habits die hard, children only know what they’re taught. · Read the entire article.
BLUE DEViL BISTRO: Astounding variety and healthy choices by Laura Schaffer Hometown Focus Published 02/06/2011
Good, healthy food choices. That is, and always has been, the mission of Virginia Public Schools’ Food Services Department. With the percentage of overweight children in America having grown to an astonishing one out of three children, many schools are beginning to take steps to change this trend. Virginia Schools are ahead of the game. · Read the entire article.
Statewide conference on organic farming at Princeton University attracts record turnout by Pat Tanner Central Jersey Published 02/04/2011
But the most forward- looking initiative to sow new seeds was another first: The concurrent Kids’ Conference, which offered a full slate of expert-led talks and activities for children ages 6 to 12 who had a parent attending the conference. The aim, according to the program, was to “excite the newest generation of gardeners, farmers, and healthy consumers.” · Read the entire article.
Farms, schools partner in food program by Ashley Fuller Cherokee Tribune Published 02/03/2011
Leaders in Cherokee County's agriculture industry want to grow a national program that helps local farms and schools work together. Georgia Organics, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting sustainable foods and local farms in the state, has teamed with the Cherokee County Farm Bureau to expand the Farm to School program in the county. · Read the entire article.
Helman students use sustainable transportation to get to their farm project by Hannah Guzik Ashland Daily Tidings Published 02/02/2011
Accompanied by three parents and Sherbow, the students rode two miles from school to the farm on the Bear Creek Greenway using bikes on loan from Scenic Middle School in Central Point. At the farm, the students pulled weeds from garlic beds they planted in October and planted lettuce seeds in a greenhouse. · Read the entire article.
School cafeterias hope to serve locally grown food by Leslie Brown Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Published 02/02/2011
The Vashon Island School District is working with the Vashon Island Growers Association (VIGA) to develop a program to bring locally grown fruits and vegetables into the district’s three cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School in Wayzata by Tom Niemisto Daily Planet Published 02/01/2011
A Video profile of one program in Minnesota - JoAnne Berkenkamp works with local foods policy initiatives at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis. She says that Farm to School programs, such as the one at Wayzata Middle School, is smart policy that will help connect and educate students with their local food sources and support small- to mid-sized farmers year round. · Read the entire article.
So You Want to Find a Food Internship: A Job-Seeking Guide by Helene York The Atlantic Published 01/31/2011
Besides volunteering to gain experience, participating in campus food issues and, of course, becoming a chef, what other thoughts could I share to help guide our next wave of food advocates? Here are some of my favorites: · Read the entire article.
Produce growers, local schools make good partners Southeast Farm Press Published 01/31/2011
The state agriculture department will work to get more nutritious Kentucky Proud foods onto the plates of school children throughout Kentucky in 2011, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said recently. · Read the entire article.
Local school germinates entry in garden contest by Randi Bjornstad The Register-Guard Published 01/30/2011
The kids at Eugene’s Camas Ridge Community School are in the running to win a nationwide contest that would give a huge boost to their school garden program. The contest is sponsored by Annie’s Homegrown — they’re the folks who make things such as high-end macaroni-and-cheese and all-natural salad dressings — and the National Farm to School Network, who want to link more local farmers with schools to improve child nutrition and jump-start a life of healthy eating for kids. · Read the entire article.
Viewpoints: School food program can transform how kids eat by Robert Gottlieb and Ann M. Evans Sacramento Bee Published 01/30/2011
A school food revolution is happening in Sacramento, in California and across the nation. It's about getting delicious, fresh, local and healthy food into the cafeterias. It's about setting up school gardens as a learning tool and creating knowledge about the food we grow. It's about getting junk food and sodas out of schools. It's about changing how kids – and teachers, administrators and communities – view the importance and value of food during the school day. · Read the entire article.
Despite success, local food looks to broaden reach by Phillip Brasher Des Moines Register Published 01/29/2011
You know the local food movement has arrived when Walmart no less jumped into the market. But the movement is asking questions about how much impact its really having on consumers and how it can broaden its appeal. · Read the entire article.
Master Gardeners will help students plant community plot on Century grounds by Jean Ruzicka Park Rapids Enterprise Published 01/29/2011
A school/community garden will sprout on Century School grounds when summer arrives, a committee having formed to propagate the plan. The mission, Spangler explained, is to improve students’ health by encouraging families to grow and eat healthier food. · Read the entire article.
Despite success, local food looks to broaden reach by Philip Brasher DesMoines Register Published 01/29/2011
Debra Eschmeyer with the National Farm to School Network, which seeks to locally grown foods into schools, says the movement needs to broaden its appeal in rural areas and to cross party lines. Eschmeyer, who grows heirloom produce in Ohio where her family has farmed for several generations, noted that a leading local Republican helped to from a farm-to-school program. “Invite your Republican friends, liberal friends. … Food is the one issue we should be at the same table together,” she said. · Read the entire article.
JERSEY FRESH FARM TO SCHOOL WEEK' MEASURE SIGNED INTO LAW by Gita Bajaj Politiker NJ Published 01/29/2011
Legislation sponsored by Assembly Environment Chairman John F. McKeon, Assembly members John J. Burzichelli and Annette Quijano to declare a 'Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week' was signed into law on Friday. Under the measure (A-2854), events will be planned in schools throughout the state for a week in September to promote the value and importance of New Jersey's agriculture and fresh farm food for children. · Read the entire article.
Local chef teaches kids how to eat healthy by KJ Lang La Crosse Tribune Published 01/28/2011
The kids weren't fans of the red cabbage. Fourth- and fifth-graders at Prairie View Elementary School in Holmen panned the leafy vegetable when Chef Thomas Sacksteder held it up. "It's not red," said 10-year-old Devin Palmberg. "It looks like it has been rotting for a really long time," complained 11-year-old Jaydon Butzman. Sacksteder's response: Don't knock vegetables and other healthy foods until you've tried them - especially the way he prepares them. · Read the entire article.
Clarinda students benefit from state’s Farm to School program Clarinda Herald-Journal Published 01/28/2011
The Clarinda Community School District is among the Iowa schools that have joined the Farm to School Program. Established by Iowa lawmakers in 2007, the program is designed to include fresh and minimally processed food that is grown locally in the meals and snacks served by the participating schools. · Read the entire article.
Local Food Alliance Forming by Holly Conn Gunnison Times Published 01/27/2011
On Thursday, January 20, twenty-one people squeezed into the Office for Resource Efficiency in Gunnison for a brainstorming session and the first, informal meeting of the Gunnison Valley Food Shed Alliance. .. ... Members of the group identified the need for increased local food production (both commercial and private), land donations, educational campaigns, a needs assessment, equal access to fresh foods for all economic groups, composting programs, reduction of ‘food-miles,’ and more. The proposed Foodshed Alliance would bring farmers, community members, and agricultural leaders together to develop and support projects that foster the growth of a sustainable local food system. It would focus on raising public awareness about the value of local foods and on helping farmers find more profitable and sustainable ways to grow and market. (READ MORE!) School Nutrition Update by Aliza Wasserman The Jewish Daily Forward Published 01/27/2011
In December, President Obama signed the Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR), known as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which helps fight child hunger through federally funded school meals and nutrition programs. Though the bill far from perfect, it is a major step in reversing the trend which has left American public school students being served some of the least healthy, most industrial, processed and frankly tasteless, food one can find in the US food system. Although these standards apply to public schools across the nation, the problem exists in private Jewish day schools as well. · Read the entire article.
Bill calls for tax breaks to small produce operations by The Packer Don Schrack Published 01/27/2011
Congressman Joe Baca, D-Calif., has introduced the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grower Tax Incentive Act, a bill that would provide a $10,000 tax credit for produce growers with less than $500,000 in farm income. The bill targets small farmers, especially those in more urban settings, Lowrey said, and “could mean among other things more urban farmers’ markets, which would make it easier for consumers to connect with existing Farm to School programs.” · Read the entire article.
Parents, consumers face new food options by Robert Stern The Washington Times Published 01/27/2011
January has been a banner month for ingredient-readers. From school cafeterias to grocery store aisles, “food” is on everyone’s tongue. · Read the entire article.
The Lunch Love Community Mother Nature Network Published 01/27/2011
The Lunch Love Community Documentary Project is a series of short videos that chronicle Berkeley’s lunch program. Each three- to six-minute “bite-sized” video looks at a different aspect of how Berkeley continues to advance its school lunch program with healthy meals for all students in the district. · Read the entire article.
VIDEO: Farm to School in Wayzata by Tom Niemisto, Video Production Specialist Minnesota 2020 Published 01/26/2011
School districts are writing the recipe for nutrition in cafeterias in Minnesota. The newly re-authorized Child Nutrition Act includes federal funding for more fresh fruits and vegetables and local food programs. · Read the entire article.
Growing good habits by HOWARD WEISS-TISMAN Battleboro Reformer Published 01/26/2011
This week, on the coldest day of the year, Windham Southeast Supervisory Union's new Farm to School coordinator began talking about the upcoming growing season. Katherine Gillespie, who was hired by the supervisory union last year to increase the amount of local food served in the school cafeterias, brought together teachers, farmers, food service workers, parents and other supporters to look back over the past year and think about ways to strengthen the connections between farmers and the students in the schools. · Read the entire article.
Consensus grows in Brighton, Pittsford for better school food by Stacy Gittleman Democrat and Chronicle Published 01/25/2011
The parenting program, sponsored by the Regina and Harry Cornell Fund, features a panel of health care professionals and parent advocates from the Brighton and Pittsford school districts who will share ideas on making healthy eating choices in and out of school and in area restaurants. · Read the entire article.
KDA Project Connects KY Students with Healthy Food and Local Farms by J.L. Graham Journal Enterprise Published 01/25/2011
Students in two Kentucky school districts visited local orchards and took part in activities designed to encourage them to eat healthy Kentucky Proud foods last fall during a pilot project administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Locally-grown, healthy lunch at school by Dan Krauth Fox 17 Published 01/24/2011
As part of a nationwide effort, a local group's putting pressure on school districts to serve healthier lunches. Mike Gavin grows apples on more than 80 acres of his farm in Coopersville, MI. He now has contracts to send a lot of those apples to 12 local school districts to serve up for lunch. It's a growing business. · Read the entire article.
Local foods production plan touted for jobs, ag diversity by Laura Bird Globe Gazette Published 01/23/2011
A proposal to boost local food production in Iowa could create hundreds of jobs and bring in an estimated $62 million to the state, officials who drafted the plan said. The Iowa Local Food & Farm Plan, which outlines 34 recommendations, was developed by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, along with more than a dozen local food groups as part of a directive from the 2010 Legislature. · Read the entire article.
The School Food Tour: Pedaling for School Nutrition by Imelda March Daily Pelotron Published 01/21/2011
The School Food Tour (SFT) is a self-supported, coast-to-coast bicycle tour that aims to encourage students to advocate for more wholesome school meals. The organization plans to engage young individuals through classroom sessions, farm visits, and group bike rides along a 6,000-mile route. · Read the entire article.
Video: Farm to School Statesman Journal Published 01/21/2011
Gervais High School and Happy Harvest Farm are part of a project to bring local produce to school lunches · Read the entire article.
Ohio Farm to School Program by Kasey Henneman Dayton Daily News Published 01/21/2011
The Ohio Farm to School Conference is coming up March 30th in Cleveland. This might be too far to trek solo, but it may be worth checking in with your school district to see if they are sending a delegate. Right now this program is just emerging in our area, but with local support, we may begin to see more and more Ohio schools serving Ohio farm foods! · Read the entire article.
Lunch program welcomes healthy changes by Dennis Dalman The Newsleaders Published 01/20/2011
There is life after French fries. That's one of Brenda Braulick's favorite reassurances. Braulick is the food-service director for the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. She understands children love French fries, pizza, cheeseburgers and other not-so-healthy foods. · Read the entire article.
All Princeton Published 01/19/2011
Congressman Rush Holt's visit to Community Park Elementary School was a delicious way to celebrate the passage of the child nutrition reauthorization bill and Mr. Holt's farm to school funding within that legislation. · Read the entire article.
USDA Announces New Updates to the ''U.S. Food Environment Atlas'' MMD Newswire Published 01/19/2011
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted updates to an online mapping tool that compares U.S. counties in terms of their "food environment" - the set of factors that help determine and reflect a community's access to affordable, healthy food. · Read the entire article.
New guidelines would make lunches healthier in Asheville-area schools by Nanci Bompey Citizen Times Published 01/16/2011
New guidelines released by the federal government last week stand to offer the first major nutritional overhaul of school lunches in 15 years. Schools getting federal reimbursements for free and reduced-price meals would have to follow the dietary guidelines if they win approval following a public comment period. In Buncombe County, 28 percent of kindergartners are overweight and that number increases up to 39 percent for fifth-graders. · Read the entire article.
NM giving students healthier options by Lindsay Keefer Woodburn Independent Published 01/16/2011
On Jan. 3, North Marion’s staff development day, the district’s 12 food service workers, as well as two from Woodburn and two from Gervais, participated in a culinary class led by Garrett Berdan, a registered dietitian and chef, who works part-time for the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Dairy Council. · Read the entire article.
Mountain View to offer Ferndale Fries as pilot farm-to-school program by KIRA M. COX THE BELLINGHAM HERALD Published 01/14/2011
Students at Ferndale's Mountain View Elementary School will soon be treated to freshly baked potatoes from northwest Washington as part of their school lunch. On Jan. 27, the french fries and tater tots at the school are being exchanged for locally grown potato wedges, as part of a pilot farm-to-school project. · Read the entire article.
How Will the New USDA Guidelines Improve School Lunch? by Brie Cadman Change.org Published 01/14/2011
And end to french fries in the school lunch line? Probably not, but a yesterday, the United States Department of Agriculture announced it will upgrade nutritional standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast program, for the first time in 15 years. · Read the entire article.
School administrators hope dramatic changes in school meals helps improve student success by Anne Williams Bemidji Pioneer Published 01/13/2011
Brent Gish, superintendent of the Red Lake School District, believes if the district is not part of the solution, it is part of the problem. As the district undergoes a comprehensive school improvement plan, it is also revamping what it is serving for breakfasts and lunches. · Read the entire article.
Ag Department Looks to Cap Calories in School Meals, Impose New Standards Fox News Published 01/13/2011
Instead of burritos, serve jicama. Instead of hot dogs, serve whole wheat spaghetti. Instead of tater tots, serve baked sweet potato fries. Those are just a few of the recommendations the U.S. Department of Agriculture made Thursday as it unveiled a new set of regulations for school meals, taking the first step toward implementing a sweeping child nutrition bill signed into law last month. The proposed rules would set a host of new standards for federally subsidized lunches and breakfasts, requiring more whole grains and far less salt, bringing more fruits and vegetables into the cafeteria and for the first time putting a cap on the caloric content in school food. · Read the entire article.
Hometown Hero by Laura Griffin South Orange Patch Published 01/11/2011
Last fall, Jennifer Newman organized the first organic garden at Our Lady of Sorrows, her son’s elementary school, getting the students involved in gardening and learning about healthy eating. · Read the entire article.
From the Farm to Ferrisburgh School Published 01/11/2011
A great video about Ferrisburgh Central School's farm to school program, which includes a school garden. · Read the entire article.
Leopold Center presents local food report to Legislature by Laura Millsaps The Tribune Published 01/11/2011
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture presented the Iowa Legislature late Friday with a host of recommendations for promoting local food production in the state, including the creation of a local food and farm state coordinator position. · Read the entire article.
The Growing Fresh Food Movement by Alexandra Gross E Magazine Published 01/11/2011
Individuals and grassroots organizations in rural and urban areas are on a mission to provide good food to people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. · Read the entire article.
FoodCorps aims to provide healthy food by Megan Durisin The State News Published 01/11/2011
MSU agriculture specialists will work to put a positive spin on school cafeteria food if a national program is funded in June. The C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at MSU has been selected as one of 10 nationwide partners for FoodCorps, a new AmeriCorps school garden and Farm to School service program that plans to launch this summer · Read the entire article.
Locally grown veggies spring up in schools by Robert Gottlieb and Yelena Zeltser Pasadena Star-News Published 01/11/2011
A school food revolution, from Glendale to Riverside and the San Gabriel Valley, is happening in Southern California and around the country. It's about getting fresh, local, and healthy food into cafeterias. It's about setting up school gardens as a learning tool and creating knowledge about the food we grow. It's about getting junk food and sodas out of schools. It's about changing how kids - and teachers and administrators - view the importance and value of food during the school day. It's about the transformation of school food. · Read the entire article.
Marketing Section Welcomes Farm to School Coordinator by Division of Agriculture Newsletter Published 01/05/2011
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NC Farm To School Child Nutrition Director Survey Results. 2011. NC Farm To School Child Nutrition Director Survey Results. 2011. Published 00/01/2011
NC Farm To School Child Nutrition Director Survey Results. 2011. This survey was conducted over a two-week period. Seventy surveys were completed... Most questions allowed for multiple answers. Responses are listed in order from highest response to lowest. · Read the entire article.
Some Piedmont School Lunches Coming Fresh from the Farm by MyFox8.com myfoz8.com Published 00/01/2011
Some students in North Carolina's public schools are getting fed the freshest lunches possible thanks to a state program. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture's "Farm to School" program is a partnership with local farmers and schools. During the 2010-2011 school year, almost $1 million in state produce was delivered to the state's schools. The farmers harvest the produce and then deliver it to students within 48 hours. · Read the entire article.
New FoodCorps Will Get Food Into Kids and Kids Into Gardens by Laura Smith-Gary care2 Published 12/29/2010
Across the country, young people have been getting into the "real food" act, from advocating for sustainable, ethical, local food on their college campuses to fighting for justice for farmworkers to ditching their Williamsburg apartments and becoming farmers. · Read the entire article.
Lawrence’s biggest food stories of 2010 by Sarah Henning Lawrence Journal-World Published 12/28/2010
Arguably, the biggest Lawrence food story of 2010 was made possible by some of the city’s smallest residents. Coming on the heels of successful gardens at private schools (Prairie Moon Waldorf School) and daycare centers around Lawrence, The Community Mercantile’s Nancy O’Connor led an initiative that brought a garden and oodles of food education to West Junior High in 2010. · Read the entire article.
Cooking up more healthful school meals by Chidinma Okparanta Washington Post Published 12/23/2010
Eme Akonawe is one of 54 students at Laurel High who soon will get the opportunity to create healthier meals for Prince George's County schools by forming Culinary and Healthful Enhancement Food, or CHEF, teams as part of a countywide competition. The teams will follow U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which include limiting saturated fat to less than 10 percent of calories. · Read the entire article.
Featured: FOOD JUSTICE by Gottlieb and Joshi by Chris Smith Englewood Review of Books Published 12/23/2010
Book Review - Offering a broad view of contemporary food issues, Food Justice is a superb introduction to thinking holistically about the food we eat. Although it spares no punches in illuminating the problems in the American food system and how these problems have developed over the last century (or more), it is ultimately hopeful in its belief that we can develop a more just and sustainable food system. · Read the entire article.
Fixing School Lunch by Charles Stuart Platkin WBAY Greenbay Published 12/22/2010
Part two of a two-part interview with Dr. Janet Poppendieck,an expert on school food. She is a sociologist, professor at Hunter College and author of a new book called Free for All: Fixing School Food in America (University of California Press, 2010). · Read the entire article.
Angry About Bad School Lunches? You Can Go Help by Cecily Upton MSN - GOOD Published 12/22/2010
This is not a story about the problem. It is a story about the solution. Because we’ve got to do something – something big – when one in three kids is obese or overweight and their life expectancy is less than that of their parents. Well, put on your Carharts and lace-up your Red Wings, because FoodCorps is coming to town. · Read the entire article.
Smart Choices aims for better nutrition, healthy kids by Jane Lightbourn The Hastings Star-Gazette Published 12/22/2010
Eat healthier, stay healthier. It is a simple message, but one in which Hastings Independent School District 200 has placed a heavy emphasis on this year. · Read the entire article.
Arkansas Schools Try Hands-On Approach At Tackling Childhood Obesity by Kelly MacNeil KUAR FM 89 Published 12/21/2010
A handful of Arkansas schools are at the forefront of a new type of AmeriCorps - that’s the program often described as a domestic peace corps. This new effort sends young workers into communities with high rates of childhood obesity to try to make school lunches healthier. As FM 89’s Kelly Macneil reports, the program could give a boost to locally-grown produce. · Read the entire article.
What's for lunch: Salad bar popular by Cyndy Cole Arizona Daily Sun Published 12/19/2010
It's lunchtime at Marshall Elementary, and the kids have a choice of chicken burgers, veggies and noodles, or turkey sandwiches -- followed by salad, beans, and then a salad bar. · Read the entire article.
Healthy school food may come with a cost by Hailey Persinger San Diego Union-Tribune Published 12/19/2010
Allocating more money toward food services is nothing new for a district that’s made it a priority to become a bastion of nutrient-rich, locally grown public school meals. It pours nearly $55 million of its $1.2 billion annual operating budget into food services. But with new regulations come price points that may seem realistic in Washington, D.C., but aren’t as feasible in San Diego. · Read the entire article.
Five myths about school food by Janet Poppendieck Washington Post Published 12/17/2010
The fight over how and what we feed our kids at school is a complex one; clear thinking about what we need is often hampered by persistent myths. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Benefits All Involved by Michaelle Rehmann Detroit Food and Fitness Collaborative Published 12/16/2010
It’s amazing what can happen in 18 months when a group of dedicated people support your work – in this case, getting more locally grown fruits and vegetables to Detroit school children with backing from the Detroit Food & Fitness Collaborative. · Read the entire article.
College to host Iowa's first troop of FoodCorps members Luther College Headlines Published 12/15/2010
The Luther College Environmental Studies Department, with the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, will host the first troop of FoodCorps members in Iowa as part of the initiative's 2011 launch. Luther is one of 10 FoodCorps sites selected from 108 applicants. FoodCorps is a new national AmeriCorps program that focuses on service in rural, urban and suburban school food systems that have children challenged with high rates of obesity and limited access to healthy foods. · Read the entire article.
The "How," "What" and "Why" of School Lunch by Charles Stuart Platkin WBAY Greenbay Published 12/15/2010
Part one of a two-part interview with Dr. Janet Poppendieck,an expert on school food. She is a sociologist, professor at Hunter College and author of a new book called Free for All: Fixing School Food in America (University of California Press, 2010). · Read the entire article.
Local School Tests a Program to Serve More Local Produce by Cassandra Morris Montrose Patch Published 12/14/2010
Mountain Avenue Elementary School was the site of a California Farm to School pilot program last week that brought locally grown fruits and vegetables to the school cafeteria's salad bar. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Victory by Anupama Joshi and Robert Gottlieb Other Words Published 12/13/2010
Thanks to the tireless efforts of thousands of people who are working hard to get America's schools to serve healthier food, including First Lady Michelle Obama, the $4.5 billion "Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act 2010" prevailed in the lame-duck session of Congress. The new law marks a key step toward potentially transforming the food served in America's public schools. · Read the entire article.
Fed money could be used to connect farms to schools by Howard Weiss-Tisman Brattleboro Reformer Published 12/11/2010
Farm to school programs across Vermont could receive financial help after the U.S. Congress included money for the programs in the school nutrition bill that passed last week. · Read the entire article.
Congress Prioritizes Farm to School Connection by Lisa Kivirist Hobby Farms Published 12/11/2010
In a part of the bill that provides particular interest to small-scale farmers, Congress also made a first-time investment in farm to school programs, which connect K-12 schools with farmers’ fresh, locally grown food. While grassroots organizations have made laudable efforts over the years to increase fresh, local food in schools, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act will provide $40 million of funding to significantly expand farm to school efforts. · Read the entire article.
Congress Prioritizes Farm to School Connection by Lisa Kivirist hobbyfarms.com Published 12/11/2010
If there's one issue that unites all Americans, it's improving the health of our children. Thanks to the collaborative organizing efforts of many grassroots groups advocating for improved children's health, the House joined the Senate in passing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S.B. 3307) on Dec. 2, 2010. The bill now awaits the President's signature. · Read the entire article.
National Farm to School Month Designated Food Safety News Published 12/07/2010
Beginning in 2011, October will be National Farm to School Month. The designation, proposed in H. RES. 1655 and introduced by Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), was approved last month by the House of Representatives. The resolution aims to encourage direct farm to school programs nationally, which should in turn bolster local agricultural economies and improve school nutrition, explained Beth Feehan, director of the New Jersey Farm to School Network. · Read the entire article.
Farm to school benefits kids, communities by Stephanie Heim, University of Minnesota Extension The Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch Published 12/06/2010
St. Paul, Minn. — A couple of weeks ago I listened to a rural food service director tell a story about a teacher who announced to her students that they would be taking a trip to the country to visit a family farm as part of the district's farm-to-school program. · Read the entire article.
USDA removes major barrier to Michelle Obama’s salad-bar initiative by Ed Bruske Grist Published 12/06/2010
First Lady Michelle Obama announced last week that a new public-private partnership, Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools, would make it possible for as many as 6,000 salad bars to be installed in U.S. · Read the entire article.
Bringing the farm to school by Megan O'Neil Glendale News Press Published 12/03/2010
Nutrition education and healthy lunches have become an increasingly important priority at Glendale Unified in recent years. This week produce, which came from independent farms in Carlsbad, Fillmore, Tehachapi and Goleta, was being served to Mountain Avenue students as part of Farm to School, a two-week pilot program run by the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College. · Read the entire article.
Local food goes to school, but how does it get there? by Nancy Lebens Minnesota Public Radio Published 12/03/2010
A farmer has squash, a school wants to serve it. That's only one part of the logistics involved in getting more locally-grown fresh food to cafeteria trays. A farmer may not have refrigerated trucks to get the produce to schools, or the time to deliver just a part of her harvest across the county. When a farmer decides to scale up, distribution challenges can stand in the way. People active in farm-to-school efforts say that's a big piece of the puzzle. · Read the entire article.
Schools work to bring local food to the cafeteria by Nancy Lebens Minnesota Public Radio News Published 12/03/2010
Shakopee, Minn. — When the Shakopee public schools decided to serve Minnesota-grown pickled beets to some of their 6,500 students, kids needed what food service director Debbie Ross called a little incentive from the school cook. · Read the entire article.
FoodCorps program is coming to Oregon by Leslie Cole The Oregonian Published 12/03/2010
FoodCorps volunteers will work in communities throughout Oregon, identified as having a pressing need in the area of school food systems. Program founders hope it will help slow the nation’s skyrocketing rates of childhood obesity and also give young people an avenue into farming. · Read the entire article.
High - Latitude Agriculture; Alaska’s food (in)security by Deirdre Helfferich and Nancy Tarnai Agroborealis (Vol.40, number 1) Published 12/01/2010
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Back to Basics by Joleen Oshiro Honolulu Star Advertiser Published 12/01/2010
At the Grow Hawaii Kick-off event, chefs challenge youth to plant gardens and think fresh, not processed, when it comes to food choices. · Read the entire article.
High-caliber organizations with demonstrated experience implementing Farm to School and school garde UMaine News Published 11/30/2010
oodCorps, a new national AmeriCorps school garden and Farm to School service program, has selected University of Maine Cooperative Extension as one of ten partners to collaborate on a national launch in 2011. FoodCorps will serve vulnerable children, improving access to healthy, affordable food, while training young leaders for careers in food and agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Agriculture Forum: Congress should legislate healthy food for kids by Rob Sirrine and Diane Conners Traverse City Record-Eagle Published 11/27/2010
This bill would help create more Farm to School efforts like Onekama Consolidated School's new program that is now serving fresh, scratch-cooked foods purchased from local farms. Parents were recently invited to sit down with their kids and taste the 23 different items from nine local farms on the menu that day. The result? An increase in kids opting for school lunch and increased opportunity for local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Stick a Fork in It: Pass The Child Nutrition Act by Debra Eschmeyer The Huffington Post Published 11/23/2010
We are preparing for the most thoroughly planned meal in America, and it's not Thanksgiving dinner. It's school lunch. For the last two years, advocates, lobbyists, politicians, and celebrities from Rachael Ray to Michelle Obama have worked to craft a bill that will daily affect the lives of the 31 million children who clamor to the nation's school cafeterias to quell their grumbling bellies. For this bill to pass, over the next few days we the people must prove to our elected officials that the Child Nutrition Act is a national priority. · Read the entire article.
Grateful Gleaning at Organic Farms by Beth Huizenga Novato Patch Published 11/23/2010
Novato school district's Miguel Villareal and Helge Hellberg, executive director of Marin Organic and the creator and host of "An Organic Conversation,"have added a new twist to the normal Monday afternoon gleaning by inviting families and children to ride free buses, provided by NUSD, out to the farms to help harvest. The idea was for the kids to learn something about their food, or maybe earn community hours. · Read the entire article.
Stick a Fork in It: Pass The Child Nutrition Act by Debra Eschmeyer Huffington Post Published 11/22/2010
We are preparing for the most thoroughly planned meal in America, and it's not Thanksgiving dinner. It's school lunch. · Read the entire article.
Area students help make own menus by Angela Cina Vernon County Broadcaster Published 11/19/2010
Area schools and school districts are serving locally-grown produce to students at lunchtime. · Read the entire article.
VMS teaching children how to grow what they eat by Angela Cina Vernon County Broadcaster Published 11/19/2010
Fifth-grade students at Viroqua Middle School have the opportunity to be gardeners on school grounds. This year students planted green beans, a variety of herbs, green peppers, three to four different varieties of tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, summer squash, corn, pumpkins and some flowers. · Read the entire article.
Growing pains: Scaling up local food Minnesota Public Radio Published 11/15/2010
St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesotans are increasingly interested in eating healthier, supporting local economies and encouraging sustainable living, and, although there has been a local food movement for decades, it's been picking up momentum in recent years. The number of farmers' markets in the state has climbed 60 percent in two years. Food-buying clubs, farm-to-school food programs and the like have increased similarly. · Read the entire article.
Somers, Lakeside school cooks serve up award-winning, healthy options for kids by Vince Devlin Missoulian Published 11/15/2010
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Yamaguchi, Okimoto highlight ‘Grow Hawaii Challenge’ by Joleen Oshiro Honolulu Star-Advertiser Published 11/09/2010
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Battling Childhood Obesity in the Inland Empire by Bettye Miller University of California, Riverside Newsroom Published 11/04/2010
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Nanwalek students harvest food for use in school meals, classes by McKibben Jackinsky Homer News Published 11/03/2010
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School Lunch Reflects Cultural Values by Cynthia Lair Seattle Post-Intelligencer Published 11/02/2010
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Nourish Middle School Curriculum Guide - Free Download by WorldLink and the Center for Ecoliteracy Published 11/01/2010
The Nourish Middle School Curriculum Guide offers a rich set of resources to open a meaningful conversation about food and sustainability. Beautifully designed and brimming with big ideas, the materials contain a viewing guide, six learning activities, action projects, student handouts, suggested resources, and a glossary · Read the entire article.
Casa on culinary arts by Victoria Webb Argu Courier Published 11/01/2010
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I Believe: 'We have the power to change, improve and reclaim our food systems' by Dana Hudson Burlington Free Press Published 10/31/2010
Individually and collectively we have the power to change, improve and reclaim our food systems. Farm to School shows us that this not only strengthens our health but also our local economy, our environment and our communities. That is a lot of responsibility when you are standing at the store trying to decide between whole local blueberries or artificially flavored blueberry Popsicles. · Read the entire article.
School lunches go local by Chuck Friedbauer Chaska Herald Published 10/30/2010
William Deffaa, a first-grader at Victoria Elementary School, was asked recently why he chose an apple with his lunch. “I like to eat apples,” said Deffaa. As often is the case, choices are simple for children. What William did not know is that apple came from a local Minnesota farmer because District 112 has been providing more locally grown foods in its school lunches this year. · Read the entire article.
Hot Springs students enjoy regionally grown produce Hot Springs Star Published 10/29/2010
A taste of summer returned to school lunch, with locally purchased watermelons featured on Sept. 21 and 22 for all grade levels at Hot Springs Schools through the food service provider, Lunchtime Solutions. The watermelon was obtained from the Andy and Kathy Agers Farm in Spearfish. The Agers will also work with Lunchtime Solutions to develop a planting strategy for next year so to expand the use of their locally grown produce in school lunch programs in Western South Dakota. · Read the entire article.
Farm to school food program News Times Published 10/29/2010
Students at Morris Street School in Danbury toured a produce market right in their own school recently. Sodexo, the food service provider for the Danbury schools, is using more locally grown fruits and vegetables in its lunches and invited one of its produce suppliers, Fresh Point, to set up a presentation for students. · Read the entire article.
Students grow food for their own schools by Stefanie Knowlton Statesman Journal Published 10/29/2010
Three schools in Oregon’s Salem-Keizer School District are expanding their garden programs with the aid of a USDA grant from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The gardens will supply produce to school cafeterias and serve as science lessons for students. The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, which is overseeing the grant, hopes to expand the project to all the district’s after-school programs. · Read the entire article.
Port Angeles schools roll out new menu Peninsula Daily News Published 10/29/2010
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Far From Lunch Lady Land by Seth Messing Crested Butte News Published 10/29/2010
Just a few years ago, the school's lunch program was nearly eliminated due to lack on interest from staff and students. But many of the ingredients going into the school's cafeteria these days are locally grown or raised, and almost all of the prepared food is made in the kitchen from scratch... ... the school cafeteria sold out of the stew made that morning with locally raised beef, locally grown carrots, onions, and potatoes. The school's baker made fresh focaccia and oatmeal cookies that were a hit with the kids.... Reinventing the School Lunch by Susan Riemer Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Published 10/27/2010
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The Latest on Getting Healthy Munches in School Lunches by Meredith Barnett National Education Association Published 10/21/2010
Mystery meat has left the building. In school lunchrooms across the country, students are filling their cafeteria trays with more fresh produce and award-winning nutritional entrees as schools change the way they approach nutrition. Chefs and community members are coming to the table — bolstered by national initiatives like Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign — giving more school administrators and cafeteria workers the necessary tools to help foster students’ healthy eating habits. · Read the entire article.
USDA ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF FARM-TO-SCHOOL PILOT IN BOISE, IDAHO by USDA news release AgriMarketing Published 10/20/2010
USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary Janey Thornton saluted Idaho's efforts to support farm to school programs, a key component of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative to help children across America get a better understanding of where their food comes from and how it gets to their plates in the school cafeteria. · Read the entire article.
School garden yields healthy harvest by Matt Bosley Valley News Published 10/20/2010
In its ongoing effort to grow healthy minds and bodies, one local school is growing its own food. Keene Central School has been growing its own organic vegetables, fruits, and spices in a school garden for use in school meals, due largely in part to the efforts of superintendent Cynthia Johnston and cafeteria manager Julie Holbrook. · Read the entire article.
Food for Thought by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette Published 10/20/2010
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Schools and their Farm to School projects by Chris Kick Farm and Dairy Published 10/19/2010
Five Ohio schools were awarded $2,000 grants through the Ohio Farm to School Initiative. The recipients are Carrollton Extempted Village School District in Carroll County, Garaway Local School District in Tuscarawas County, Marietta City Schools in Washington County, River View Local School District in Coshocton, and Switzerland of Ohio Schools in Monroe, Noble and Belmont counties. · Read the entire article.
Schools team up to bring fresh produce to students by David Heitz Quad-City Times Published 10/18/2010
Nolting, the food service director for the Pleasant Valley School District, has been experimenting with adding farm-fresh produce to the school lunch mix. Pleasant Valley teamed up with the Bettendorf, North Scott, Clinton and Northeast school districts to join the Northeast Iowa Farm to School chapter. Farm to School is a nationwide network that pairs schools with local and regional farmers to obtain high quality fruits and vegetables. · Read the entire article.
Deploying an Army to Fix School Meals by Debra Eschmeyer Zester Daily Published 10/18/2010
Two programs -- school gardens and Farm to School -- are particularly effective, and that's where FoodCorps comes in. Working in school districts suffering disproportionate rates of childhood obesity, FoodCorps service members will build and tend school gardens, conduct nutrition education and facilitate Farm to School programming that brings local, high-quality food into schools. The program will at once serve vulnerable children by improving access to healthy, affordable school meals, while also training a cadre of leaders for careers in food and agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Better Beef, It’s What’s For Lunch? Kids in Four of the Nation’s Largest School Districts Are Served by Ralph Loglisci Center for a Livable Future (blog) Published 10/18/2010
California’s Oakland Unified School District, San Diego Public Schools, Portland Public Schools, and Denver Public Schools receive praise as four FOCUS districts that organized and participated in Better Beef Days by serving sustainably raised beef to students during National School Lunch Week, October 11-15, 2010. · Read the entire article.
In this campaign, politicians out to lunch by David Sarasohn The Oregonian Published 10/16/2010
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OUSD Celebrates School Lunch Week with Better Beef Oakland Local Published 10/15/2010
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Berkeley Center Wants Schools to Rethink Lunch by ALEXA NEMETH Food Safety News Published 10/15/2010
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School lunches in Oceanside district win honor San Diego Union-Tribune Published 10/15/2010
Oceanside Unified School District Food and Nutrition Director Vino Mitro won the grand prize Golden Carrot Award from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) during National School Lunch Week for his work improving the healthfulness of the district’s menus. The PCRM press release lists all of the winners, including Food Service Director Jeffrey Mills of FOCUS district DC Public Schools and Food and Nutrition Services Director Serena Suthers of FOCUS district Prince William County Public Schools. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school efforts take root in two districts by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 10/14/2010
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School lunch gets healthier hands on by Jeanine Stice Statesman Journal Published 10/14/2010
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FoodCorps Offers Public Service Program for Oxy Students by Sundeep Singh The Occidental Weekly Published 10/13/2010
Initially conceived in 2009 and operational since February of this year, FoodCorps' primary goal is to improve general health in America by spreading awareness of the benefits of maintaining whole, locally sourced diets. FoodCorps is a sub-project of the National Farm to School Network, a program run in part by the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College (within the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute). · Read the entire article.
Long Beach schoolchildren are a model for healthy eating by Mary MacVean Los Angeles Times Published 10/13/2010
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Sodexo Showcases Food Grown and Produced in Oregon with Locally-Sourced Lunch at Salem-Keizer Public PR Newswire Published 10/11/2010
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Presidential Proclamation--National School Lunch Week by President The White House Published 10/08/2010
To provide more fruits, vegetables, and other fresh and nutritious foods for school meals, the USDA is also working to develop farm-to-school partnerships with local farmers, States, localities, tribal authorities, school districts, and community organizations. The USDA Farm to School Team is helping to provide quality foods in school menus, to increase markets for local farms, and to teach young people of all ages about the source of the food they enjoy. To enable school cafeterias across our Nation to prepare these healthy foods, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded the purchase of new food service equipment such as salad bars, and the replacement of aging or outdated appliances such as deep fryers. · Read the entire article.
Students discover taste for locally grown food by Janet Kubat Willette AgriNews Published 10/07/2010
Dover-Eyota Schools celebrated Farm to School Week by inviting their farmers to school. Jerry Kathan of Kathan's Ridgeview Orchards in LaCrescent is one of two farmers who accepted the invitation. · Read the entire article.
South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools Join Farm to School Program NewsDepth | WVIZ/PBS ideastream Published 10/06/2010
The kids in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst school district are eating fresher these days, thanks to their new "Farm to School" program. They celebrated with a special lunch at Greenview Upper Elementary last week. More than two thousand schools in the U.S. participate. They are partnered with Red Basket Farm, a small family-owned farm in Kinsman, Ohio. Students will now eat lettuce that has traveled fifty nine miles, rather than the twenty six hundred miles it currently travels. · Read the entire article.
Oregon observes National School Lunch Week Oregon Department of Agriculture Published 10/06/2010
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Iowa students dig local-food push by Reid Forgrave Des Moines Register Published 10/05/2010
What's happening in Independence illustrates a small but budding local-food movement in Iowa schools. In the past few years, this northeast Iowa district has cooked more lunch items from scratch with healthier ingredients, invited farmers to classrooms to explain where food comes from, and built gardens where students plant and harvest food used in lunches. · Read the entire article.
School garden grows goodness by Fritz Busch The Journal Published 10/03/2010
The Sibley East High School Future Farmers of America organization and local businesses are on board with the growing farm to school movement. A school garden northwest of Arlington produces cantaloupe, pickles, squash, red and white cabbage, onions, pumpkins, yellow, green and purple beans that wind up in school lunch hot dishes, salads, salsa and desserts. · Read the entire article.
From farm to tray by Lilly Chow Minnesota Parent Published 10/01/2010
Whole wheat French bread, edamame, corn on the cob, fresh broccoli, roasted harvest vegetables, baked squash, roasted red potatoes. You wouldn’t expect to find these foods in the cafeteria — much less on school lunch trays — but they are all now regularly served in St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS). Earlier this year, SPPS successfully completed an 18-month pilot program aiming to provide fresh, healthful and locally produced foods to its schools. What’s even better — kids are on the receiving end. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Lunch Program in Jeopardy? by Aricka Flowers Public News Service Published 09/29/2010
Illinois children may soon eat unhealthier lunches at school if Congress fails to re-authorize the Child Nutrition Act by Sept. 30, say advocates. The Farm to School program falls under the Act, which means the link between Illinois farm crops and school lunch tables may soon be broken if it is allowed to expire on Thursday. · Read the entire article.
Local Food Coming to Schools a Small Bite a Time by Angela Dice Kitsap Sun Published 09/29/2010
Washington State’s Bremerton and Bainbridge school districts celebrated Taste Washington Day with locally sourced menu items that were procured with assistance from the Local Farms-Health Kids Act, a state program designed to help schools that have large numbers of low-income students buy produce. · Read the entire article.
Silver Bay schools home to new apple, plum orchard by Jacob Kittilstad and photojournalist Jeff Ernewein Fox 21 News Published 09/29/2010
SILVER BAY, Minn. - Near the football field’s end zone behind William Kelley High and Elementary school, a 60 tree orchard is taking root. "Seven varieties: Honeycrisps and Sweet Sixteens among others. Plus we have ten plum trees that we are planting too,” fifth grade teacher Tom Frericks said. · Read the entire article.
Microfarms offer food from the by Kim Palmer Star Tribune Published 09/28/2010
Vacant land, school yards, even parking lots in the heart of the city are being transformed into farm fields to feed neighbors. These "urban microfarms" are the latest frontier of the local-food movement. · Read the entire article.
Rethinking School Lunch by Eatocracy CNN Published 09/27/2010
Chef Todd Gray is taking on what he describes as "his toughest customers yet" - the students of Washington D.C. public schools. Gray is part of the "Chefs Move to School," a program in search of healthier school meals and pioneered by Assistant White House chef and Senior Policy Adviser For Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass. · Read the entire article.
Healthy kids, happy farmers by Megan Boldt Pioneer Press Published 09/25/2010
Program has Twin Cities-area students eating fruits and vegetables from local farms and learning where their food comes from, while local producers find a lucrative new market. · Read the entire article.
School lunch has so many issues to chew on, it by Maureen O Seattle Times Published 09/25/2010
This thoughtful and in depth report on school meals reform shows the complexity of the issues facing food service directors who are trying to improve the quality and healthfulness of school food. FOCUS district Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Director of Nutrition Services Eric Boutin and Assistant Director of Nutrition Services Wendy Weyer contribute. A related article in the Seattle Times looks at several menu items served in SPS and the issues surrounding each one. Boutin and Tricia Kovacs of Washington’s Farm to School Program are featured in a discussion of the challenges to incorporating fresh, local produce into school meals from the Associated Press. · Read the entire article.
School lunch has so many issues to chew on, it by Maureen O Seattle Times Published 09/25/2010
This thoughtful and in depth report on school meals reform shows the complexity of the issues facing food service directors who are trying to improve the quality and healthfulness of school food. FOCUS district Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Director of Nutrition Services Eric Boutin and Assistant Director of Nutrition Services Wendy Weyer contribute. A related article in the Seattle Times looks at several menu items served in SPS and the issues surrounding each one. Boutin and Tricia Kovacs of Washington’s Farm to School Program are featured in a discussion of the challenges to incorporating fresh, local produce into school meals from the Associated Press. · Read the entire article.
From field to cafeteria by By: Ann Bailey
Sept. 19-25 was farm to school week in North Dakota and we received great coverage. · Read the entire article.
From field to cafeteria by Ann Bailey Grand Forks Herald Published 09/24/2010
Sept. 19-25 was farm to school week in North Dakota and we received great coverage. · Read the entire article.
Olympia: School lunches feature Taste Washington Day by John Dodge The News Tribune Published 09/23/2010
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School meals study provides food for thought by Stacy Finz San Francisco Chronicle Published 09/23/2010
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Minnesota Schools "Digging" Their Local Farmers This Week by Sharon Rolenc Public News Service Published 09/22/2010
MINNEAPOLIS - From sporting bib overalls and "I Dig My Farmer" shirts, to corn-shucking contests, to hosting lunch with a local farmer, schools across Minnesota are celebrating Farm to School Week. In addition to teaching children about where their food comes from, Farm to School initiatives play an important role in kids' health, according to JoAnne Berkenkamp, program director for local foods with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP). · Read the entire article.
Study shows farm-to-school benefits in Minnesota Minnesota Public Radio News Q Published 09/22/2010
Minneapolis (AP) — New research suggests filling school lunch trays with locally grown foods isn't just good for students' health. It's also good for the local economy. · Read the entire article.
Harvest Comes to Local Schools by K. Browning Delta County Independent Published 09/22/2010
During Harvest Lunch Week ingredients from local farms were used for all lunches in the elementary schools in Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program brings local harvest to lunchroom by Jerome Christenson Winona Daily News Published 09/22/2010
The locavore movement has taken root and is flourishing in the Winona public schools. Instant mashed potatoes, mystery meat, gloppy gravy and government surplus applesauce have been replaced by locally harvested spuds, bison burgers and apples picked fresh from orchards just down the road in Winona School District lunchrooms. · Read the entire article.
Fresh from the farm to the school lunch tray by Fanna Haile-Selassie KTTC Published 09/21/2010
Eyota, MN (KTTC-DT) -- Tomato-cucumber salad, Cheese sandwich on whole wheat toast, and fresh fruit... not necessarily the lunch you may have had when you were eight years old. But that's exactly what kids at Dover-Eyota elementary school are devouring. · Read the entire article.
"Farm to School Week" Gets Local Produce to School by Dan Conradt kaalTV,com Published 09/20/2010
(ABC 6 NEWS) -- In the nation's bread basket, it seems like the perfect combination -- getting us to eat healthier by promoting things we're growing right here. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school program gets kids eating healthy foods by Teri Finneman, INFORUM The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Published 09/20/2010
At Granville Public Schools, getting kids to eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day with school lunch is a top priority. · Read the entire article.
Farm Fresh Produce Headed to Local Schools by Jack Gates NBC Published 09/20/2010
Farm to School Specialist Vanessa Zajfen and Food Services Director Gary Petill of FOCUS district San Diego Unified discuss plans to incorporate more locally grown foods in the district’s offerings and the program’s goal of procuring 25% of all produce from local sources. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school initiative comes to Sibley East by Tanner Kent The Free Press Published 09/18/2010
ARLINGTON — The Sibley East School District has sprouted its own farm-to-school initiative, a growing fad in Minnesota school lunchrooms. The lunchroom has been a rapidly evolving place in recent years as many schools have looked to reduce the number of high-fat, high-calorie foods with healthier, leaner alternatives. Most schools have now replaced soda pop and sugary drinks in favor of water and sports drinks while others have made simple changes like fruit cocktail packed in a lighter syrup and cooking with whole-grain pastas. · Read the entire article.
Area farmers are linked to school lunch program by Jane Lightbourn The Hastings Star-Gazette Published 09/17/2010
Eating healthy is the goal. More than a year ago, Dakota County schools began a “Smart Choices” initiative (through Dakota County Public Health), designed to support the health of students and staff by creating an environment that encourages healthy food choices. Hastings Independent School District 200 is one of the seven school districts in the county participating in the program. · Read the entire article.
Portland schools ditch nuggets, serve up local food by Michelle Venetucci Harvey Grist Published 09/16/2010
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Back to School Lunch KOIN Local 6 Published 09/16/2010
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Sartell aims to expose kids to local foods through Farm to School program by Dave Aeikens (St. Cloud Times) The Pioneer Press Published 09/16/2010
Students in Sartell-St. Stephen schools today will see fresh, locally grown sweet corn on their lunch menu. It's part of a program the district's food service department uses called Farm to School in which a locally grown vegetable is served monthly. The school district has bought 168 dozen ears of sweet corn from Foley farmer John Svihel. The corn was shucked by students, staff and other volunteers Wednesday and will be steamed and served on the cob today. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School - Hartford County, Maryland by Edwin Remsberg You Tube video clip Published 09/15/2010
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Seven Cents to a Healthier Lunch: Portland Schools Serve up Local Fare by Michelle Venetucci Harvey Sightline Daily Published 09/15/2010
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'Farm to School' foods gain traction at Morris Area Morris SunTribune Published 09/14/2010
Morris Area ag students are working with the district's Food Service in an effort to bring even more local foods to cafeteria menus · Read the entire article.
Farm to School week Winona Radio Published 09/13/2010
Schools throughout Minnesota will showcase fresh, locally grown foods and their relationships with nearby farmers during the first annual Farm to School Week next week, September 20th through the 24th. · Read the entire article.
Bring the Farm to the School by Judi Gerber Care2 Published 09/13/2010
As the school year gets underway, many parents are no doubt dreading the usual barrage of requests to sell fundraising items for their child’s school, most of which are neither healthy, environmentally sound, or even wanted: candy, wrapping paper, and yet another magazine subscription. · Read the entire article.
Helping students learn to make the healthy choices by Jenna Hanson West Central Tribune Published 09/11/2010
Carrot sticks or a cupcake? Without parents reminding them to eat their vegetables, students at Willmar Public Schools can still make healthy eating choices. · Read the entire article.
School district makes healthy foods a priority for kids by John Tierney KATU News Published 09/08/2010
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Controversy brews over chocolate milk by MICHELLE L. KLAMPE and DAYNA STRAEHLEY The Press-Enterprise Published 09/08/2010
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Local Schools Improve Nutrition in School Lunches by Stacia Kalinoski KEZI 9 News - Eugene Published 09/08/2010
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Farm to School program by Chris Butler Idaho Statesman Published 09/03/2010
First lady Lori Otter speaks to fourth graders Thursday to kick off the Farm to School program at Morley Nelson Elementary School. The program promotes the use of local foods in schools and also aims to improve the perception of health, nutrition and quality of school lunch. · Read the entire article.
Kids urged to eat right, keep active by Tina Reed The Capital Published 09/03/2010
Local, state and federal officials squeezed into a small classroom at Southern Middle School with a handful of students Thursday afternoon to talk nutrition, taste test cheese and show off milk mustaches. The students were in Chrissie Hines' family and consumer sciences class, which is meant to teach health and wellness to middle school students. · Read the entire article.
Idaho students reap the harvest KTVB.com Published 09/03/2010
It's harvest time and students in Idaho are reaping the benefits. A pilot program called farm to school is bringing local foods into five school districts. Idaho First Lady Lori Otter helped kick off the program Thursday at Morley Nelson Elementary. · Read the entire article.
First Lady Lori Otter to Kick Off Farm-to-School Program at Local Elementary School Ag Weekly Published 09/02/2010
To kick off the Farm-to-School Program in the Boise School District, First Lady Lori Otter will visit Morley Nelson Elementary School on Thursday, Sept. 2 and have lunch with students that will include several Idaho-grown products. · Read the entire article.
Fresh from the farm by Morgan Wall The Mount Airy News Published 09/02/2010
In order to accomplish their goals, child nutrition departments rely on a variety of different programs from the federal and state governments to function on a day-to-day basis. One such program, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Farm to School program, helps not only school systems across the state but farmers as well. Since its inception in the 1990s, the Farm to School program has collected produce from North Carolina farmers and delivered it to school systems in a timely manner. · Read the entire article.
Are we on our way to healthy food for kids? Your Call - KALW Public Radio Published 09/02/2010
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Jordan District bringing local fruits and veggies to school lunch by Anne Forester ksl.com Published 09/01/2010
Elementary school students in the Jordan School District got a tasty lesson about local produce Wednesday. The Farm to School program adds fresh fruits and vegetables to school lunch while giving students a chance to learn about where their food comes from. · Read the entire article.
Polk's School Food Lines Have More Healthy Choices by Mycah Pleasant The Ledger Published 09/01/2010
For Polk County students, things might be getting better while, at the same time, getting healthier. By making choices available - such as different kinds of fruit and salads and new twists on old favorites, the district is making strides in improving the quality of school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Improving School Nutrition Education through Farm-to-School Initiatives by Carol Inderieden MIX Published 09/01/2010
One of the more exciting developments in education over the lastfew years is the emergence of a national farm-to-school movement. Many school districts across the country are instituting new health and wellness policies in response to the rising incidence of chronic disease and obesity among school children. The national push to improve diet through farm-to-school initiatives has resulted in the creation of programs that not only promote and support the use of locally produced, sustainably grown food but often include a roster of activities designed to educate children and their families about healthful food choices—everything from special harvest-of-the-month food tastings in the cafeteria to community classes in cooking, nutrition, and gardening. · Read the entire article.
Food Factory Portland’s schools are cooking up plans for healthier lunches by Hanna Neuschwander Portland Monthly Published 09/01/2010
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Crookston to Try Farm To School Program WDAZ Television Published 08/30/2010
Crookston is adopting a national food program to help get fresh foods back in their schools. · Read the entire article.
Washington Student Gardeners Learn, Practice and Inspire Healthy Nutrition Tray Talk - Success Stories Published 08/30/2010
In Auburn School District in Washington State, school lunches include oven roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, beans, beets, sweet potatoes and kale, as well as fresh plums, pears and watermelon. Much of the produce comes straight from our school garden. We’ve found that there’s nothing like growing a vegetable from a tiny seed to inspire a child give a new fruit or vegetable a try! · Read the entire article.
Local Teacher Publishes Holistic Food Curriculum by Joe Orso LaCrosse Tribune Published 08/29/2010
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Jordan brings in fresh farm produce for school lunch by Rosemary Winters The Salt Lake Tribune Published 08/18/2010
South Jordan • Hundreds of kids at South Jordan Elementary school got an unusual treat in the cafeteria on Wednesday — watermelon and cantaloupe freshly plucked from a Green River farm. Jordan School District has launched a “Farm to School” program — the first of its kind in Utah — that aims to support Utah farmers, teach kids about their food supply and enhance school lunch with healthful produce picked at the peak of ripeness. · Read the entire article.
D.C. group gets glimpse of Delmarva’s vegetable industry by Sean Clougherty American Farm Published 08/16/2010
With intentions of making connections that could lead to selling Delaware-grown produce to nearby school systems, a group of people involved the Washington D.C Farm to School program, got a day-long snapshot of Delaware agriculture on Thursday, July 29. The group of about 10 people was organized by Andrea Northup, D.C. Farm to School Network coordinator and David Marvel, a farmer in Harrington, Del., and member of the Mid-Atlantic Farm to School steering committee. · Read the entire article.
New school year sees new paths for learning, health Citizen Times Published 08/16/2010
Some Asheville schoolchildren will be experimenting with uniforms and single-gender classes this year. Meanwhile, a concerted effort is under way to get all students to eat more healthily. The battle against childhood obesity will be joined this fall on more than one front. Local chefs will work with every elementary school in Buncombe County as part of Michele Obama's Chefs Move to Schools program. Western Carolina University students will help implement farm-to-school programs in Jackson County. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Director Has A Lot On His Plate by Leigh Blander Marblehead Patch Published 08/16/2010
It's a homecoming, of sorts, for Richard Kelleher, the returning food services director for Marblehead schools. He's back on the job, after leaving six years ago to work in Gloucester. And he has some big challenges in Marblehead. Kelleher will buy as much locally-grown produce as possible and work with the Massachusetts Farm-to-School program. · Read the entire article.
SD Unified Working To Make School Lunches Healthier by Maureen Cavanaugh and Hank Crook KPBS News Published 08/16/2010
Chicken fried something, spaghetti and mystery meat used to be hallmarks of school cuisine back in the day. But San Diego Unified School District says those days are no more. · Read the entire article.
Contest for youths to highlight local food by Carrie Ann Knauer Carroll Country Times Published 08/15/2010
Maryland youths have a chance to win an Apple iPod Touch by creating a video on what local food means to them. The Maryland Department of Agriculture contest, which ends Sept. 8, was created as a way to get youths involved in supporting the Maryland's Best program, a marketing initiative that highlights farms and local products throughout the state. Students are encouraged to make a video between 30 seconds and 3 minutes long that reflects how eating locally affects Maryland farmers, the community and themselves. · Read the entire article.
Myrtle Beach area schools, others tackle ABCs of nutrition by Gina Vasselli Myrtle Beach Sun News Published 08/15/2010
The nation's obesity epidemic has a special resonance in the Carolinas, where about 34 percent of children ages 10-17 are considered overweight or obese, according to a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. That's almost twice the 18 percent national average for U.S. children ages 12 to 19, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nutritionists, educators, child advocates and child-centered programs, such as the Children's Museum of South Carolina, are trying to reverse that super-sized trend. · Read the entire article.
Upgrades made to food services at schools by Morgan Carlson Jackson County Floridian Published 08/15/2010
Food service for the Jackson County School District Schools will soon be seeing some new, healthier food items served,Jack Noonan, food service director for the district, said in a presentation at a school board workshop Thursday. Jackson County also participates in the New North Florida Cooperative Farm to School Program, in which county farms grow produce that is served in schools. Only a handful of counties in Florida participate in this program. · Read the entire article.
A Natural Choice by Karen Lungu Cañon City Daily Record Published 08/15/2010
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At lunchtime, we need to help our kids get fresh by David Sarasohn The Oregonian Published 08/14/2010
The child nutrition reauthorization act, passed this month by the Senate and working its way through the House, renews about 10 national programs for five years, feeds tens of millions of children (and quite a few adults) and will cost many billions of dollars, including an increase of $5 billion to $8 billion. But when Susan Barker looks at it, she sees 6 cents. · Read the entire article.
Initiative promotes kids healthy eating, local farmers and gardens Crookston Times Published 08/13/2010
Polk County Public Health’s Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) along with Crookston Public Schools are embarking on an exciting adventure to bring farm/garden fresh food grown locally into the school through Farm2School. Farm2School initiatives promote healthy eating habits, support neighboring small and mid-sized farmers/gardeners, and build the local economy. Plus, they offer important learning opportunities for students in the cafeteria, and ideally in the classroom and community as well. · Read the entire article.
Area school cooks go back to school by Meredith Hines-Dochterman Gazette Online Published 08/12/2010
Some local school food service staff went back to school early this year to sharpen their cooking skills by attending a 5th Season Workshop hosted by the Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
8 Asheville, Buncombe County schools revamping school lunches Citizen Times Published 08/11/2010
Henderson County apples. Hydroponic lettuce from Madison County. North Carolina-grown sweet potatoes. These aren't menu items at a downtown restaurant. They're some of the fresh, locally grown produce gracing school lunch menus this year. · Read the entire article.
From farm to school by Alycia Kiley New Times Published 08/11/2010
Farm to School is a growing national program that connects students with local farms. School cafeterias serve produce straight from local growers while educating students about agriculture and nutrition, thanks to the program. Moreover, students learn first hand how food is raised by visits to farms and by gardening. · Read the entire article.
Chefs help craft healthier school lunches with local food by Nanci Hellmich USA Today Published 08/11/2010
On his first day on the job as director of food and nutrition for Baltimore City Schools, chef Tony Geraci brought in 40,000 pounds of tree-ripened, Maryland-grown peaches for students. On that day two years ago, he sat in the cafeteria with several second-graders who were eating fresh peaches for the first time in their lives. · Read the entire article.
Field trips, programs teach Asheville-area students about eating healthy outside the school cafeteri by Nanci Bompey Asheville Times Published 08/11/2010
The best lessons about healthy eating can't always be taught in the school cafeteria. Five years ago, Isaac Dickson teacher Susan Shillcock took her class on a field trip to Flying Cloud Farm in Fairview, and the kindergarten and first- and second-grade classes wandered into the okra. The students were soon eating the green vegetables raw. The next day, the class eagerly chowed down on pickled, steamed and fried okra prepared by local chef Laurey Masterton. · Read the entire article.
The Chef Goes Back To School by Marlisa Mills Western North Carolina Woman Published 08/10/2010
See pages 6 through 9 to read about Chef Laurey Masterton and her involvement in healthy food initiatives for schools. · Read the entire article.
Silver Diner club-card plan to help fund school nutrition and fitness programs by Danielle Douglas The Washington Post Published 08/09/2010
Known for greasy burgers and fries, diners are far from synonymous with healthy eating. But Rockville-based Silver Diner has been trying to change that perception, adding low-fat, low-calorie meals to its menu in May. And now, owners Robert Giaimo and Ype Von Hengst have launched "Eat Well, Do Well," an initiative to fund school nutrition and fitness programs to combat childhood obesity. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School Program Part of New Healthy Hunger-free Kids Act by Richard Garcia The Examiner Published 08/09/2010
The Senate passed legislation last week aimed at reducing childhood obesity and strengthening programs dedicated to improving children's' nutrition. The Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act will provide $4.5 billion to improving the National School Lunch Program and establish new national nutritional standards to help children eat healthier foods at school. One part of this bill is the Farm-to-School program which brings local foods into cafeterias and establish school gardens. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program Seeks Funding Parent Express Published 08/09/2010
Composed of volunteer teachers and parents, plus organizers from Post Oil Solutions Community Food Security Project, the Brattleboro Farm to School Committee recently announced its program will have a full-time coordinator beginning this August to work in all of the town's elementary schools and Brattleboro Area Middle School. · Read the entire article.
Back to school by Suzanne Menges Eastern Arizona Courier Published 08/08/2010
The signs are everywhere: school supplies are on the shelves, backpacks are everywhere, crosswalks are being repainted, and parents seem just a bit relieved. The school year is about to begin. One thing the students and their parents probably aren’t thinking too much about is the school lunch program. It’s taken for granted that students will be able to purchase a nutritious lunch at school. The lunch program in America’s schools is changing, however, thanks to local farmers. · Read the entire article.
NJ looks to use locally grown food in schools MSNBC Published 08/08/2010
The state and a Rutgers University facility in Bridgeton will spend the next year developing innovative ways of integrating New Jersey-grown produce into school food programs. Project officials want to create a wide variety of products- soups, smoothies, salads, fresh-cut fruit and vegetable snacks and possibly vegetable lasagna- by the time the project concludes at the end of 2011. · Read the entire article.
* Home * News Back to School Notes: All Decatur Schools Make AYP, Offer Healthier Food Op by Julie Shimada Decatur News Online Published 08/08/2010
At Renfroe and Decatur High, in addition to the traditional cafeteria line, students can now choose foods from the "Fast ‘n Fresh" section, which includes a salad bar, a sandwich station, and other fast and healthy items. Jennifer Weissman, of the Decatur Farm to School program told Decatur News Online, "Students and teachers are enjoying the new offerings. They like choosing their own salad and sandwich toppings, and we're thrilled to provide new healthy options at lunch time." · Read the entire article.
NH School Food’s Executive Director Shaping Farm to School Programs Nationwide New Haven Public Schools Press Release Published 08/08/2010
Chef Timothy Cipriano, Executive Director of Food Services for New Haven Public Schools has been invited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to attend the inaugural class of Produce Safety University (PSU) August 9-13 to help refine the class before they open it up to other school food service directors. The class will be held at the USDA Training Center in Fredericksburg, VA. The class is being organized and administered by the National Food Service Management Institute (NFSMI). All expenses will be paid for by USDA. · Read the entire article.
Senate Votes To Revamp School Lunch Program To Counter Child Obesity And Promote Healthier Meals Senator Patrick Leahy press release Published 08/06/2010
Before ending its summer session, the U.S. Senate on Aug. 5 unanimously approved sweeping changes in the school lunch program, including an expansion of an effort led by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) to multiply links between local farms and school lunch counters. The bill includes support for Leahy’s Farm to School program, which encourages community-based efforts to link local farms to school lunchrooms. · Read the entire article.
Attention to food safety can open doors by Steve Brown Capital Press Agricultural News Published 08/05/2010
Farmers interested in providing food to schools and other institutions got a look at what's required for Good Agricultural Practices certification during a farm walk July 26. Tricia Kovacs, Farm-to-School Program manager for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said adherence to GAP is not mandatory statewide, "but some schools require third-party audits or certification," she said. Besides training food producers, she said, her program also trains school food nutrition directors about what to expect with direct-purchasing relationships. · Read the entire article.
District augments lunches with local produce by Melissa Kaelin Owatonna Peoples Press Published 08/05/2010
When Owatonna students get a look at the lunch menu this fall, they may feel a bit like fish out of water. The Food and Nutrition Services department will be changing things up at Owatonna schools, adding more than a dozen new recipes to the rotation. The recipes are part of a larger effort by the school district to initiate a Farm to School program in Owatonna cafeterias. The measure would call for fresh, local produce to be distributed to Owatonna schools, then used in recipes for the daily lunch menus. · Read the entire article.
Senate Passes Child Nutrition Bill National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Published 08/05/2010
On Thursday, August 5, the Senate passed a child nutrition program re-authorization bill by unanimous consent. The bill provides a 6-cent per meal increase in school lunch reimbursements, expands school meal eligibility, and establishes stronger nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools. It also includes $40 million in mandatory funding for the Farm to School competitive grants program, a measure that NSAC has helped champion. · Read the entire article.
School districts use local farms to serve healthier food by Lindsay Keefer Woodburn Independent Published 08/04/2010
Woodburn and North Marion school districts are joining the Gervais School District in a Farm to School program this year. The program, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, also includes Ecotrust and Wellspring Medical Center, introducing the concept of providing local products for school meals. · Read the entire article.
School districts use local farms to serve healthier food by Lindsay Keefer Woodburn Independent Published 08/04/2010
Woodburn and North Marion school districts are joining the Gervais School District in a Farm to School program this year. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School KXNet.com Published 08/04/2010
Getting your children to eat healthful foods isn't always an easy task. But some schools are trying to offer some help. "Farm to School" works to put more local foods on students' lunch trays. Kathie Starkweather with the Center for Rural Affairs says the program is designed to help kids understand where their food comes from and spur the local economy by supporting local farmers and ranchers. · Read the entire article.
Crawford County Farm to School by Charlene Elderkin Viroqua Food Cooperative Published 08/04/2010
The Crawford County Farm to School program is just finishing a farm to schoolsecond successful school year with some significant accomplishments. Food service directors and staff, teachers and parents expanded the program at the Seneca Wauzeka-Steuben and Prairie du Chien School Districts this year with the help of AmeriCorps members, Kathleen Hein and Marty Green. · Read the entire article.
Lions Club plants Farm-to-School garden by Matt Baldwin Whitefish Pilot Published 08/04/2010
The Whitefish Lions Club launched an organic Farm-to-School garden this summer and come harvest time, they expect to have 15,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to donate to local school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
School board studies MCAII results by Jodelle Greiner The Independent Published 08/03/2010
The Marshall School Board reviewed the results of the MCAII achievement tests taken by students in various grades, and listened to the annual report from Taher Food Service at the regular meeting Monday. One of the programs they will be working to expand is Farm to School, which focuses on using locally grown produce. · Read the entire article.
The Cook’s Warehouse Hosts Second Farm-to-School Cooking Class for School’s Cafeteria Workers Gourmet Retailer Published 08/02/2010
Mary Moore, founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school with three locations in Atlanta, hosted the second Farm-to-School “cooking workshop” for cafeteria workers from the City Schools of Decatur, Georgia, on July 29. The half-day program is designed to teach easy, efficient and inspired cooking to school cafeteria workers. · Read the entire article.
SENCFS Receives $400,000 in Funding for Processing and Distribution Center Tidal Creek Published 08/01/2010
The Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems Program (SENCFS) is the recipient of two new grants to support a processing and distribution center for limited resource farmers in the region · Read the entire article.
A conversation with Marion Kalb Queens of Green Published 07/31/2010
Marion Kalb, Program Director, National Farm to School talks about the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act and First Lady Michelle Obama. · Read the entire article.
Nourishing Native foods win national cooking competition by Sanra Ritten Indian Country Today Published 07/30/2010
Members from the Tohono O’odham Community Action Youth Cooking Class tantalized the taste buds of the judges in a national cooking competition with Native ingredients from their community, winning them the prestigious contest in Detroit, Mich. in May. The Cooking Up Change competition, part of the Healthy Schools Campaign and the Farm to School program, allows students to actively address the issue of local foods and school nutrition · Read the entire article.
Nourishing Native foods win national cooking competition by Sanra Ritten Indian Country Today Published 07/30/2010
Members from the Tohono O’odham Community Action Youth Cooking Class tantalized the taste buds of the judges in a national cooking competition with Native ingredients from their community, winning them the prestigious contest in Detroit, Mich. in May. The Cooking Up Change competition, part of the Healthy Schools Campaign and the Farm to School program, allows students to actively address the issue of local foods and school nutrition · Read the entire article.
The Sweet Corn? Grown Right Over There by Tammy La Gorce The New York Times Published 07/30/2010
“My goal has been to help keep the Garden State the Garden State,” said Mikey Azzara, who founded Zone 7, named for New Jersey’s location on the Agriculture Department’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map. “Why is it easier to get stuff from all over the world than it is to get stuff from a New Jersey farmer to a New Jersey restaurant? I saw this as an important nut to crack.” · Read the entire article.
A bumper crop of goodness by Heather Huwe, Intern Reporter Alexandria Echo Press Published 07/30/2010
They’re called “community gardens.” And at two local schools, they’re producing a bumper crop of goodness – excited students, a new way of learning, healthy meals for hungry families, new partnerships and more. · Read the entire article.
School District & Farmers Team Up Up North Live Published 07/29/2010
Cutting the fat from a food budget isn't always easy to do, but some local school districts are teaming up with area farmers to get more for less. · Read the entire article.
Lentz shares love of organic foods with community by Krystle Dunham Chelsea Standard Published 07/28/2010
Deb Lentz’s mission is to provide her community with fresh organic fruits and vegetables. And she is hoping that she can get residents of all ages to develop a love for organic produce. · Read the entire article.
Local legislators praise school nutrition bill Boston Globe Published 07/27/2010
The Massachusetts Legislature today passed legislation that would ban the sale of unhealthy foods and drinks in Massachusetts public schools. The bill also includes a provision for preferential purchasing for products grown in Massachusetts and instructs the Department of Agriculture to collect data to facilitate the process of local farms and public schools doing business together. · Read the entire article.
Filling the GAP to Potential New Markets Washington State University News Published 07/27/2010
When the Washington State Legislature passed the Local Farms-Healthy Kids Act in 2008, it opened a potential new market for local fruit and vegetable producers. The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Farm-to-School Program is working to build partnerships to enable local growers to take advantage of not only the local school market but also opportunities to provide produce to other institutions. According to WSDA Farm-to-School Program coordinator Tricia Sexton Kovacs, one major step that local producers can take toward taking advantage of those markets is to submit their operations to Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices audits. · Read the entire article.
Mock Good Agricultural Practices Audit Food Safety News Published 07/26/2010
The organic farm at Washington State University's Puyallup Research and Extension Center will be the subject of a mock Good Agricultural Practices audit, and farmers are invited to participate. The audit will be conducted as part of the Tilth Producers and WSU Small Farms Program farm walk at the facility on Monday, July 26, from 12:30 to 4 pm. It is free and no advance registration is required. The farm walk audit is a joint project with the Washington State Department of Agriculture Farm-to-School Program. · Read the entire article.
Kittery school has nation's best by Charles McMahon Seacoast Online Published 07/26/2010
Cheryl Dixon, food service manager at Horace Mitchell Primary School, has had quite the summer. Dixon was honored for her work teaching good nutrition and promoting lifelong healthy eating habits among the students at Mitchell School. · Read the entire article.
Campaign encourages putting 10% of food spending toward local foods by Stacie Greene Hidek Star News Published 07/26/2010
The Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems Program joins the Center for Environmental Farming Systems for the 10% Campaign, which encourages consumers to spend 10 percent of their food spending on foods produced in North Carolina. The campaign aims to create jobs, boost the viability of North Carolina farms and fisheries, and promote healthy communities. · Read the entire article.
Hazelton bringing local food to school children by Lauren Donovan Bismarck Tribune Published 07/25/2010
Ted Ranschler’s homegrown “strawberry” rhubarb will go into nutritious foods for schoolchildren starting this fall. He lives across from the school at Hazelton and donated his produce, which the school cooks estimate would have otherwise have cost $44. Not only is it free, it’s locally grown. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Network practitioners to visit Kansas City by Alison Reber Kansas City Environmental News Examiner Published 07/24/2010
Farm to School connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. · Read the entire article.
Field trips teach local children about food, farming and nutrition Times-Standard Published 07/22/2010
Locally Delicious, a pending nonprofit group taking its name from a local cookbook, joined with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers recently, donating $400 each to ensure kids can visit a working farm this summer. The program, titled “Farm to School,” is run out of the Humboldt County Office of Education. · Read the entire article.
Valley View has new raised beds by Laura Roady Bonner's Ferry Herald Published 07/22/2010
Valley View Elementary students will notice a major change when they return to school this fall. Where there once was a lawn of grass, there now stands raised beds and a tilled area for cover crops. These are the first visible signs of the Boundary County School District’s Community Kitchen and School Farm Project. The goal is to have a sustainable program that supplies the schools with local food. · Read the entire article.
Better food for Northern Colorado by Nick Childs Rocky Mountain Collegian Published 07/21/2010
A team, comprised of a mixture of CSU faculty and students, is conducting research to assess all aspects of food in Northern Colorado. This “interactive” program looks at all aspects of food, said Thilmany McFadden, CSU coordinator for the Northern Colorado Regional Food Assessment Project. They gather information about the land and water used in production, the food retailers and nutrition issues involved with food in Northern Colorado. · Read the entire article.
'Sprouting healthy kids' goal of July 27 Farm to School program in Kansas City by Bill McKelvey University of Missouri Extension News Published 07/21/2010
“Sprouting Healthy Kids” will be the goal of a Farm to School program set for July 27 at the Kansas City Academy. The Farm to School initiative is a national effort to connect K-12 schools with regional or local farms to serve healthy meals using locally produced foods. · Read the entire article.
Summer camp teaches kids about where food comes from by John Darling Ashland Daily Tidings Published 07/21/2010
As elementary school-age children in a summer camp at Rogue Valley Brambles farm paint a chicken coop with scenes of trees, houses and airplanes Tuesday, owner Susan Muller assures them that the chickens will be a lot happier to live in it and lay eggs. The children have just fed and watered the chicks, given them pet names and checked to make sure they're getting both sun and shade and that their fence is secure. · Read the entire article.
Farm experts tout virtues of fresh vegetables Heartland News Published 07/21/2010
Kentucky Department of Agriculture experts are stressing the importance of serving farm-fresh products to kids in schools across the state. That's being done in a "Farm to School Summit" on Wednesday in Lexington. · Read the entire article.
Chicago Public Schools Will Contract $500,000 in Illinois Produce Prairie Farmer Published 07/20/2010
Family Farmed.org is partnering with Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality, the major food service provider for the Chicago Public Schools, to ask Illinois farmers to contract for $500,000 of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. This will be in addition to the $1.8 million in local farm products they purchased last year from growers in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. This will take CPS regional procurement of fruits and vegetables to $2.3 million for the 2010-11 school year. · Read the entire article.
Kentucky Proud aiming at schools Lexington-Herald Leader Published 07/20/2010
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is hosting its first Farm to School Summit on Wednesday as part of an effort to education food service directors about using Kentucky products. · Read the entire article.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture employees to speak at Farm to School Summit Kentucky Ag News Published 07/20/2010
Kentucky Department of Agriculture experts are scheduled to share their knowledge at the first-ever Farm to School Summit Wednesday in Lexington. “Our goal is to bring the freshness and high quality of Kentucky Proud products into our schools,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The Farm to School Program enables Kentucky kids to grow into healthy adults who understand the importance of knowing what’s in their food and where it comes from.” · Read the entire article.
Gov. Quinn Signs Local Food Laws To Benefit Low Income Families, Schools Chicagoist Published 07/20/2010
Gov. Quinn signed into law Saturday two new pieces of legislation aimed at making it easier for low income families and schools to obtain local food. · Read the entire article.
Facebook YouTube Twitter Get Email Updates Contact Veterans' Webpage Economic Recovery P Congresswoman Pingree Press Release Published 07/20/2010
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that she has introduced the Eat Local Foods Act to help schools provide healthier meals for their students while supporting local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Schools plan to serve fresh produce in effort to curb childhood obesity by Keith Uhlig Wausau Daily Herald Published 07/20/2010
Three local elementary schools will serve fresh vegetables and fruit snacks next school year as part of a federal program intended to curb childhood obesity. · Read the entire article.
NJDA, Rutgers Receive Federal Grant for Farm to School Project New Jersey Department of Agriculture Published 07/19/2010
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with Rutgers Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton, has been awarded $51,215 to create new food items derived from New Jersey agricultural products for use in the National School Lunch Program. · Read the entire article.
Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality increases buy from local farms program to over $2 million Food CEO Published 07/18/2010
Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality, the major food service provider for Chicago Public Schools, is asking Illinois farmers to contract for $500,000 of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in addition to the $1.8 million in local farm products purchased last year. “We want apples, peaches pears, broccoli, beans, potatoes and other fruits and vegetables grown by Illinois farmers to serve nearly 305,000 students in 481 schools every day,” said Bob Bloomer, regional vice president for Chartwells-Thompson. “This is good for local farmers and great for Chicago students.” · Read the entire article.
Quinn signs laws promoting local food by Ted Gregory Chicago Tribune Published 07/17/2010
At the state's longest-running farmers market on Saturday, Gov. Pat Quinn authorized legislation aimed at making it easier for schools and low-income consumers to obtain locally-grown food. The Farm-to-School database will create an electronic database on the state Department of Agriculture Web site that allows schools and local farmers to connect on the purchase of fresh produce. The Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Act makes it easier for sellers at the markets to accept Link cards, state-issued debit cards for food stamp recipients. · Read the entire article.
Schools learning to cook from scratch by Marjorie Hernandez Ventura County Star Published 07/16/2010
Some local school districts plan to shed the stigma of cafeteria food by revamping their menus and offering a variety of healthier fare in the coming school year, while others are taking it a step further by ditching packaged foods and reviving cooking from scratch. State education officials are working closely with school districts like Ventura Unified and Santa Cruz City Schools that are already using the “Farm to School” model and adding scratch cooking to their daily cafeteria menus. · Read the entire article.
House committee passes 'Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act' by Krista Simmons LA Times Published 07/16/2010
On Thursday the "Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act" was passed by the House Education and Labor Committee, bringing the nation's kids one bite closer to the possibility of more nutritious meals. · Read the entire article.
Child Nutrition with Farm to School Passes House Committee National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Published 07/15/2010
On Thursday, July 15, the House Education and Labor Committee approved the child nutrition reauthorization bill authored by Chairman George Miller (D-CA) (Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act, H.R. 5504) by a vote of 32 -13 with Republicans Todd Platts (PA), Michael Castle (DE), and Vernon Ehlers (MI) joining all of the Democratic members of the committee in supporting the bill. The bill includes $50 million in mandatory funding over five years for farm to school programs nationwide and incorporates language very similar to Rep. Rush Holt’s (D-NJ) Farm to School Improvements Act that NSAC strongly supports. · Read the entire article.
Summer Lunch Program Features Farm to School Activities by Aubree Durfey Community Food Co-op Published 07/15/2010
Where does your food come from? Local school-aged kids participating in the Summer Lunch Program, sponsored by the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, will be exploring answers to this question in the upcoming weeks. Volunteers of Gallatin Valley Farm to School (GVF2S) will be leading the children in Farm to School activities such as making butter, planting a bucket garden and exploring the BOB (the Bozone Ozone Bus) – a mobile greenhouse bus created by the Bozeman Youth Initiative. · Read the entire article.
Will school lunch items come from your local farms? by Peter Graham Morrison County Record Published 07/15/2010
The United States Department of Agriculture, through the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CREES), is funding a coalition of school districts and farmers from four states that are participating in a program called "From Farm to School: Improving Small Farm Viability and School Meals." So far, the program has functioned well in the four urban states, but it could be coming to a school near you-if Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has his way. · Read the entire article.
Holt Farm to School Initiative Advances Through House Committee Representative Rush Holt Newsroom Published 07/15/2010
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Senate Committee Adopts Ag Spending Bill National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Published 07/15/2010
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Direct marketing from the farm Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch Published 07/14/2010
Direct marketing from the farm will be the topic for a July 20th field day walk-n-talk held at Seven Story Farm from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Marketing fresh, locally produced food directly to consumers, restaurants, and institutions is a rapidly expanding opportunity. Join Rural Advantage and partners to learn about farm to school opportunities, CSA marketing, and selling directly off the farm. · Read the entire article.
Briefing addresses methods to combat growing prediabetes incidence Endocrine Today Published 07/14/2010
Julie Paradis, administrator for food and nutrition services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, outlined the agency’s current and future efforts. She said the passing of a robust childhood nutrition act is needed to improve the health and well-being of U.S. youth. She discussed several soon-to-be-implemented improvements in school nutrition, including the reduction of barriers preventing children from participating in nutrition programs; improving meal quality; increasing school reimbursement; expanding direct certification to make more children eligible for free or reduced-price meals; diversifying school breakfast and summer food service programs; providing school meal report card to parents to help them guide their child’s food choices; and forging a stronger farm-to-school link to help local produce providers. · Read the entire article.
Peach Crest Farm has impact on county by Ezra Mann Pauls Valley Daily Democrat Published 07/14/2010
Many people who go to their local market these days may never have an idea of where the produce they buy comes from. However, pick up a piece of squash or peach over the summer at a grocery store and you may be enjoying the fruits of labor from Peach Crest Farm in Stratford, according to George Driever, farm manager · Read the entire article.
Columbia Public Schools adding more variety to school lunches by Hannah Wiese Columbia Missourian Published 07/14/2010
Columbia Public Schools is participating in Farm to School, a program that brings in locally grown produce in for lunches. “It is something that we thought was a next step for Columbia Public Schools in the growing trends for the desire to know where our food is coming from,” said Laina Fullum, the district's nutrition director. “Kids need more opportunities to be better connected to Missouri land and what is produced here in our state.” · Read the entire article.
Grant will bring local food to districts Record-Eagle Published 07/13/2010
A federal farm grant will help expand use of locally grown foods at schools in two area counties. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a $60,000 rural development grant for a Farm to School program for Frankfort-Elberta Area School District, Onekama Consolidated Schools and other districts in Benzie and Manistee counties. · Read the entire article.
USDA Announces Recovery Act Efforts Aimed at Creating Jobs, Supporting Local and Regional Food Syste USDA Newsroom Published 07/13/2010
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced Recovery Act investments for 11 businesses in 9 states to strengthen rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems. "Our farmers are the most productive in the world, supplying much of the nation's food, and in so doing, are creating the create jobs that are necessary to strengthen our economy," said Vilsack. "By connecting farmers and ranchers more closely with consumers of food, we are creating new economic opportunities for producers and helping consumers to access healthy, nutritious food." · Read the entire article.
U of M recognizes farm families of year UM News Published 07/13/2010
"Almost all Minnesota farms are family farms," said Bev Durgan, dean of University of Minnesota Extension. "These farm families are a major driver of Minnesota's economy and the vitality of Minnesota's rural communities. The University of Minnesota is proud to recognize these farm families for their contribution to agriculture and their communities." · Read the entire article.
SNA Conference Opens with Guest from The White House by Bill Bailey The Food Channel Published 07/12/2010
Chef Geraci talked about his experience with the Farm to School program. “It’s so important to connect kids to the origins of food,” Geraci said. In his Baltimore program he has students that plant, grow, harvest, cook and serve foods from a garden at Great Kids Farm. · Read the entire article.
5 Neb. nonprofits get $272,000 in USDA funding BusinessWeek Published 07/12/2010
Five Nebraska nonprofits have been awarded $272,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The money from USDA Rural Development will support business development and entrepreneurship. Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society will get $99,000 to train food producers through the Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Columbia 'urban homesteaders' work to live self-sufficiently by Theresa Berens Columbia Missourian Published 07/12/2010
Charlie Triplett describes his childhood experiences with gardening as unpleasant. Although his father, a truck driver, insisted on planting an enormous plot every year, he and his mother were less passionate about the weeding and upkeep. Triplett no longer has to worry about weeding. He and his wife, Annette, try to grow as much of their own food as possible in raised garden beds on their urban homestead, a block off Broadway in the Old Southwest neighborhood. · Read the entire article.
Brattleboro Food Co-op’s Education Outreach Program supports Farm to School projects Commons News Published 07/12/2010
This summer, education outreach coordinators from the Brattleboro Food Co-op are involved with a variety of programs that have grown from Farm to School initiatives. These collaborative projects are providing learning opportunities on gardening and healthy food for youth in our community. The Co-op provides free nutrition education programs like these as a part of their community outreach effort. · Read the entire article.
Momentum starts on new CREST farm by Cliff Newell West Linn Tidings Published 07/08/2010
Bob Carlson is starting small with the new CREST Farm to School program. But some day it will be big – producing food for all 13 schools in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. · Read the entire article.
Area students help make own menus by Angela Cina Vernon Broadcaster Published 07/08/2010
Students who eat hot lunch at Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School in Viroqua have helped grow the produce on their plates. Organic hot lunch has been served at the school for seven years. For the past four years, the menu has included vegetables grown in the school garden behind The Flower Basket. Menu items not grown in the garden are purchased local · Read the entire article.
Putting farm food on the plate HeraldNet Published 07/07/2010
The state Department of Agriculture and the Washington School Nutrition Association are asking local farmers to participate in the state Farm-to-School program’s “Taste Washington Day” on Sept. 29. · Read the entire article.
More opportunities to eat fresh by Emily Christensen WCF Courier Published 07/06/2010
The cafeteria was empty. The kids all gone for the summer. But inside the Independence High School kitchen Kelly Crossley, the district's food service director, was surrounded by a growing mound of strawberries. Cardboard cartons of the fruit were stashed in the cooler, on the countertops and still more were coming through the door. · Read the entire article.
King County program serves up a feast of healthful eating by Maureen O'Hagan The Seattle Times Published 07/06/2010
"It's always amazing how we always have enough food, and it comes out pretty good," said Cristina Orbe, program manager at FEEST, which stands for Food Education Empowerment and Sustainability Team. The free drop-in program — with a budget of about $50,000, courtesy of the King County Food and Fitness Initiative — teaches young people about cooking and healthful eating. All the meals are centered on vegetables, with a little bit of meat thrown in occasionally. · Read the entire article.
Groups Outline Vision For Michigan Fresh Food by David Runk Chicago Tribune Published 07/05/2010
A number of groups that want to find ways to increase the availability of fresh, healthy food across Michigan and spur economic growth have offered a 10-year vision for making that happen. The recently released Michigan Good Food Charter outlines a series of priorities to help leverage the state's already diverse agricultural production system and respond to demand for locally grown food. · Read the entire article.
Groups outline 10-year vision for Mich. fresh food by David Runk Chicago Tribune Published 07/05/2010
A number of groups that want to find ways to increase the availability of fresh, healthy food across Michigan and spur economic growth have offered a 10-year vision for making that happen. The recently released Michigan Good Food Charter outlines a series of priorities to help leverage the state's already diverse agricultural production system and respond to demand for locally grown food. · Read the entire article.
Celebrity Chef and Army General Urge Congress to Fix School Lunch by Christine Binder Slow Food USA Published 07/04/2010
Most of the legislators present for a hearing on the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act of 2010 seemed in favor of implementing Farm to School programs and removing junk food from schools. Those are great steps forward, but they’re only partial victories if the Child Nutrition Bill doesn’t receive full funding. Right now, the National School Lunch Program leaves schools with about $1.00 for each meal’s ingredients. This bill would add six cents – not enough to give every child access to a healthy meal. · Read the entire article.
Biography Committee Assignments Economy Education Energy Environment Foreign Affairs Health Care Ho Rep. Rush Holt Press Release Published 07/02/2010
The House Committee on Education and Labor yesterday held a hearing on the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act, which would improve the quality of school meals and other child nutrition programs for 32 million children. This legislation contains an initiative written by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) to require $10 billion in funding for farm to school programs. · Read the entire article.
Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society receives grant to do Farm-to-School Project Healthy Farms Nebraska Published 07/02/2010
Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, Inc (NSAS) of Hartington will utilize $99,000 to provide technical assistance and training for local food businesses and producers in six counties through participation in the Farm to School Pilot Program to sell locally grown food to area schools. The project will create/save 13 jobs. NSAS will partner with the University of Nebraska Department of Nutrition and Health Services, the University of Nebraska Rural Initiative and the Nebraska Local Food Network. · Read the entire article.
School Nutrition Improving Through Decatur Farm to School Initiative by Julie Shimada Decatur News Online Published 06/29/2010
Over the past school year, the Decatur Farm to School Initiative began to make an impact in the diets and the lives of children in the community. The grassroots organization, started by parents, teachers, and school administrators to bring healthy foods into the City Schools of Decatur nutrition program, also teaches students about nutrition and how to care for a garden. · Read the entire article.
Push for more local food in schools by Shir Haberman Seacoast Online Published 06/29/2010
Members of the North Hampton Agricultural Commission, the School Board and administrators in SAU 21 are attempting to make some headway on the issue of increased cost for better school food and training lunchroom staff in how to prepare healthier food. · Read the entire article.
Bringing kids to the land, and good food to the table by Bella English The Boston Globe Published 06/27/2010
“The local food movement is about bringing good, nutritious food to all despite the income,’’ says Katherine Sims, who was in Milton last weekend for a fund-raiser. The program draws a third of its budget from individual and corporate donations, a third from grants and foundations, and a third from the schools. Another component of the program is getting produce from local farms into the schools, which benefits both the farmers and the children, who, she says, suffer from “nature deficit disorder.’’ · Read the entire article.
Kentucky Agriculture Department program promotes more locally-grown fresh fruits, vegetables and foo Kentucky Department of Agriculture Published 06/27/2010
The numbers are sobering: only 13.2 percent of Kentucky’s youth eat fruits and vegetables five or more times a day, compared with the national average of 21.4 percent; 40.5 percent of Kentucky students drink one or more soft drinks per day, compared with the national average of 33.8 percent. · Read the entire article.
Washington Gov. signs food reporting order Natural Resource Report Published 06/25/2010
A coalition of farmers, children’s health advocates, environmentalists, and anti-hunger advocates applauded the Executive Order issued today by Governor Gregoire at the Food Systems Strategies Summit. Executive Order 10-02 brings together agencies and community partners to coordinate their work and increase collaboration to strengthen our state’s food system. · Read the entire article.
Filling their plates locally by Deb Gau The Independent Published 06/24/2010
It's not hard to get people interested in eating locally in greater Minnesota, Stephanie Heim said. Bringing locally-grown foods into the schools is another idea that clicks, because it's a good deal for farmers and kids alike. "People get that it's a new, steady market for farmers," said Heim, coordinator of the University of Minnesota Extension's Farm to School initiative. Students also get the chance to develop healthy eating habits and learn where their food comes from. · Read the entire article.
Growing local by Lindsey Cook The Wire Published 06/24/2010
A report from the newly christened food Solutions New England details the economic impact of the local food system and its prospects for growth. · Read the entire article.
Fundraiser to support schools, businesses by Nicole Strittmater Wausau Daily Herald Published 06/21/2010
This fall, elementary students in Stevens Point will sell local food and locally made products to raise money for their schools while also supporting farms and businesses. · Read the entire article.
Vergennes education takes root in school garden by Erin Cummings Addison County Independent Published 06/21/2010
As Lisa Sprague enters a classroom at Vergennes Union Elementary School carrying a bundle of freshly harvested vegetables, she is confronted with a throng of students hoping to help her do whatever is necessary to make the food ready to eat. VUES started its garden last year after the school received a $14,000 grant from the Farm-to-School program, led by Vermont Food Education Every Day, a nonprofit collaborative project of the Food Works, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont and Shelburne Farms. Its goal is to teach students about their food, where it comes from, and how choices they make regarding food can effect their lives and their environment. · Read the entire article.
'Farm To School Week' Measure Approved By Assembly by Gita Bajaj Politicker NJ Published 06/21/2010
Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John F. McKeon to declare a 'Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week' was unanimously approved Monday by the Assembly. Under the measure (A-2854), events would be planned in schools throughout the state for a week in September to promote the value and importance of New Jersey's agriculture and fresh farm food for children. · Read the entire article.
conversation about Farm to School and school gardens KLCC Published 06/19/2010
KLCC's Food for Thought hosts speak with Megan Kemple with the Farm to School Program and Jared Pruch of the School Garden Project Food Grown for Kids, by Kids Could Become Staple of Kitsap Lunch Rooms by Marietta Nelson Kitsap Sun Published 06/18/2010
As the local food movement grows, schoolyard gardens are becoming nearly as ubiquitous in Washington public schools as, well, standardized tests. So it only makes sense that some of the homegrown grub makes it on to the lunch line. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school food programs focus of meeting The Forum Published 06/18/2010
A workshop to connect school lunch programs with the food produced by local farmers is scheduled Tuesday in Valley City. “We want food-service directors, farmers, community members and interested individuals to take part in this workshop to bring healthy, local foods to schoolchildren across our state and to teach them the fundamentals of good nutrition,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said in a news release. “Farm-to-school programs provide our children with healthy food choices, while creating economic opportunities for local farmers.” · Read the entire article.
Ridgeway cultivates farm-to-school program by Janet Kubat Willette AgriNews Published 06/17/2010
It was the second-to-the-last day of school and excited elementary students worked in the school garden. First grader Julia Maynard displayed the plum purple radishes just picked from the garden and set to be served on the last day of school by garden club students. · Read the entire article.
Bringing Back Locally Grown Produce Organic Connections Published 06/16/2010
Lately there has been tremendous attention on the food being fed to children in schools, as it shapes their bodily health and dietary habits for the future. Ecotrust’s Food & Farms program has taken on this problem quite seriously, with an eye to sourcing school food locally as well. “The sky’s the limit, I have to say, with regard to the farm-to-school initiative,” Kane said. “We got involved with it four or five years ago in the large public school district of Portland. The district consists of about 82 different schools and serves around 20,000 meals a day.” · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school project gets tons of strawberries to children by Debbie Arrington The Sacramento Bee Published 06/16/2010
The "eat local" movement has gone to school. Two healthy-living initiatives converged in Sacramento strawberry fields and school cafeterias last spring. Under an innovative new program, strawberries grown by local small family farms were rushed to local school cafeterias, supplying children with healthy fresh fruit – often the same day they were picked. · Read the entire article.
Kickapoo Harvest Gleaning for Healthy Communities begins second year Westby Times Published 06/16/2010
“Kickapoo Harvest: Gleaning for Healthy Communities” is a grass-roots initiative aimed at getting healthy, locally produced food into the hands and mouths of those who need it most. This project is funded through the support of the Viroqua Food Co-op, the Viroqua Public Schools Farm to School Program and the Coulee Region Cooperative Community Fund. · Read the entire article.
Perspective: A farm-to-cafeteria program in Jefferson County The Leader Published 06/16/2010
What is a farm-to-cafeteria program and why is it important for our community? It means serving locally grown foods in institutions; including schools, hospitals and senior centers. It means providing better tasting and more nutritious food that’s freshly picked and often organically grown. It means creating new markets for small farmers who struggle with overhead costs, high land values, yet don’t qualify for government subsidies. It means growing school gardens, offering hands-on education in science, math, environment, nutrition and health. The farm-to-cafeteria movement is growing and has expanded to almost 9,000 schools around the U.S. in the last few years. · Read the entire article.
Merrigan on Farm to School program by Beverley Kreul Brownfield Ag News Published 06/16/2010
The USDA is increasing its efforts to educate students about where their food comes from through the agency’s Farm to School educational program. USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says educating youth is the first step to educating the public. “Bringing it all together at that young age, so kids understand that food really doesn’t come from a grocery store, there is this connection to rural America that at a very young age is strong and that will then when they grow up will make a difference to them as voters and make a difference to where they decide to settle families,” said Merrigan. · Listen to the recording · Read the entire article.
Farm to School: CSD EDtv Published 06/16/2010
· Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program in the Bellingham School District SchoolTube Published 06/16/2010
A video following Fairhaven students/volunteers in their efforts for fresh farm food in the cafeteria and afterschool. · Read the entire article.
Vegetables are getting their time in the sun by Kathleen Vinehout Jackson County Chronicle Published 06/16/2010
As I drive through our Senate district, it seems like everyone has a garden. The wet weather has made the plants flourish. And even though finishing the hay crop has been a challenge, pulling weeds is a lot easier, if you don’t mind the mud. · Read the entire article.
Kentucky students take charge by setting up school salad bar by Tim Thornberry Farm World Published 06/16/2010
School lunches have changed in many ways over the last several years with more emphasis being placed on healthier food choices. With that in mind, a group of health sciences students from the Harrodsburg Area Technology Center’s (ATC) Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter initiated a project to give their fellow students at Mercer County Senior High a healthy choice for their lunches. “Using locally-grown produce in school meals is something our organization encourages since kids get a great-tasting product, the time from harvest to table is shortened and keeping food dollars local helps promote agricultural economic development,” John Cain, state co-chair of Kentucky Action for Healthy Kids, said. “Also, kids are more likely to eat their fruits and veggies if they know where it comes from - something that we hope will cut down on childhood obesity.” He added that the salad bar, by including those locally-grown items, gave the project a farm-to-school element which is very timely as there is a current movement at the state level in Kentucky to expand the Farm-to-School program. · Read the entire article.
A recipe for healthier kids more important now than ever by Elisha Greeley Smith Farm & Ranch Guide Published 06/16/2010
Two-thirds of school children eat a National School Lunch Program lunch, consuming one-third of their total daily calories from that meal. The food in that meal travels between 2500 and 4000 miles before reaching their plates. To make matters worse, over 25 percent of North Dakota children age 10 to 17 are either overweight or obese, according to a 2007 study compiled by the National Survey of Children's Health. The importance of Farm-to-School initiatives could not be clearer. Farm-to-School efforts provide healthy food choices for children, while creating economic opportunities for local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Connecting North Dakota Farmers with Schools Public News Service Published 06/15/2010
The Center for Rural Affairs, along with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the National Farm to School Network, are partnering to hold a workshop later this month in Valley City to teach local school officials how to take advantage of local producers for food products. John Crabtree, spokesman for the Center, says there is a double purpose. "The idea is obviously to make our kids' school lunches more nutritious, but to also create economic opportunities for local farmers to provide produce and things like that directly to school kitchens." · Read the entire article.
Today’s Topic: Farm to School Program In The Field Published 06/15/2010
School is out across North Carolina, and it ended on a high note for the N.C. Farm to School Program. School systems purchased a record $800,000 worth of North Carolina commodities during the 2009-2010 school year. That’s $100,000 more than 2008-2009. Listen in as Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler and the Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison talk about the success of this program. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Program Uses Local Ingredients InsideMedford.com Published 06/15/2010
Medford School Food Services, students from Tufts University’s Tisch Scholar program, consultants from the Massachusetts Farm to School Program, Medford parents and children, community members, and others gathered together on Friday, June 11 to enjoy a dinner composed of local ingredients to launch Medford’s Farm-to-School Initiative. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program posts a record-setting year North Carolina Agricultural Review Published 06/14/2010
With increased orders for North Carolina strawberries and blueberries, the N.C. Farm to School Program will end the year with a new record for school sales of North Carolina commodities. “It is great to end the year not only with record sales of strawberries and blueberries, but also the yearly record sales for the Farm to School program. In the end, our students and our farmers are the big winners,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Each year the program grows as word spreads about the healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables being offered." · Read the entire article.
Michelle Obama's push to cut kids' obesity by Neil Peirce Denver Post Published 06/14/2010
Can we really slim down the next generation of Americans, help our school children shed the extra pounds that could spell lifetimes with high prospects of type 2 diabetes or heart problems? Michelle Obama is trying hard to reach parents with her "Let's Move" campaign. Scientific evidence is being mustered. The link to America's military preparedness is being made. As Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., wrote recently to the first lady, nearly a third of 17- to 24-year-olds are unfit for military service due to their weight or lack of fitness. · Read the entire article.
A cornucopia of locally grown produce by Margo McDonough Delaware Online Published 06/13/2010
Delaware sure knows how to produce produce -- from asparagus in April to summer's dozens of fruits and vegetables, followed by the fall crop of apples and pumpkins, ending with turnip and winter squash in late November. More than 50 fruits and vegetables are grown in the state and available for local retail purchase. Buying local has become mainstream, says Anna Stoops, a University of Delaware Cooperative Extension agriculture agent, in part because of programs like the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Neighbor initiative. This decidedly non-stodgy government effort connects with its fans via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogger and RSS feeds. School districts can learn how to participate in the Farm to School program that puts local veggies in school lunches, the way that Woodbridge School District does. Growers can learn about workshops that help beginning farmers. And consumers can gain a better understanding of where their food comes from and how it gets to their plate · Read the entire article.
From the farm to students' plates by Howard Weiss-Tisman Brattleboro Reformer Published 06/12/2010
Hans Estrin wants to change the world, one head of lettuce at a time. Just over a year ago, Estrin had a pretty good job teaching science at The Putney School. Each semester he would get frustrated and depressed, learning how little local schools were accessing the produce that Vermont is famous for. Schools were serving apples from Washington, frozen carrots from who-knows-where, and prepared lettuce from California, while local farmers harvested the same crops less than a mile up the road. So Estrin decided to try to change that. · Read the entire article.
Sebelius stumps for anti-childhood obesity plan by Murray Evans Bellingham Herald Published 06/11/2010
The Obama administration is calling on mayors to help in the fight against childhood obesity because the effort won't work if communities don't engage in it, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told a conference Friday. Sebelius touted first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign against childhood obesity at the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors. Sebelius encouraged about 400 mayors and members of their staffs to have their cities join a new part of the campaign, dubbed "Let's Move Cities and Towns." · Read the entire article.
School Nutrition Explores Farm-to-School Programs School Nutrition Association News Published 06/11/2010
Are you considering working to implement a farm-to-school program in your district? The June/July issue of School Nutrition, SNA’s award-winning flagship publication, walks you through the steps for deciding whether such a program is right for your school meals operation, as well as for implementing best practices. · Read the entire article.
Congressman proposes $8 billion for child nutrition by Jane Black Washington Post Published 06/10/2010
Many advocates cheered the proposed increase in funding. The sustainable agriculture lobby cheered $50 million in mandatory funding for farm-to-school programs. The School Nutrition Association applauded the new professional standards for cafeteria workers. · Read the entire article.
A model lunch by Nancy Brands Ward Sacramento News & Review Published 06/10/2010
School lunch has a bad rep. The phrase no doubt invokes memories of suspiciously gray-colored hot dogs, 2,000-calorie cinnamon rolls and nutrient-free vegetables, like ketchup, from your school days. But people involved in the one local Farm to School program say eating like that is utterly old-school. · Read the entire article.
Advocates Work To Improve, Better Fund School Lunches by Rachael McDonald OPB News Published 06/10/2010
For children from low income homes, school lunch can be the only consistent source of nourishment in their lives. The Federal Nutrition Guidelines for the school lunch program is up for renewal in Congress this year. KLCC's Rachael McDonald takes a look at school lunch, its nutrition, its value and its future. · Read the entire article.
UNI appointed to lead Farm-to-School Network Missouri Valley Times Published 06/09/2010
In a collaborative effort, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), Northern Iowa Food and Farm Partnership (NIFFP) at the University of Northern Iowa and the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) were appointed to co-leadership positions for the Midwest region of the National Farm to School Network (NFTSN). They will work with K-12 schools in seven states to help begin or continue farm-to-school connections. · Read the entire article.
Baboquivari High School students use native foods to win national award by Jenny Anchondo KOLD News 13 Published 06/08/2010
The Tohono O'odham people have the highest rate of diabetes among Native American tribes, according to the USDA. Diabetes impacts about half of Tohono O'odham adults, but only four to six percent of all Americans. However, when faced with the challenge of creating a healthy, tasty school lunch, it was Tohono O'odham students from Baboquivari High School that won the national "Cooking Up Change" contest by using native foods. The contest is in line with TOCA's overall goal to re-introduce native foods in a community hard-hit by diabetes. · Read the entire article.
Making local cuisine a cafeteria constant by Brian Devore Twin Cities Daily Planet Published 06/07/2010
Farm to school programs have taken off in Minnesota. An estimated 69 school districts now have programs, which is more than double the number of Minnesota districts with farm to school initiatives in 2008. But the majority of these initiatives are still in the tentative, experimental phase. · Read the entire article.
Sanders finds federal funds for school gardens statewide by Howard Weiss-Tisman Brattleboro Reformer Published 06/05/2010
As the Brattleboro School District moves ahead with its plan to hire a full-time farm to school coordinator, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders announced Friday that he has secured $120,000 in federal funding for community gardens at up to 40 schools around the state. "The Brattleboro Farm to School Program is one of the most progressive forces in developing the local food movement in our area," Post Oil Solutions Executive Director Tim Stevenson said. "It is second to none in advancing an awareness amongst children and their families about the importance of locally produced food." · Read the entire article.
School Nutrition by Bente Birkeland Capital Coverage Report Published 06/04/2010
School may be out for the summer – but the movement to lower childhood obesity rates, and get children to exercise and eat well is gaining momentum nationally and across Colorado. Advocates for healthier school lunches and farm to school programs say a shift in national policy is causing slow but significant changes in how schools and the public think about food. But as Bente Birkeland found, there’s still a long ways to go. · Read the entire article.
Asparagus is home run in Triton farm-to-school project by Janet Kubat Willette agrinews.com Published 06/02/2010
Who knew eating asparagus could be so much fun? The Triton School cafeteria took on a festive atmosphere May 28 as the lunch crew rolled out asparagus, steamed to perfection. · Read the entire article.
Congressional bill links Minnesota school districts to local farmers by Sharon Rolenc Hutchinson Leader Published 06/02/2010
The National Farm to School Act, introduced in Congress last Friday, could mean access to healthier food for school kids, and an economic boost for Minnesota farmers. · Read the entire article.
Missouri takes on childhood obesity one step at a time by Brian Krebs Columbia Missourian Published 06/01/2010
As director of nutrition services, Laina Fullum works to serve students nutritious meals at school. This year she implemented the Farm to Food initiative. After the 2008 national Farm Bill, school lunch programs are now allowed to give preference to local farmers. Columbia is one of only a handful of Missouri school districts that asks local farmers to grow a variety of produce — including tomatoes, berries, melons, potatoes and onions — to serve in school cafeterias. Initially Fullum and her cross-state colleagues had difficulty getting access to the local food, but the situation is improving, she said. "What we've run into is a lack of infrastructure and a lack of supply," Fullum said. "So, what we're currently doing is working with a new vendor to help supply us with local fresh foods and vegetables. · Read the entire article.
The NEW Farmer by Beverly & Sean Corvino The NEW Farmer Published 06/01/2010
The NEW Farmer's Voice short is a documentary of a young couple's desire to sucessfully work a family farm in Scotland, CT. Erica and Chris Andrews have received enthusiastic support from their neighbors for their diverse products. They are using the CSA model (Community Supported Agriculture) to provide locally-produced food for their community--meat, vegetables, honey, eggs, maple syrup and more! With this follow-up to 'The Farmer's Voice' (2006), filmmakers Beverly and Sean Corvino follow the Andrews family as they describe how fulfilling it is to be NEW farmers, raising a family and working the land on Hurricane Farm. · Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school movement gains momentum by Jeannette E. Warnert Agriculture and Natural Resources News Blog Published 06/01/2010
UC Davis is riding high on a swell of interest in changing the way American children eat. First lady Michelle Obama, celebrity chef Alice Waters and TV personality Jamie Oliver are behind the spiking popularity of a movement that has been quietly building for years in places like UC Davis, which founded the Davis Farm to School Connection in 2000. · Read the entire article.
New Hampshire School Children Getting Healthy by Eating Fresh, Local Food by Eleanor Baron New Hampshire Town and City Published 06/01/2010
New Hampshire school administrators, nutrition professionals, nurses, teachers and local farmers didn’t need a celebrity chef coming to town to get inspired to change the way our kids eat. With no film crew, no media buzz, creative people have been at work for years in New Hampshire to bring healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables into our schools, and they’re getting results. Although media phenomenom Jamie Oliver’s “Food Revolution” television series may be indicative of nationally growing interest in healthy food, the series gained little respect in the school nutrition community as a whole. Without a reality television show, that community was already in full gear, working to combat childhood obesity through healthy eating. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School School Nutrition Published 06/01/2010
Are you considering working to implement a farm-to-school program in your district? The June/July issue of School Nutrition, SNA’s award-winning flagship publication, walks you through the steps for deciding whether such a program is right for your school meals operation, as well as for implementing best practices. · Read the entire article.
School of the Soil by David Thompson Hana Hou (The Magazine of Hawaiian Airlines) Published 06/01/2010
Cover story article profiling the Hawaii Island School Garden Network and Hawaii school garden movement. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program puts focus on healthy eating by Ashley Gebb The Appeal-Democrat Published 05/31/2010
School nutritionists, farmers and others in the agriculture industry have joined forces to make Farm to School a reality in Yuba County. They brainstormed this week about potential allies and barriers they will face if they push to feed students more local produce and start more school gardens. · Read the entire article.
Put healthy helpings of Michigan-grown foods in school meals by Diane Conners Detroit Free Press Published 05/30/2010
Betti Wiggins, director of operations in food service for Detroit Public Schools, is determined to serve more Michigan-grown fresh fruits and vegetables to the 52,000 kids she feeds at lunchtime each day. But, as the Institute of Medicine noted last fall, she and other schools need more money to do that. Wiggins' budget allows for only $1.18 per meal, or about what you'd pay for a half cup of gourmet coffee. · Read the entire article.
More NH schools buy locally grown food by Terry Date Eagle Tribune Published 05/29/2010
The New Hampshire Farm to School Program started with apples, branched out to vegetables and continues to grow. Some of its newest growth is in Windham, where farmer Scott Johnson is now readying rows to plant corn, squash, cucumbers and lettuce among other produce in a field next to Golden Brook Elementary School. The vegetables will end up on the plates of Windham elementary, middle and high school students next school year, fulfilling goals of the farm program: healthy eating, a healthy local economy and teaching students about farming. · Read the entire article.
JCC embarks on nutrition action plan by Ryan Brinks Jackson County Pilot Published 05/27/2010
In the wake of an all school health evaluation, Jackson County Central administrators, staff, board members, community organizations and parents are spearheading the development of a nutrition action plan they hope will be final a year from now. · Read the entire article.
USDA Deputy Secretary visits two Manchester farms by Jana Miller Heritage Newspapers Published 05/27/2010
At least two Manchester farms were bestowed a great honor last Wednesday when they had a visit from agricultural leader Kathleen Merrigan. Fusilier Family Farms and Horning Dairy Farm hosted the USDA Deputy Secretary for a tour of their properties just after her Detroit conference. · Read the entire article.
Bringing Better Food to Public Schools, One Farm at a Time by Chi Ewusi Global Shift Published 05/27/2010
At the last Farm to Cafeteria Conference held in Detroit, Michigan last week, keynote speaker Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture reassured America that the health of our children is a top priority. Obesity prevention is a legitimate undertaking of the Obama Administration (specifically the cause of our First Lady) and it all starts with what you put on their plates in that multi-purpose room. · Read the entire article.
Farm to fight obesity by Kim Ode Star Tribune Published 05/26/2010
Seeking to make farming "cool" again, founders of the national AmeriCorps Farm to School and school garden service program are gearing up to recruit people for a yearlong term of public service in school food systems in communities of need. Service members will build and tend school gardens, conduct nutrition education and build Farm to School supply chains, all toward helping overcome childhood obesity. To learn more about participating, visit www.food-corps.org. · Read the entire article.
WFFC’s Farm to School program honored by USDA visit Willamette Farm & Food Coalition Published 05/26/2010
WFFC’s Farm to School Programs in the Eugene 4J and Bethel School Districts were selected for a visit by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm to School Team in May 2010. Nearly 300 school districts nationwide requested a visit from the team and fifteen districts in nine areas were selected for a visit. · Read the entire article.
Last week's National Farm to School conference draws 700, showcases city's food system innovations by Kelli B. Kavanaugh Model D Published 05/25/2010
More than 700 food activists, farmers, school administrators and city officials packed the Renaissance Center from May 17 to 19 for the fifth annual National Farm to Cafeteria Conference. Hosted by the National Farm to School Network, attendees were immersed in the politics and logistics of incorporating fresh, local food into school meals. · Read the entire article.
Local Farm-Fresh Food Arrives at Café Blake The Blake School News Published 05/25/2010
Minnesota-grown greens will be the first to arrive, followed shortly by fruits and vegetables then, eventually, meats. “Food revolutions” are sweeping the nation, and Blake is undergoing its own starting this week. Café Blake, which is operated by Taher, Inc., announced that the School will be serving up fresh, locally grown produce on all three campuses through a new farm-to-school initiative. · Read the entire article.
Honoring sustainable ag visionary: Tom Lamm by Margaret Krome The Cap Times Published 05/25/2010
The Detroit Public Schools Office of Food Services has initiated a Farm to School program aimed at increasing children’s consumption of local produce, both to improve their nutrition and to create local economic growth. Regional analysts say that $187 million in personal income and at least 1,889 jobs could be created through such farm to school strategies. · Read the entire article.
Strawberry week proclaimed in Delaware Cape Gazette Published 05/25/2010
All Delaware school districts are now participating in the Delaware Farm to School program. Gov. Jack Markell recently joined Delaware farmers and state agencies at Harlan Elementary School in Wilmington to celebrate locally grown Delaware strawberries, declaring the week of May 17–21 to be Strawberry Week in Delaware. The governor signed House Bill 203 last week designating strawberries as the official state fruit. “This program is about sustaining and expanding a strong local and regional food system that involves not only growing food, but also processing food, marketing food and transporting food, all of which sustain and create jobs for Delawareans and help us preserve farmland and open space", says Gov. Jack Markell. · Read the entire article.
A ripe market by Renee Stern The Grower Published 05/24/2010
Opportunities in the expanding school food markets are ripe for growers to explore. “This is the peak era,” says Anupama Joshi, program director for the National Farm to School Program in Los Angeles. “It’s all hit a tipping point.” Congress is weighing funding proposals and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to streamline its programs, she says. Attention from the Obama administration, including the first lady’s work with school gardens and nutrition, also helps. · Read the entire article.
Area school districts purchase produce from nearby farms by DOUG ZELLMER AND ADAM RODEWALD The Northwestern Published 05/23/2010
Omro is among a growing number of Wisconsin school districts that are serving students fresh, locally grown produce through the National Farm to School program — part of an initiative to bring healthy food from local farms to school children. The program sprouted from a desire in the late 1990s to support community-based food systems, strengthen family farms and promoting healthy eating habits in students. · Read the entire article.
GRPS Promotes Farm to School Menu by Jennifer Pascua WZZM 13 Published 05/21/2010
The Farm-to-Cafeteria conference is underway in Detroit this week and promoting local growers in neighborhood schools is the main push. The conversation about healthy school meals happens often in Grand Rapids. In fact, this week the district is showcasing the importance of supporting Michigan agricultural businesses. · Read the entire article.
School lunch program that touts foods produced in Michigan by Jackson Citizen Mlive.com Published 05/20/2010
Michigan-grown produce is cropping up in cafeterias around Jackson County this week as part of a statewide promotion to use local products in schools. · Read the entire article.
Schools add locally-grown produce to menu by Emily Pace Midlands Connect Published 05/18/2010
· Read the entire article.
Detroit hosts "Farm to Cafeteria" conference by Associated Press 6 WLNS Published 05/17/2010
This week's national "Farm to Cafeteria" conference in Detroit will include a look at area efforts to provide fresh, local food. The event titled "Taking Root" opens Monday and runs through Wednesday. It offers the chance for people to learn about initiatives involving food for schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, colleges and prisons. · Read the entire article.
Va. Beach trying to put local fruit on school plates by Jaedda Armstrong Hampton Roads Published 05/17/2010
New on the menu at Virginia Beach Public Schools are locally grown strawberries. Well, sort of. They're from a farm in Clinton, N.C. Still, this is a sweet victory for school officials who for years have tried to replace prepackaged products with fresh local foods. "Local" is defined by the school district as foods grown within 400 miles of Virginia Beach. · Read the entire article.
School districts to offer menus with Michigan food by Associated Press South Bend Tribune Published 05/15/2010
Some school districts across Michigan next week plan to offer menus filled with food from the state. The school menus are timed to coincide with a statewide "Local Foods Week" that was proclaimed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. A three-day national "Farm to Cafeteria" conference begins Monday in Detroit. · Read the entire article.
School districts to offer menus with Michigan food by Associated Press R&D Magazine Published 05/15/2010
"Local Foods Week" runs from Sunday until May 22. Meanwhile, a three-day national "Farm to Cafeteria" conference begins Monday in Detroit that will include a look at area efforts to provide fresh, local food. · Read the entire article.
Rachel Ray by Kerry Trueman Huffington Post Published 05/14/2010
A good article in the Huffington Post re Rachel Ray's support for better childhood nutrition in schools and her advocacy to Congress to support Childhood Nutrition Reauthorization legislation. · Read the entire article.
Homer students’ new menu of the garden variety by Naomi Klouda Fairbanks Daily News Published 05/13/2010
Before the Alaska governor signed a new bill that allows for local produce to be purchased and incorporated into school menus, Homer’s Flex High School was already a step ahead. · Read the entire article.
Senators, Rachael Ray, first lady push for children's nutrition programs by Daniel Malloy http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10132/1057450-84.stm Published 05/12/2010
Sen. Bob Casey Jr. has been an advocate for child nutrition programs for years, but Pennsylvania's soft-spoken Democrat will be the first to admit he doesn't have star power. So when first lady Michelle Obama and celebrity chef Rachael Ray both held events Tuesday to call for federal action on child obesity, Mr. Casey saw the benefits of the limelight. Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10132/1057450-84.stm#ixzz0npXQ1SDi · Read the entire article.
Sen. Bob Casey Jr. has been an advocate for child nutrition programs for years, but Pennsylvania's s B4Tea Published 05/12/2010
Michelle Obama is the first lady who released childhood obesity action plan on Tuesday 11th may, 2010. In United States, the rate of childhood obesity has grown rapidly in recent years. There are plenty of data available that disclose the stunning fact that almost 60% of children in America are obesed children. In 2002, obesity statistics affirmed that 22% of US preschoolers were overweight. By showing this data, every one can imagine that childhood obesity is big problem right now. The number of children who are obese has tripled to 15% in last thirty years. Obesity is the easiest medical condition for recognition purpose but it is most difficult medical condition for treatment purpose. · Read the entire article.
Know someone smart, green and/or growing? The Baltimore Sun Published 05/12/2010
Gov. Martin O'Malley isn't done handing out the 2010 awards under the Smart, Green and Growing program, but he's already calling on residents to nominate next year's winners. Citizens can nominate their fellow citizens, local governments and organizations for recognition under the program. · Read the entire article.
Willmar School Board raises lunch prices for ’10-11, talks about free breakfast program by Linda Vanderwerf West Central Tribune Published 05/12/2010
The Willmar School Board has approved a nickel increase in the cost of students’ school meals for the 2010-11 school year. The increase, roughly $9 per student for the school year, came after a lengthy discussion at the board meeting Monday. One of the issues was whether the district should continue to provide breakfast free to all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. · Read the entire article.
Groups seek $50 million for farm to school programs by Tom Karst The Packer Published 05/11/2010
More than 40 organizations are urging Congress to set aside $50 million in mandatory funding for farm to school programs as part of the reauthorization of child nutrition programs. · Read the entire article.
Volunteers will go to areas where such food is hard to find and help procure local products by Leslie Cole The Oregonian Published 05/11/2010
A new service program promises to recruit an army of volunteers to help transform school food and, perhaps, groom a new generation of farmers. · Read the entire article.
GSU professor finds link between obesity and federal school nutrition programs. by Georgia State University Disabled World Published 05/11/2010
With obesity becoming an epidemic among school-aged children in this country, a Georgia State University professor has found a link between overweight children and federal school nutrition programs. · Read the entire article.
GSU professor finds link between obesity and federal school nutrition programs by Renee DeGross Valdes EurekAlert Published 05/11/2010
With obesity becoming an epidemic among school-aged children in this country, a Georgia State University professor has found a link between overweight children and federal school nutrition programs. Research reveals that children who eat lunch as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) have an increased likelihood of becoming overweight, according to research co-authored by Rusty Tchernis, associate professor with Georgia State University's Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. The findings also show that the School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a "valuable tool in the current battle against childhood obesity," according to the research. · Read the entire article.
Five Reasons for Optimism on the School Food Front by Sarah Henry lettuce eat kale Published 05/10/2010
An ex-Washington Post reporter, who now blogs about school food, recently spent a week embedded in the central kitchen of the Berkeley Unified School District, in my hometown. · Read the entire article.
U.S. schools add fresh food without busting budgets by Lisa Baertlein Reuters Published 05/06/2010
Thousands of U.S. public school districts are teaming up with local farmers to put more fresh fruits and vegetables on lunchroom menus, without breaking budgets or getting any help from celebrity chefs. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program brings local produce into local cafeterias by Wendy Johnson AgWeek Published 05/06/2010
Some 100 area residents gathered at the Cloquet Forestry Center last Thursday with one common goal in mind – to bring more local foods to community cafeterias. The Farm to School Program (more generically referred to as “School to Cafeteria”) is a recent initiative of the University of Minnesota Extension Service, which sponsored the day-long conference in consort with various sustainable farming initiatives and agricultural organizations. “Our goal,” said Stephanie Heim, Farm to School coordinator, “is to bring food producers together with buyers and food service workers in order to supply cafeterias with fresh, local produce in place of the institutional, processed foods that many of them currently serve.” · Read the entire article.
Bill urges schools to serve locally grown food by Andrew Wellner The Frontiersman Published 05/06/2010
With the stroke of his pen Tuesday, Gov. Sean Parnell put more Alaska fruits and vegetables into school cafeterias. “You have yourself a farm-to-school program,” Parnell said, putting down his pen. The bill was a project Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, pushed through the legislature this year. Gatto said it not only brings more local produce into school lunches but also creates opportunities for children to learn about agriculture and nutrition. It wasn’t a tough sell to his colleagues. "A 60 to to 0 vote is pretty amazing. That tells you something about the entire state supporting what we’re doing here in Palmer,” Gatto said. · Read the entire article.
Organizations Urge Congress to Fund Farm to School Program by K.C. Compton Grit Published 05/05/2010
A farm-to-school program was first authorized in 2004 in the reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, but funds were never actually appropriated for the effort. Earlier this year, Senator Leahy (D-VT) and Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) each introduced farm-to-school bills that include $50 million in mandatory funding for a program to be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Representatives Farr (D-CA) and Putnam (R-FL) included $50 million for farm-to-school in their Children's Fruit and Vegetable Act of 2009 (H.R. 4333), as did California Sen. Barbara Boxer in her Growing Farm to School Protection Act (S. 3144). · Read the entire article.
Governor Signs Farm-to-School Bill by Diana Haecker Published 05/05/2010
Governor Sean Parnell on Tuesday signed into law the Farm-to-School Act at Palmer High School. · Read the entire article.
41 ORGANIZATIONS URGE CONGRESS TO FUND FARM TO SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM by National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition AgriMarketing Published 05/04/2010
· Read the entire article.
41 ORGANIZATIONS URGE CONGRESS TO FUND FARM TO SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Published 05/04/2010
41 national organizations delivered a letter to House and Senate Congressional leaders Monday urging them to include $50 million in mandatory funding for programs linking farmers with local schools as part of the 2010 Child Nutrition Act reauthorization. Farm to School programs have a proven track record of increasing farmers' incomes while also improving the nutrition and food literacy of school children. · Read the entire article.
Introducing the Food Corps by Paula Crossfield Mark Bittman's Posterous Published 05/04/2010
With one in three children (and one in two children of color) overweight or obese in this country, the health of America’s kids is under the microscope and, for the first time in our history, children born now will not live as long as their parents. Michelle Obama has launched her Let’s Move campaign and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution brought the school cafeteria to television. But as Oliver’s program showed, one of the biggest barriers to changing kids’ eating is a lack of labor and expertise. · Read the entire article.
Farmers, schools team up to serve local foods by Janet Kubat Willette AgriNews Published 04/29/2010
Locally grown foods are increasingly finding their way to school cafeterias across Minnesota. A January survey conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and the Minnesota School Nutrition Association found that the number of Minnesota school districts purchasing local food has more than doubled in the past 15 months. · Read the entire article.
Port Townsend group petitions for healthy, local food in schools by Jennifer Jackson Peninsula Daily News Published 04/26/2010
According to the film "Two Angry Moms," it takes a whole community to change the status quo. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School builds gardens for Charlotte preschoolers by Lynn Wise Charlotte Preschool Examiner Published 04/25/2010
On Friday, April 23, 2010, CharMeck Farm to School had a donation of compost delivered by Mecklenburg County to St. John’s Baptist Church, which houses their weekday preschool and 4 Bethlehem Center Head Start classes. · Read the entire article.
Hot Lunch: Discussing Student Food, Chicken Nuggets, and Reality TV with the Head of Seattle Public by Steven Blum The Stranger Published 04/20/2010
Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution is all about the crappy food American public schools serve to kids. Oliver is famous for revamping the school lunch program in Britain, and since the kids there ate crap, and the kids here eat crap, and because kids who eat crap tend to grow up into adults who eat crap, the show focuses mainly on Oliver's attempts to revamp a school lunch program in Huntington, West Virginia, which is filled to the brim with crap. · Read the entire article.
Will work for food? Try Food Corps by Jane Black Washington Post Published 04/19/2010
The problems with school food are well-established. There’s not enough money, not enough manpower and often not enough know-how to produce fresher, more healthful food. Now, a group of good-food advocates has a plan: Establish a national Food Corps to help to do the heavy lifting. The team, led by the National Farm to School Network, has raised $215,000 in grants from the Kellogg Foundation and AmeriCorps to get its program off the ground. If successful, the Food Corps will take on volunteers starting in 2011 for one-year placements at schools across the country. · Read the entire article.
Local foods go to school: Federal officials will visit Eugene to learn more about how local produce by Anne Williams The Eugene Register Guard Published 04/16/2010
The Eugene and Bethel school districts’ food service programs have caught the eye of federal officials charged with leading a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at bringing more fresh, local food to school cafeterias and teaching students where their food comes from. · Read the entire article.
Changing the look of School Lunch, one Tray at a Time Taher, Inc. News Published 04/16/2010
We often think of school lunch as cardboard pizza and grey green beans, but for students at Concord Community Schools, lunch looks very different. Over the past year, students have enjoyed fresh, locally grown fruits and vegeta- bles as part of their school lunch. In the fall of 2008, Food Service Director Alan Breneman began a Farm to School program in the school district and started sourc- ing produce from area farmers. Mr. Breneman became connected to local farmers through a partner- ship with Food System Economic Partnership, a non-profit in south- east Michigan that works to link farmers with consumers. · Read the entire article.
What I learned at Michelle Obama’s historic obesity summit by Debra Eschmeyer Grist Published 04/15/2010
Joining the ranks of the 75 students who are Michelle Obama's most critical stakeholders in her Let's Move! campaign, I was fortunate enough to be on deck and participate as a representative for the National Farm to School Network at this meeting and make the point that connecting schools to their surrounding farmers is critical. · Read the entire article.
Chalkboard: Better food at a school near you by Susan Troller Cap Times, Madison Published 04/15/2010
Local foodies are cheering the news that Wisconsin lawmakers this week passed legislation that will help bring local farm products to school lunchrooms. The Assembly passed AB 746, which creates a statewide council to coordinate the process of selling Wisconsin-grown products to schools. The Senate concurred on the Farm-to-School initiative which is cheering news to Wisconsin farmers and advocates for more fresh foods on school menus. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school project wins praise by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 04/15/2010
Quanbeck toured a school cafeteria, talked to school food buyers and toured Nature's Fountain Farm near Albany during her stop in Oregon last week. Scott Frost, who owns the farm, grows organic vegetables under contract for the farm-to-school program. He encouraged Quanbeck to promote the farm-to-school nationwide. "If anybody says this can't work, they need to come and talk to me," Frost said, "because it can work anywhere." · Read the entire article.
Whatcom schools work to get local produce to students by Kira Cox The Bellingham Herald Published 04/11/2010
Whatcom County is heavy in agriculture, with large berry farms, apple orchards and small vegetable farms dotting the landscape, but very little of that produce makes it into the county's seven school districts. · Read the entire article.
We need a nanny to pester us about our nutrient-poor diets by Suzanne Havala Hobbs Fresh Produce Published 04/07/2010
At the same time, Congress has reauthorized child nutrition programs and with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 has set in motion a series of new policies aimed at improving federal nutrition programs including the national school lunch program and the federal food assistance program for women and children. Once implemented, the legislation will, among other things, authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish stronger nutrition standards for all foods sold on school campuses throughout the school day, provide funds for local produce to be served in schools as part of the Farm-to-School Program, and provide funding for school gardens. These changes are long overdue and urgently needed. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program Promotes Healthy Lunches to Students by Joe Nelson KSAX EYEWITNESS NEWS Published 04/07/2010
WADENA, Minn. - When students at Wadena Deer-Creek Elementary leave the class room to go on their lunch break, they're not taking a break from learning. About once a month, the Farm-to-School program teaches kids the value of eating healthy and eating local. · Read the entire article.
Getting the Cafeteria Connected to the Farm by Glen Gardner Public News Service Published 04/06/2010
There are lots of schools in Iowa and lots of farms, and there is a lot to be gained for students and farmers when farm-to-school programs help fuel Iowa cafeteria lines. School food service directors across the state and nation are starting to take a more serious look at programs that connect local farmers to the process of feeding schoolchildren. · Read the entire article.
Vt. city school food program is recognized by USDA by Associated Press Bennington Banner Published 04/04/2010
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is going to study the Burlington school district’s farm-to-school program. · Read the entire article.
Healthy, and Safe, School Lunches by Editorial The New York Times Published 04/04/2010
It is probably too much to hope that the more than 30 million school lunches served every day will taste absolutely fabulous. But Congress should at least make certain that whatever lands on those cafeteria trays is nutritious and safe to eat. Every day it delays doing so is another mealtime when millions of students are cheated of programs that could help relieve hunger and reduce obesity. · Read the entire article.
A TV Show and Congress Tackle School Lunches by Kim Severson The New York Times Published 03/30/2010
The Child Nutrition Act comes up for financing every five years. It pays for school food and other nutrition programs for lower-income children. It’s also the mechanism legislators can use to change the rules that govern those programs. The bill headed to the Senate floor would increase by about 6 cents the $2.68 that schools can get for each lunch — far less than the $1-a-lunch increase that a coalition of groups seeking to change school food programs have been campaigning for. · Read the entire article.
Industry advisory group hears about numerous issues by Tom Karst The Packer Published 03/30/2010
Lucas Knowles, special assistant to the office of the undersecretary, described the activities of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative. Meanwhile, Chuck Parrott, associate deputy administrator of USDA AMS fruit and vegetable programs and Loren LaCore, program analyst for the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, described the agency’s farm-to-school initiative. · Read the entire article.
MN Farm To School: A Growing Success Story by Tim Morrissey Public News Service Published 03/29/2010
Small and mid-size farmers, whose products have been largely absent from America's lunch trays, are now offering Minnesota children fresh, less-processed choices, and a chance to learn where their food is grown. It's called the Farm-To-School program. · Read the entire article.
Are Your Kids Hungry For A Better School Lunch? by Michele S. Byers NJ Today Published 03/29/2010
In response, U.S. Representative Rush Holt of New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District is combating the problem with a law that would boost both local farms and the health of youngsters. He recently introduced the Farm to School Improvements Act (HR 4710), and it is a win-win for the Garden State! · Read the entire article.
Bill dies, obesity remains by Jessica Arriens Sentinel Source Published 03/29/2010
In 2008, the commission released 14 recommendations to lower that number, including farm-to-school purchasing, having dietician visits covered under medical insurance and screening for BMI. · Read the entire article.
Kittery school kitchen boss wins top state honor by Amy Bevan Seacoast Online Published 03/27/2010
Kitchen manager Cheryl Dixon's determination to bring fresh, healthy and locally grown food to Mitchell School students has earned her the Maine School Food Service Association's Louise Sublette Award of Excellence for 2010. · Read the entire article.
Senate Advances School Lunch Reform: Is A 6 Cent Increase Enough? by Mary Clare Jalonick Huffington Post Published 03/26/2010
The legislation would also provide money for farm-to-school programs, encouraging schools to buy foods from local farms and grow food gardens on campus. It would be partly paid for by reducing conservation subsidies paid to farmers for using environmentally friendly farming practices. · Read the entire article.
Jamie Oliver: Stirring Up a Food Fight by Debra Eschmeyer Huffington Post Published 03/26/2010
Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution is cooking up more than home made meals from fresh ingredients. The show has already stirred up deeply seeded emotions about school food feeding systems...all before the first episode airs tonight! · Read the entire article.
Jamie Oliver Turns the Spotlight on Our Own Homegrown Heroes by Kerry Trueman Huffington Post Published 03/26/2010
It's local cooks, teaching local people, it's free cooking lessons in the main street...this is real, tangible change...around America, there's plenty of wonderful things going on, there are angels in America doing great things in schools: farm to school set-ups, garden set-ups, education. There are amazing people doing this already. · Read the entire article.
Jamie Oliver’s ‘Food Revolution’ Stirs the Pot by Kim O'Donnel True/Slant Published 03/26/2010
In her Civil Eats essay, Debra Eschmeyer, of the Farm to School Network, expresses her wish that Oliver “would bring to the surface the myriad obstacles to bring fresh local food to the lunch room, most of which can be overcome, but it can’t necessarily be done in a couple weeks even with star-studded British flavor.” · Read the entire article.
Farm to Cafeteria Conference coming to Detroit Indianapolis Organic Food Examiner Published 03/26/2010
This spring, the 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference (hosted by the National Farm to School Network) will be taking place in Detroit, Michigan from May 17-19. The conference, entitled Taking Root, will offer workshops, speakers, short courses, movies, and field trips. · Read the entire article.
School lunches get a makeover by Kerri Miller Minnesota Public Radio Published 03/26/2010
School lunch programs are just one front in the battle against obesity. In an effort to address the quality and nutritional value of those programs, many Minnesota school districts are shifting to fewer processed foods and more fresh food from local farmers. Guests JoAnne Berkenkamp: Director of the program for local foods at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Jean Ronnei: Director of nutrition and commercial services with St. Paul Public Schools. · Read the entire article.
Schools on front lines in obesity battle by Tom Weber Minnesota Public Radio Published 03/25/2010
If you want to see the future of healthy school lunches, head out to the muddy fields of Gail Griffin's bison ranch. · Read the entire article.
Congress takes aim at unhealthy school lunches by Mary Clare Jalonick Houston Chronicle Published 03/24/2010
Greasy pizzas and high-calorie desserts may be less frequent lunchtime treats for schoolchildren under a wide-ranging nutrition bill approved by a Senate panel Wednesday. The legislation would also provide money for farm to school programs, encouraging schools to buy foods from local farms and grow food gardens on campus. · Read the entire article.
Senate panel takes aim at unhealthy school lunches by Associated Press Los Angeles Times Published 03/24/2010
The legislation approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee would allow the Agriculture Department to create uniform standards for all foods in schools, including vending machine items, to give students healthier meal options. The legislation allocates an additional $4.5 billion over 10 years for nutrition programs. · Read the entire article.
Montana's Farm to School program in D.C. spotlight by Mark Holyoak KPAX Published 03/23/2010
Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau is in Washington D.C. to voice support for a program popping up all over Montana. The Farm to School program educates students about how agriculture is connected to food and nutrition. It also encourages children to make healthier food choices by eating more fruits and vegetables. · Read the entire article.
To fix school lunch program, D.C. turns to restaurateur by Jane Black Washington Post Published 03/23/2010
Black-and-white photos of students laughing with first lady Michelle Obama and White House chefs Sam Kass and Bill Yosses hang in the entryway of Kimball Elementary School in Southeast Washington. Kimball's students have been invited twice to visit the White House because their school has a vegetable garden. What it doesn't have is a kitchen. · Read the entire article.
Thousands to Dine on Pride of Dakota School Lunches by North Dakota Ag Connection US AgNet Published 03/22/2010
More than 55,000 students from 213 North Dakota schools will be lunching on food products from their own state, March 23, Pride of Dakota School Lunch Day. · Read the entire article.
School District plans to grow vegetables for lunch program by Anthony Gomes KHQ Local News Published 03/22/2010
Lynette Romney was sitting in a meeting last Spring where students were complaining about the quality of apples and produce in their lunches. "It occurred to me that we have a ton of fallow fields in this area, why don't we just grow our own?" Romney asked. · Read the entire article.
MSU researchers endorse farm-to-school programs by Associated Press Examiner Published 03/20/2010
Michigan State University scientists say schools that buy produce from local farmers can save money while giving students healthy food they enjoy. · Read the entire article.
MSU researchers endorse farm-to-school programs MLive.com Published 03/20/2010
Michigan State University scientists say schools that buy produce from local farmers can save money while giving students healthy food they enjoy. · Read the entire article.
Senator Leahy introduces “farm to school” bill by Office of Sen. Patrick Leahy Drovers Published 03/19/2010
Their "Growing Farm To School Programs Act" would provide $50 million in startup funds to local schools and districts, through competitive grants, for technical help in connecting school food service providers with local small- and medium-sized farms for efficient and cost-effective purchases of locally produced foods for school lunchrooms. · Read the entire article.
Fighting obesity in Wood County WAOW TV9 Published 03/19/2010
Wood County will also launch a Farm-to-School program that'll allow schools to purchase produce from local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School: Planting seeds of change in school lunchrooms by Rebecca Jones In Denver Times Published 03/18/2010
Denver schoolchildren are already starting to plant the seedlings that may wind up on their cafeteria lunch trays come fall. In Ignacio, steers that will feed local schoolchildren later this year are grazing in their pasture. In Greeley, schools are preparing gardens where their students will begin planting soon. · Read the entire article.
Senator proposes $4.5 billion for child nutrition by Jane Black Washington Post Published 03/17/2010
For more than a year, advocates of school food reform have been calling for more money to improve school lunch. Today, they're one step closer to getting it, but some say the amount is far less than they had hoped. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school numbers up and rising by Andrew Ranallo Think Forward Published 03/11/2010
A new survey, released Tuesday by the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA) and IATP, can serve as both encouragement for farm-to-school advocates and as a road map for schools, administrators or farmers looking to get involved in the growing movement. · Read the entire article.
It Takes a Rocket Scientist? by Debra Eschmeyer Huffington Post Published 03/10/2010
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12), an actual rocket scientist and five-time Jeopardy winner, has introduced legislation that would create a Farm to School grant program to fight childhood obesity and support local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Workshops explore program that brings healthy food from local farms to school cafeterias by Bill Rautenstrauch The Observer Published 03/10/2010
Healthy foods in school cafeterias and possible new markets for local family farms were topics at “Farm-to-School” workshops hosted in Island City last Friday by Oregon Rural Action. · Read the entire article.
Table Talk: Ferrisburgh wins farm to school video contest Addison County Independent Published 03/09/2010
Last year, fifth-grade students at Ferrisburgh Central School made a video showcasing their school's local, healthy food initiatives. In January, the video won the grand prize in “The Reel Farm to School,” a statewide school video contest sponsored by Vermont Food Education Every Day (VT FEED), the Orton Family Foundation, Vermont Public Television and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. Hartland Elementary and Randolph Elementary won second and third place in the contest. · Read the entire article.
Holt legislation would create 'Farm to School' program Hunterdon County Democrat Published 03/08/2010
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, D-12th, has introduced legislation that would create a Farm to School grant program to fight childhood obesity and support local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Fresh from the farm: Delivery of beef is latest, tasty lesson for Quilcene School by Jennifer Jackson Peninsula Daily News Published 03/08/2010
Food doesn't necessarily come long distances on a truck anymore. On Wednesday, Quilcene School students will be served tacos made with grass-fed Angus beef raised on a farm 10 miles up the road. · Read the entire article.
Tester and Vilsack discuss Farm to School program in Bozeman by Michael Gibney The Bozeman Daily Chronicle Published 03/07/2010
"The farm-to-school movement offers new income opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers in addition to supporting off-farm jobs in rural America while giving children the opportunity to eat healthy, local fruits and vegetables and learn to be healthy eaters," according to USDA press release. · Read the entire article.
Bozeman Schools Eat Local For Farm to School Program by Dan Boyce Montana Published 03/04/2010
"Once a month Bozeman school children get something for lunch that's grown here in Montana. This week Hyalite Elementary was holding one of these Farm to School events. Americorps Vista volunteer Aubree Durfey helps coordinate the Gallatin Valley Farm to School program. She gets students excited for locally grown food by dressing like a vegetable..." · Read the entire article.
Gettin Real with Sustainability by Anya Fernald OrganicConnectMag.com Published 03/01/2010
There are challenges for anyone entering into a sustainable food business today. The titanic industrial agriculture machine that feeds the bulk of America provides cheap, assembly-line food that costs less to produce than nutritious food grown with consideration for the environment. The commercial media is largely supported by advertising revenues from this same machine and continues to entice consumers with the virtues of cheap, processed and “conventionally” produced food. The question becomes, how can a small-scale sustainable-food business survive in such an environment, bring their products to market, price them affordably, and effectively reach the consumer? · Read the entire article.
Farm to School 'Real Food Is' Video Contest Online Video Contests Published 03/01/2010
Due on March 29th, 2010 - Create a short video that completes the phrase "Real Food is..." and you can win $1,000 for your school food project. Produce a 30 second to 3 minute video that informs, inspires, and encourages student advocacy to restore connections to community, food, land, and place through Farm to Cafeteria programs. It’s recommended to include the following elements: 1. What does real food mean to you? 2. How does what we eat affect our culture, health, economy, or environment? 3. Why should your cafeteria start or continue buying local food? · Read the entire article.
Federal grant to help put local food into N.E. schools, hospitals by Lisa Rathke Boston Globe Published 02/18/2010
A new $250,000 federal grant is aimed at putting more locally raised food into New England’s schools, colleges, and hospitals. The Department of Agriculture grant, awarded this month to the northeast committee of the National Farm to School Network, will help pay for expanding processing of local food in Massachusetts, opening a new processing project in Maine and setting up a model distribution · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program has third-graders scrambling to the salad bar by Lisa Rathke Chistian Science Monitor Published 02/17/2010
The third- and fourth-graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions, and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke KTUU Alaska Published 02/08/2010
About 40 states have farm-to-school programs, but Vermont is a leader in incorporating all three missions into its programs. "Vermont has really taken it on in quite the most holistic way and not just in a couple of school districts but statewide," said Anupama Joshi, director of the Farm to School program, based at the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Vermont may be a step ahead of other states because a nonprofit partnership called Vermont FEED had already been working to get local foods into schools. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School Program Changes Kids' Views On Food by Lisa Rathke CBS News Published 02/08/2010
About 40 states have farm-to-school programs, but Vermont is a leader in incorporating all three missions into its programs. "Vermont has really taken it on in quite the most holistic way and not just in a couple of school districts but statewide," said Anupama Joshi, director of the Farm to School program, based at the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Vermont may be a step ahead of other states because a nonprofit partnership called Vermont FEED had already been working to get local foods into schools. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Associated Press CBS News Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program Changes Kids' Views on Food by Lisa Rathke, Associated Press ABC News Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke, Associated Press Newsday Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
What started as a handful of pilot programs has grown into 45 Vermont schools getting grants and abo by Associated Press WWLTV Louisiana Published 02/08/2010
They've visited the farms. They also know something about how the carrots, onions and cabbage are grown and their nutritional value. They've studied it in class and grown their own in school gardens. The school is part of the National Farm to School Network, aimed at getting healthier meals into school cafeterias, teaching kids about agriculture and nutrition, and supporting local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke WWLTV Louisiana Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary School in Vermont know where the veggies in their soup come from. They've visited the farms. They also know something about how the carrots, onions and cabbage are grown and their nutritional value. They've studied it in class and grown their own in school gardens. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program plants seeds of healthy eating in kids by Lisa Rathke Los Angeles Times Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program Changes Kids' Views on Food by Associated Press New York Times Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary School in Vermont know where the veggies in their soup come from. They've visited the farms. They also know something about how the carrots, onions and cabbage are grown and their nutritional value. They've studied it in class and grown their own in school gardens. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke The Seattle Times Published 02/08/2010
About 40 states have farm-to-school programs, but Vermont is a leader in incorporating all three missions into its programs. "Vermont has really taken it on in quite the most holistic way and not just in a couple of school districts but statewide," said Anupama Joshi, director of the Farm to School program, based at the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College in Los Angeles. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program plants seeds of healthy eating in kids by Lisa Rathke Canadian Business Online Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke The Daily Caller Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they’ve visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they’ve studied them in class, and they know how they’re grown because they’ve nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids‘ views on food by Lisa Rathke News One Published 02/08/2010
The 105-student school is part of the National Farm to School Network, aimed at getting healthier meals into school cafeterias, teaching kids about agriculture and nutrition and supporting local farmers. "Vermont has really taken it on in quite the most holistic way and not just in a couple of school districts but statewide," said Anupama Joshi, director of the Farm to School program, based at the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College in Los Angeles. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke Examiner Published 02/08/2010
The 105-student school is part of the National Farm to School Network, aimed at getting healthier meals into school cafeterias, teaching kids about agriculture and nutrition and supporting local farmers. "Vermont has really taken it on in quite the most holistic way and not just in a couple of school districts but statewide," said Anupama Joshi, director of the Farm to School program, based at the Center for Food and Justice at Occidental College in Los Angeles. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke WTOP Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program plants seeds of healthy eating in kids by Lisa Rathke CulturalSignificance.com Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. · Read the entire article.
Hawthorne Elementary, MSU Hold Local Food Events by Dan Boyce Montana Published 02/08/2010
"Bozeman's Hawthorne Elementary provided the venue Monday for a roundtable discussion on the future of local food. It was a who's who of local, statewide and regional policy makers. The list included Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Montana State University President Waded Cruzado, farmers, educators and representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture..." · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program changes kids' views on food by Lisa Rathke The Boston Globe Published 02/08/2010
The third and fourth graders at Sharon Elementary know where the veggies in their soup come from because they've visited the farms. They know the nutritional value of the carrots, onions and cabbage because they've studied them in class, and they know how they're grown because they've nurtured them in raised beds out back. The 105-student school is part of the National Farm to School Network, aimed at getting healthier meals into school cafeterias, teaching kids about agriculture and nutrition and supporting local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Proposal Would Create Statewide Farm-to-School Program by Wisconsin Ag Connection Wisconsin Ag Connection Published 02/04/2010
Two central Wisconsin lawmakers are making a push to help farmers access new markets for their products, while providing students with healthy fresh fruits and vegetables and other Wisconsin grown food. State Representative Amy Sue Vruwink and Senator Julie Lassa are proposing a 'Farm to School' program, which would first establish a statewide advisory council at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, and then create a statewide coordinator position to help run the initiative. · Read the entire article.
Some schools opting for local, farm fresh lunches by Vivian Luu Eat, Drink, and Be Published 02/02/2010
Some schools opting for local, farm fresh lunches By Vivian Luu February 2, 2010 More schools are stepping away from processed food and jumping into the Farm to School (FTS) program, which brings local food into lunchrooms and gets students in touch with where their food comes from. The program aims to boost students’ consumption of fruits and vegetables during lunch. Strengthening their understanding of agriculture, nutrition and the environment is also on the program’s agenda, in hopes of promoting lifelong healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship. · Read the entire article.
Farm-fresh school lunches on the way by Joan Qazi The Wenatchee World Published 02/01/2010
“What’s for lunch?” Sometimes I don’t want to answer this question, especially when I know my kids and I don’t always agree about what constitutes a good meal. If it’s not pizza or burgers, then they show less enthusiasm about sitting down to eat. There are people whose paid employment means facing up to this question asked by hundreds of kids every day. School food service personnel are charged with feeding our children well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks during their school day. This task is made even harder by constrained budgets and national health statistics trending upwards for childhood obesity and diabetes · Read the entire article.
Obama Budget Doesn’t Thrill School Lunch Advocates by Kim Severson NY Times Published 02/01/2010
President Obama’s budget proposal is getting mixed reviews among the people watching over the quality of public school lunches. Some say it’s too little to make any meaningful change, while others are relieved school food programs are getting anything when other agricultural programs have been cut. · Read the entire article.
Mary Cheh on Fighting Obesity with “Healthy Schools” by N/A TheSlowCook.com Published 02/01/2010
D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) has introduced landmark “Healthy Schools” legislation that integrates nutrition standards, locally produced foods, school gardening, broader access to subsidized meals and increased physical exercise to address obesity and other children’s health issues in the nation’s capitol. I recently submitted 34 written questions to Cheh about her bill, resulting in this interview by e-mail. The questions were submitted before I reported a six-part account of the food being served in D.C. schools. · Read the entire article.
State of the Union's School Lunch: Nutrition as National Defense and Fiscal Health by Debra Eschmeyer Huffington Post Published 01/27/2010
Don't make us tighten our belts on child nutrition programs while the girth of the nation grows. The government spends $1 million per soldier in Afghanistan, yet barely spends $1 on the food in a school lunch. When President Obama addresses the nation in his State of the Union, he will outline his priorities for 2010: jobs, the deficit, and health care reform. The President will then call for a three-year freeze on domestic programs. Will a program created to "promote the health and well-being of the nation's children" survive the freeze? · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Team Teachers Trained by T.W. Iowa State Online Published 01/26/2010
High school students from four school northeast Iowa school districts recently participated in a training coordinated by Iowa State University Extension at Luther College. The training prepared students for their role as cross-age teachers in the Farm to School program which will begin in January. The high school age team teachers will facilitate Farm to School lessons with second grade students once a month using folios developed specifically for northeast Iowa. The folios feature a different local food each month and provide information for parents and students. · Read the entire article.
Eleven Schools receive Farm to School Grants VT Digger Published 01/22/2010
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture in partnership with the Vermont Farm to School Network, recently announced the recipients of the 2010 Farm to School grants at a special ceremony at the Statehouse cafeteria. The Vermont Farm to School grant program is in its fourth year and works to improve kids’ diets by linking local producers and schools. The grant program encourages schools to engage students in their local food system by incorporating local food and farm education in their cafeterias, classrooms and communities. · Read the entire article.
Businesses Find Improved Work Environment and Health With Green by Sheila Regan Twin Cities Daily Planet Published 01/21/2010
A few school districts in Minnesota have been recognized recently for their efforts in creating healthier, more locally grown meals for school lunches. In March, St. Paul Schools will complete its 18 month pilot program in finding new and innovative ways to create a more local, sustainable and healthy school lunch program. Meanwhile Mary Anderson, the Culinary Director of Wayzata Public Schools, received the Silver Leadership Award from the National Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence (FAME) Award program on January 10. · Read the entire article.
$25 MILLION FOR NEW SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT by USDA USDA Online Published 01/15/2010
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $25 million in grants to help schools operating a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) replace outdated equipment with new, energy efficient, appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and other food service related equipment. The new funding, authorized in accordance with Section 7(a)(2) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1776(a)(2)), is a one-time fiscal year 2010 appropriation to State educational agencies. · Read the entire article.
People on the Move for Jan. 14, 2010 by N/A DesMoinesRegister.com Published 01/14/2010
Charlie Fazio has joined Re/Max Opportunities. Fazio had been with Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group. Lynn Fallon has joined the National Center for Appropriate Technology as the Midwest regional lead agency farm-to-school network coordinator. This is a project of the National Farm to School Network. Fallon has been working with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition as a statewide grassroots organizer in Iowa since May 2009. · Read the entire article.
Recent Obsessions: Candied bacon, jigsaw puzzles, handbags, fantasy chocolate, love soup by N/A 77 Square Published 01/12/2010
Candied bacon was one of the stand-out dishes at the REAP Farm to School “Pork-Off” benefit on Sunday, Jan. 10, at the Weary Traveler. Mike Kiener, food manager at Barriques, developed the recipe: He coats applewood-smoked bacon in a dry rub of brown sugar and about 14 herbs and spices, including chili pepper; then bakes it to a crisp, cuts it into two-inch slices and dips them in dark chocolate. Yes, it’s divine. Chewy, salty, sweet and fatty, all in one bite. · Read the entire article.
Pork-Off chefs and guests choose pig over pigskin at the Weary Traveler by Kyle Nabilcy Isthmus Daily Published 01/11/2010
For a couple hours on Sunday, while the Green Bay Packers were fighting for their playoff lives, The Weary Traveler put on a good impression of a bar that actually has televisions. Over a hundred people filed hungrily into the front half of the restaurant to take part in the first ever Pork-Off. Chefs from eight kitchens in the Madison area put their best spin on pork shoulder, plus a few bonus goodies. · Read the entire article.
IATP congratulates Wayzata Public Schools nutrition leader for national award by Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Published 01/11/2010
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Call for Site Visits by USDA Farm to School Tactical Teams by USDA Food & Nutrition Services Published 01/08/2010
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Leaders of the Pack: Farm-to-School Programs Feed Kids Across the Country by Kathy Shorr Simple Steps Published 01/04/2010
Quietly, whether in rural communities or large cities, schools are finding novel ways to feed kids healthier, locally grown food, often cultivated by the children themselves as part of the curriculum. You might picture this as the province of wealthy school districts only, but the hundreds of farm-to-school programs across the country include places like the Baltimore public schools, where over 83% of the students qualify for free- and reduced-rate meals. · Read the entire article.
Cultivating Hawaii by Tiana Kamen Edible Hawaiian Islands Published 00/01/2010
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Healthy, Locally-Sourced School Lunches Focus of Conference WCLT Radio Published 12/29/2009
Fish sticks, tater tots, and sloppy Joes. Does this sound like your child’s school lunch? Author, activist, and self-professed “Renegade Lunch Lady” Chef Ann Cooper is working to transform America’s school lunch program from one that serves up fast food to one that provides healthy, locally-sourced school lunches that satisfy more than just a child’s appetite. · Read the entire article.
Christina’s a Lunchroom Hit — John Steward’s Next by Madie Murray Orcas Issues Published 12/23/2009
Lunches like these, which are mostly made from scratch and from fresh, locally procured sources, take a considerable amount of preparation time over the pre-packaged, highly preserved items previously served in school cafeterias across the Country · Read the entire article.
West Michigan farmers, schools discuss getting local produce to student lunches by Matt Vande Bunte The Grand Rapids Press Published 12/21/2009
GRAND RAPIDS -- While fresh fruits and vegetables are fed daily to area students, few of those items are local. But that's not because Paul Baumgartner and other school food service directors are opposed to serving West Michigan produce. Baumgartner this week took part in a panel discussion, sponsored by Michigan State University's Farm to School program, about how local farmers can get products into campus cafeterias. The consensus was that school food service directors are open and eager to hear a sales pitch from farmers. · Read the entire article.
Jefferson County school cafeterias serve local food by Cecelia Mason West Virginia Public Broadcasting Published 12/21/2009
For nearly a year now, Jefferson County schools have served locally-grown apples, peaches, blueberries and potatoes in the cafeterias and soon two schools will also serve locally-raised ground hamburger. · Read the entire article.
Soil & Water annual dinner and awards Upper Rogue Independent Published 12/21/2009
The annual celebration and awards ceremony for Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District will be held in Eagle Point, Friday, Jan. 15. The catered dinner will feature local products in keeping with the event theme of "from Farm to School." · Read the entire article.
Farr bill would increase fruits, vegetables in schools by Team X Fruits Age Published 12/18/2009
Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) on Wednesday introduced legislation aimed at increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in school breakfasts and lunches, according to a press release from his office. The bill includes several strategies that will improve health and limit obesity among America's schoolchildren, the press release contends. · Read the entire article.
Bill seeks more fresh produce in U.S. school meals by Charles Abbott Rueters India Published 12/17/2009
The government would spend $150 million to put more fresh fruits and vegetables into school meals under a bill filed by 16 lawmakers on Wednesday with an eye to next year's overhaul of school food programs. Congress delayed work on child nutrition until 2010, partly to round up more funding. The administration backs a $1 billion a year increase but there is no agreement on how to pay for it. · Read the entire article.
Farr bill would increase fruits, vegetables in schools by Charles Abbott Hollister Free Lance Published 12/16/2009
Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) on Wednesday introduced legislation aimed at increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in school breakfasts and lunches, according to a press release from his office. The bill includes several strategies that will improve health and limit obesity among America's schoolchildren, the press release contends. · Read the entire article.
Farr bill would increase fruits, vegetables in schools by The Free Lance Staff HollisterFreeLance.com Published 12/16/2009
Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) on Wednesday introduced legislation aimed at increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in school breakfasts and lunches, according to a press release from his office. The bill includes several strategies that will improve health and limit obesity among America's schoolchildren, the press release contends. · Read the entire article.
D.C. bill aims to improve nutrition, exercise among students by Bill Turque Washington Post Published 12/15/2009
The District's schools would be required to serve students fresh produce from local growers and to dramatically expand physical education programs under a bill introduced by D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh and Chairman Vincent C. Gray. · Read the entire article.
Ending the Reign of the Chicken Nugget by monitor staff Concord Monitor Published 12/15/2009
Last week, the New Hampshire Commission on Prevention of Childhood Obesity laid out 14 recommendations for promoting healthy eating and exercise habits in children. They ranged from the general to the specific and included suggestions such as requiring restaurant chains to post nutritional information in their menus, requiring schools to measure students' heights and weights at regular intervals and urging communities to promote bicycling and walking. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school programs can and do work by Dave Peyton Charleston Daily Mail Published 12/14/2009
Last week, I wrote that I thought it was nearly impossible for West Virginia public school systems to use local produce to feed their kids for breakfast and lunch. I was wrong. · Read the entire article.
School participating in Farm To School initiative WWMT.com Channel 3 News Published 12/14/2009
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Fresh to the core by Annie Martin Battle Creek Enquirer Published 12/14/2009
Students sat at long tables in the Lakeview Middle School cafeteria Monday, munching on typical school lunch fare: a slice of pizza, tater tots, an apple and a small carton of milk. Quantcast But it's a little different than the lunches the school has served in the past because the apples and potatoes the school uses are grown in Michigan. Getting locally grown produce into school cafeterias was a four-year project for Paul Yettaw, director of food services. Meeting U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines and finding vendors that provide food from Michigan farms proved to be hurdles. · Read the entire article.
Gilford schools lead healthier youth charge by Victoria Guay citizen.com Published 12/13/2009
In the effort to prevent childhood obesity, the Gilford School District and Woodland Heights Elementary School in Laconia were noted as schools with exemplary health policies in place, according to a report by the New Hampshire Commission to Prevent Childhood Obesity. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-cafeteria bandwagon rolls on with meetings in Port Angeles, Port Townsend by Jennifer Jackson Peninsula Daily News Published 12/13/2009
Two meetings to advance the discussion started last month at the North Olympic Peninsula Farm to Cafeteria conference are scheduled this week. In Port Angeles, a short documentary about two Washington state school districts that buy and serve local foods to students, "Stepping Up to the Plate," will be shown Monday. The film by Candice Cosler, which will begin at 6 p.m. at the Port Angeles Public Library, 2210 South Peabody St., will be followed by a review of highlights of the conference, said Beth Loveridge, a conference organizer and member of the Port Angeles School District's Committee for Nutrition and Exercise. · Read the entire article.
Schools show off healthy fare by Raju Woodward Corvallis Gazette-Times Published 12/11/2009
The lunch menu at Franklin School is aimed to expand students' taste in food beyond standard kid fare. On Thursday, along with the usual nachos and peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches, students could sample coleslaw. · Read the entire article.
Economic development lies in agriculture, not away from it by Jordan Scheibel Scarlet & Black Published 12/10/2009
Since I moved off campus in June I've started reading the Des Moines Register. Over the past six months I've gotten a sense of what passes for economic development in Iowa for the state government, and many municipal governments and citizens. One part of statewide economic development is offering tax credits to certain areas of industries such as renewable energy and scientific research. · Read the entire article.
National Farm to School Network has exploded from simple beginnings by Bob Luder The Packer Published 12/09/2009
Those were the humble beginnings of what today is the National Farm to School Network, a program that brings food - a vast majority of which is fresh produce - from local farms to school children nationwide. What started as a few pilot programs in California and Florida in 1996-97 grew to about 400 by 2004 and 1,000 by 2007. In 2009, there were more than 2,000 Farm to School programs in the U.S. · Read the entire article.
NH childhood obesity prevention recommendations The Boston Globe Published 12/08/2009
The 14 recommendations made by the New Hampshire Commission on Prevention of Childhood Obesity includes increasing the number of schools in the New Hampshire Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
'Spirit of Slow Food' awards presented at Farm City Banquet by Special to the Record StAugustine.com Published 12/06/2009
Slow Food First Coast recently presented the 2009 John Barnes "Spirit of Slow Food" Awards at the annual Farm City Banquet, held in partnership with the St. Johns County Extension Service. The award recognizes individuals or businesses in the community that best represent the ideals of good, clean and fair food that Slow Food seeks to promote. It is named in honor of John Barnes, former owner of Johnny's Kitchen restaurant in Hastings, whose unfailing support of local agriculture, community development, and Slow Food principles have made a significant positive impact on the region. Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: AmeriCorps farm to school: Healthier kids and h by N/A WisPolitics.com Published 12/04/2009
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http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=178761 by N/A Unicameral Update Published 12/04/2009
An interim study resolution directing the Agriculture Committee to develop a plan for facilitating farm to school food programs has spurred a grant application for a pilot project. LR42, introduced by Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas, calls for a study of methods and systems needed to assist farmers in providing food for schools. The study calls for input from various stakeholders, which led to the formation of a task force. · Read the entire article.
Rutgers facility helping preserve food for school by N/A NJ.com Published 12/03/2009
The Rutgers Food Innovation center in Bridgeton may soon serve a major role in the university's statewide initiative to address hunger and poor nutrition. The East Broad Street facility is assisting the school in finding ways to better preserve New Jersey-grown produce so the food can be served at school cafeterias year-round, even when the produce is out of season. · Read the entire article.
Summit Calls for Local Food in Schools by Erin Stevenson KOMU Published 12/02/2009
A Farm to School summit had Missouri schools and farmers talking Wednesday about a partnership. A meeting at the Boone County Health Department joined agriculture and education for a discussion that could impact Missouri's children. The forum was held by University of Missouri Extension. Farm to School is a group aimed at bringing locally grown and produced foods into school cafeterias. The group advocates "farm fresh" foods, saying they are healthier for students. · Read the entire article.
Northey Announces IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE's PLAN TO IMPLEMENT GOVERNORS 10 PERCENT ACROSS THE by N/A KMEG Published 12/02/2009
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today released the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's plan to respond to the 10 percent across the board budget cut announced by Governor Culver in October. The Department was able to avoid 36 layoffs due to the announcement this week that members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) voted to approve five furlough days and other concessions by contract covered employees this fiscal year. · Read the entire article.
GOP may have primary for state treasurer by The Globe Gazette Des Moines Bureau Globe Gazette Published 12/02/2009
A pair of Republicans has announced they may run for State Treasurer, a position Democrat Mike Fitzgerald has held since 1982. Story County Treasurer Dave Jamison has filed paperwork and assembled a campaign committee to explore entering the race and Dyersville Mayor Jim Heavens also announced plans to seek the Republican nomination. · Read the entire article.
School lunch fresh from farm by Sarah Lemagie Star Tribune Published 12/01/2009
Even in farm country, getting local foods on the menu can be surprisingly complicated for school districts that serve thousands of hot lunches every day. That isn't stopping the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district, which has joined schools across the state in a push to serve more food from Minnesota growers. · Read the entire article.
The Top 20 Real Food Advocates To Follow On Twitter by Beth B. care2 Published 12/01/2009
Here are 20 Twitter Users (in no particular order) who have dedicated their lives, both on and offline, to changing the way we grow, purchase, and eat food. Farm to School is included in this list. · Read the entire article.
Kalamazoo: Oh the Webs They Weave! by Patty Cantrell Michigan Land Use Institute Published 12/01/2009
The rise of Kalamazoo’s strong Good Food movement is a story about people—and about how one good thing often leads to another when those people are passionately committed to a local food economy—and communicating with each other. For many in this region, the Good Food movement revolves around a non-profit called Fair Food Matters. FFM hosts the Eat Local, Kalamazoo! group, which sponsors events throughout the year to connect local people and local foods. FFM also puts on the Fair Food Film Festival and operates projects like the Can-Do Kitchen, summer chefs classes for kids, and learning gardens, like the Roots of Knowledge garden at Woodward Elementary School, in nearby Portage · Read the entire article.
No Farms, No Food: It by Elin Hert Bozeman Daily Chronicle Published 12/01/2009
"Public education is often framed as an investment in our society's future. But the return on our investment comes quickly in the Bozeman area because students give back to our valley and state well before they graduate high school..." · Read the entire article.
Your Turn by Steven Lane San Antonio Express Published 11/30/2009
Let's add to the discussion how to provide healthy food like funding for Kitchen Garden and Farm to School programs along with what artificial ingredients should be added to get kids to drink milk, unless, of course, our thinking is, "Yep, what's a little obesity and diabetes if it gets them to drink it." · Read the entire article.
School Lunches Go Back to the Land by Fran Smith Edutopia Published 11/29/2009
One year ago, in a defunct orphanage on 33 weed-choked acres outside of Baltimore, Anthony Geraci found his field of dreams. Today, the Great Kids Farm is all that he imagined and more: the centerpiece of a focused effort to transform school food service into a more sustainable, healthy, and educational enterprise. And to change it fast. · Read the entire article.
A Journey to 'Farm to School' by Tara Flakker DC Food For All Published 11/29/2009
In September of 2008 I started both packing my son's lunches and searching for more creative ideas. That search led me to the National Farm to School Network. · Read the entire article.
Schools serve wholesome, local foods by Krista Garand The Durango Herald Published 11/27/2009
As part of our continually-growing Farm to School program, we serve local, grass-finished beef for all of our ground beef needs. You will not find refined white breads, only whole- grain and whole-wheat breads and breadings on our menu. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School fundraiser "squashing" success BoZone.com Published 11/27/2009
Gallatin Valley Farm to School administered the second annual offering of this "alternative school fundraising program" and, while doing so, addressed the Gallatin Valley's desire to support Montana farmers, help local schools, and purchase beautiful holiday gifts for friends and family. Students will be delivering early this month, just in time for holiday gift-giving. · Read the entire article.
Allen, Kelley to be guests on Fallon Forum Newton Daily News Published 11/27/2009
The Fallon Forum is co-hosted by Ed and Lynn Fallon. Lynn founded the Connection Café, a daily meal program for the homeless and working poor, has worked on several political campaigns, and currently works on the national Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Decatur Schools Freshen Up by Kyle Dominy Mid Dekalb Published 11/25/2009
The City Schools of Decatur are looking to provide healthier meals by cooking meals with fresh produce. The program plan calls for planting gardens at each Decatur school for educational purposes. It also requires a group of Decatur parents to help the school system find farms and vendors to supply fresh produce to the cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
The New and Improved USDA Supports Local, Sustainable Food by Vanessa Barrington EcoSalon Published 11/25/2009
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'Evangelist' for Organics Going Against the Grain in Iowa by Allison Winter New York Times Published 11/25/2009
This is a totally new direction for us," said Debi Durham, president and CEO of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. "We are an agribusiness economy, but there is room for an alternative lifestyle." Durham added, "Within the next 10 years, we will be known as the organic capital -- of the world." Such a prediction is almost mind-boggling, considering that the county had not one registered acre of organic farmland in the 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture census -- and this in a county with a total 450,000 acres of farmland. · Read the entire article.
Law School administrator appointed to Farm Services Agency Committee under Obama by Tory Olson Drake University Published 11/24/2009
Matt Russell, state food policy project coordinator at Drake University Law School, recently was appointed to the Iowa Farm Services Agency (FSA) Committee under the Obama administration. Russell will continue to work as state food policy coordinator at Drake. His projects include, institutional purchasing and research into Iowa's evolving pork industry, Farm-to-School programs and the nexus healthy eating and regional food systems. · Read the entire article.
The 100-Mile Thanksgiving by Timothy Beatley The Design Observer Group Published 11/23/2009
What will be the energy footprint of your Thanksgiving dinner? How far will your turkey travel to the table? These are the kinds of question we're learning to ask at our planning program at the University of Virginia, where for several years we've been teaching courses in community food. · Read the entire article.
Princeton Student Wins Rhodes for Farm to School Study by Jason Jung The Daily Princetonian Published 11/23/2009
Henry Barmeier '10, a Wilson School major earning certificates in environmental studies and Spanish, is the University's sole Rhodes Scholarship recipient for 2010. The Rhodes Trust announced this year's winners late Saturday evening. · Read the entire article.
Barmeier '10 wins Rhodes Scholarship by Jason Jung The Daily Princetonian Published 11/23/2009
Henry Barmeier '10, a Wilson School major earning certificates in environmental studies and Spanish, is the University's sole Rhodes Scholarship recipient for 2010. He actually designed a farm-to-school program involving the sale of produce from New Jersey farms to local schools for his term project. · Read the entire article.
Kitzhaber, Bradbury wager friendly campaigns by John Sowell NR Today Published 11/22/2009
If they didn't know better, the 215 people who attended Saturday evening's Flegel Victory Dinner might have thought John Kitzhaber and Bill Bradbury were working on the same campaign. · Read the entire article.
What "Farm-To-School" Will Mean For Your Kids Decatur Metro Published 11/20/2009
At it's most recent meeting, the Decatur School Board unanimously approved the extensive Farm-to-School action plan. · Read the entire article.
Food Safety: Another Benefit of Healthy School Lunch Programs' by Kim Ukura Eatdrinkbetter.com Published 11/20/2009
At the risk of sounding repetitive, I'd like to add to the growing list of the benefits for healthy school lunches and school lunch reform that we blogged about yesterday. On Tuesday, USA TODAY ran an investigative story about tainted school lunches that shows how safety lapses in food production or distribution can put children at risk. The lead of the piece is a story of almost 70 students at a Wisconsin elementary school who got sick two years ago after eating tainted tortillas. A subsequent investigation discovered that flour tortillas from the providing company were responsible for outbreaks at "more than a dozen schools in two other states" over five years. The FDA issued a warning about the tortillas, but the article says the warning never made it to school officials. · Read the entire article.
Many benefits to regional food system by BRAD BURBAUGH jacksonville.com Published 11/20/2009
As National Farm City Week and the Thanksgiving holiday approach, we can be proud of our vast agricultural industry. As a nation, our farmers produce high quality, nutritious, safe and affordable food. Florida has a rich agricultural history that has transformed in recent years due to many internal and external factors. You might be surprised to find that the price of most agricultural products has increased only slightly during the last 30 years, while the cost of seed, fertilizer, farm equipment and labor has increased dramatically. · Read the entire article.
A fresh approach to school lunch Greene County Record Published 11/19/2009
"The only vending machines that spit out snacks are in staff areas," said Debbie Brown, assistant superintendent for the Greene County School Division. She suggested that those machines be stocked with "such things as SunChips and granola bars." Moreover, Greene's school system is going all out to see that the produce it serves its students is as fresh as it can be. Last week the school division started serving locally grown produce to students via the Virginia Farm to School Program, developed by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. · Read the entire article.
Farm to Table calendar captures the beauty of Humboldt County Redwood Times Published 11/19/2009
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers’ (CAFF) Farm to Table calendar is an annual fundraiser that helps keep important programs running for farmers and supports outreach to the community. Farm to Table illustrates a story of place. Local photographer and long time employee of Food for People, Chris Wisner, has captured the remarkable bounty of Humboldt County farms, emphasizing the color, textures, and spirit of the food and the farms from which it comes. The humble beauty of produce such as chard, cabbage, tomatoes and leeks are a tribute to the Humboldt farmers who work tirelessly to provide our sustenance. · Read the entire article.
Foods from farm to school by Amanda Cregan The Intelligencer Published 11/18/2009
At Palisades School District, school board members are among a growing number of school officials across the country looking to bring organic and locally grown food from the farm to the school. · Read the entire article.
Farm to school program starts at PR-B by Katie Anderson Pine and Lakes Published 11/18/2009
Locally grown food has found its way into the kitchens at Pine River-Backus School. The school kitchen has been working hard this fall to get more locally grown fruit and vegetables into student's diets. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch, Made From Scratch, Draws Rave Reviews by Martinique Davis The Watch Published 11/18/2009
Close to sixty pumpkins came home with the Telluride Intermediate School's sixth graders following a recent field trip to a pumpkin farm near Delta. Those pumpkins wound up in new Telluride Schools? chef Jonny Taylor's kitchen, and by the end of the week, Telluride students found fresh, low-sugar and low-fat pumpkin muffins in the school lunch lines. · Read the entire article.
New program to help farmers sell food to schools by Dawn House The Salt Lake Tribune Published 11/17/2009
Organizers are putting together a program to help local farmers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products to Utah schools. The announcement came Tuesday during the urban farming conference at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. The program, called Food to School, makes Utah among the last three states to set up a system that puts fresh, locally grown foods into school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Wash. awarded specialty-crop grants by Dan Wheat Capitol Press Published 11/15/2009
Washington state organizations will receive $2.6 million in federal assistance as they work to expand economic opportunities for specialty crop farmers and develop more efficient farming practices. Grants from the USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are being administered by the state Department of Agriculture for projects to increase the competitiveness of state fruit, vegetable and horticulture growers. · Read the entire article.
Local Pupils, Local Food by Editorial St. Paul Pioneer Press Published 11/13/2009
Speaking of food, Minnesota farmers grow a lot of it. There's corn and wheat and sunflowers and barley and oats and canola and flax and spuds and beets and soybeans and other beans of many colors. There are cows and pigs and sheep and turkey and chicken and bison. A summer stroll through the St. Paul Farmers Market produces a list of delectables much longer, if less by volume. · Read the entire article.
Fruits of labor by Bob Stuart NewsVirginian.com Published 11/12/2009
Area school students are enjoying lunches this week that include apples from a Timberville orchard, lettuce from gardens in Dayton and organic Asian pears from Natural Bridge. · Read the entire article.
Highlights of the 2009 Alabama Food Summit by Amanda Storey Birmingham Weekly Published 11/12/2009
Why does food matter to you? And what kind of food matters to you? The convenient kind? The local kind? The fast kind? It probably depends on where you live, how much money you make and how much time you have available. For example, a weekend trip to Pepper Place Market might be considered a no-brainer to some, while others see it as a luxury if they can find transportation to get there. A midday meal comprised of a Big Mac and fries also might be a no-brainer to some, while others recognize that that kind of consumption is part of national food crisis of sorts - a system in which obesity is epidemic and access to fresh, healthy food is limited. · Read the entire article.
Getting real about school lunches by Amanda Storey Birmingham Weekly Published 11/11/2009
If you aren’t packing your children's lunch each day, you trust the cafeteria is feeding them nutritionally balanced and safe foods. In fact, over 30 million kids across the country are relying on federally funded school lunches which are often prepackaged, processed, and a far cry from healthy. Here’s how it works: The National School Lunch Program assists schools (public and non-profit private) with a meal program that promises to provide “nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reimburses participating schools with cash and/or donated commodities for each meal they serve. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School at Lakeview Union School in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom by Lauren Ware Civil Eats Published 11/10/2009
Several years ago, a movement began with students and has grown into a revamping of the school lunch program, with direct-farm purchasing, a school garden, and even a whole-school composting system. It started when two fourth-grade students accompanied Lakeview's principal, Linda Aiken, to a Vermont Rural Partnership conference and returned with an enthusiastic plan to start a salad bar. With the help of their teacher, they surveyed the students to find out which foods they would want and with food service staff support they set up and began offering it one day a week. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Week by Henry Graff NBC29 Published 11/09/2009
Students at Hollymead Elementary School are getting a taste of local veggies this week. This week Albemarle county schools are celebrating "Farm to School Week." · Read the entire article.
It Takes You "Eat Local" Produce Campaign Raised Awareness and nearly $3 million in Sales by N/A COMPASS GROUP NORTH AMERICA Published 11/09/2009
The week of September 21, 2009, Compass' clients and customers enjoyed the flavors of the seasonal harvest as thousands of locations across the country implemented the company-wide It Takes You "Eat Local" campaign. · Read the entire article.
Ag Producers, Consumers pushing farm-to-table concept by Tom Lutey Billings Gazette Published 11/08/2009
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Farm to Cafeteria conference brings buyers, sellers to table by Jennifer Jackson Peninsula Daily News Published 11/06/2009
The message of the first North Olympic Peninsula Farm to The Cafeteria Conference on Thursday was that the farmer and the food buyer should be friends. · Read the entire article.
Unfit youths pose national security crisis in an emergency by N/A Idaho Mountain Express and Guide Published 11/06/2009
Credit the genius of American marketing and advertising for a large role in what has become a national scandal, perhaps even a national crisis in the event of a true security catastrophe. · Read the entire article.
Decatur's Farm-to-School Program Takes Off by N/A Decatur Metro Published 11/06/2009
Michael Wall at Georgia Organics posted this video of CSD's "nutrition staff" taking a cooking class on working with more local and organic products at Cook's Warehouse in Decatur. [h/t:Decaturfm via Twitter] This class is just one of many steps in the Farm to School program's aggressive strategic plan to improve school nutrition in Decatur's schools by incorporating more local, natural foods in school lunches. The full Strategic Plan and its many, many steps can be viewed as part of the School Board's agenda for next week, when they will vote on its approval. · Read the entire article.
Minnesota farm to school efforts catch eye of USDA Deputy Secretary Merrigan by Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Press Release Published 11/05/2009
Minnesota farm to school efforts that provide students with healthy, locally grown food are attracting national attention. Earlier this week, USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan toured St. Paul Schools' commissary to get a first-hand look at the district's Farm to School program and hear about other similar efforts around the state. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Workshop with the Decatur school nutrition team by Georgia Organics- Michael Wall Published 11/05/2009
Today the City Schools of Decatur's school nutrition staff met at the Cooks Warehouse in Decatur to learn how Farm to School activities can get kids to eat healthier and support the local economy. Plus, they were shown nut-and-bolts knife and cooking skills that they can use in school cafeteria kitchens. They also prepared a delicious meal that highlighted fresh, local and seasonal foods, including chicken vegetable soup, sweet potato wild rice, cranberry apple sauce, and a seasonal salad made with cauliflower, broccoli, and goat cheese chevre. · Read the entire article.
Nature Goes to School by James Hataway & Jordan Sarver WNEG Published 11/05/2009
Nearly 175 parents and teachers from all over Georgia came to Chase Street Elementary School last weekend for the 13th Annual Outdoor Classroom Symposium. · Read the entire article.
Obama's chef and policy wonk by E. B. Solomont Mother Nature Network Published 11/05/2009
On any given day, White House chef Sam Kass can be found grilling fish for the Obama family, tending the first lady's organic garden or hashing out food policy ideas with senior administration advisers. Indeed, it is a unique role for a 29-year-old chef described as "part chef and part policy wonk," by the New York Times. But for Kass, his affinity for healthy eating has propelled him from the kitchen and into the spotlight, as a vocal advocate for Michelle Obama's healthy eating and healthy living agenda. · Read the entire article.
Minnesota Farm to School Efforts Catch Eye of USDA Deputy Secretary Merrigan by Ben Lilliston Commondreams.org Published 11/05/2009
Minnesota farm to school efforts that provide students with healthy, locally grown food are attracting national attention. Earlier this week, USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan toured St. Paul Schools' commissary to get a first-hand look at the district's Farm to School program and hear about other similar efforts around the state. · Read the entire article.
USDA: St. Paul Public Schools 'Pioneers' in Farm-to-School Programs by Laura Thornquist Public News Service Published 11/04/2009
St. Paul Public Schools have attracted so much recent attention that Kathleen Merrigan, U.S. Department of Agriculture deputy secretary, says she's "going back to school," touring the public school commissary to learn how the district is implementing a successful farm-to-school program. · Read the entire article.
From farm to school: Lunches get more local in District 196 by Erin Johnson This Week Live Published 11/04/2009
The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District this year is aiming to introduce a new locally grown food item to students each month as part of a national program called Farm to School. So far, district students have munched on Honeycrisp apples, corn on the cob, and grass-fed beef hot dogs, all from area farms. · Read the entire article.
Grant to help school food program expand by N/A Rutland Herald Published 11/04/2009
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USDA Announces More Funding for Beginning Farmers by Paula Mohr The Farmer Published 11/04/2009
USDA deputy ag secretary Kathleen Merrigan visited with farmers in Elgin, school officials in St. Paul and agri-business owners in Minneapolis Tuesday on her trip through Minnesota. In Elgin, she announced USDA's intent to distribute $17 million in grants to 29 institutions that will help beginning farmers and ranchers. In Minnesota, recipients are Land Stewardship Project ($413,820) and Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc. ($506,170). · Read the entire article.
Tater tots out, apples in by DREW KERR PostStar Published 11/04/2009
Little Debbie has left the building. So have the French fries, the high-fructose fruit snacks, the faux chicken nuggets and the packages of potato chips - items previously available to students in the Saratoga Springs City School District during their lunch hour. In their place: roasted potatoes from Sheldon Farms in Salem, honey crisp apples from Saratoga Apple in Schuylerville and myriad other examples of local produce - including some grown by students in their own school-based gardens. · Read the entire article.
A White House Chef Who Wears Two Hats by Rachel L. Swarns The New York Times Published 11/03/2009
Indeed, Obama administration officials describe him as a vital conduit to the first family. "How do I get to the first lady, how do I try to transmit ideas and messages to her" Sam Kass, said Kathleen Merrigan, the deputy agriculture secretary. "He's been a real ally when we talk about farm to school." · Read the entire article.
Sussex Tech wins award for health initiatives in school by N/A Cape Gazette Published 11/03/2009
The Sussex Child Health Promotion Coalition recently conferred one of three Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Awards to Sussex Technical High School in recognition of the school's efforts to promote healthy activities. The coalition is a Nemours Health and Prevention Services Initiative in collaboration with the citizens of Sussex County. · Read the entire article.
Nation's oldest by Ike Wilson The Frederick News Published 11/02/2009
Having spent a lifetime in the industry, Buddy Hance's agriculture credentials are impressive. The Maryland Department of Agriculture secretary still farms today after putting in a hard day's work in Annapolis. · Read the entire article.
Support fresh food for kids by Sara Flanery Missoulian Published 11/01/2009
Children are hungry for foods that will nourish them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children born the year that my daughter was (2000) are the first to have a lower life expectancy than their parents, and have no doubts that this is in large part because of the food we are feeding them. · Read the entire article.
Farm to spork: Children see fruits of partnering schools with farms by Rachel Gleason Great Lakes Echo Published 10/29/2009
At McAuliffe Elementary School in Chicago, kids are more likely to see local fruits and veggies on their lunch trays than mystery meat and greasy pizza. They also visit local farms and learn about how the food is grown. "It gives them a sense of appreciation," said Gary Cuneen, founding director of an organization that partners schools with local farms. "We are trying to teach kids that taking care of the earth and taking care of their bodies are interrelated goals." · Read the entire article.
Sanford students learn the joy of tomatoes by Judy Swenson Montevideo American News Published 10/29/2009
Sanford Elementary students received a special treat last Thursday. Representatives from the Land Stewardship Project Terry VanDerPol and Tom Taylor, along with Lynn Mader from the University of Minnesota Extension program, Pauline Strand lund of PK Strand lund Farms, and Audrey Arner of Moonstone Farm, paid a visit to the school last Thursday with bunches of tomatoes in tow. · Read the entire article.
Hawaii Community Foundation Announces Historic $50 Million Gift Business Wire Published 10/27/2009
The Hawai`i Community Foundation announced today a six-year, $50 million commitment from Pierre and Pam Omidyar " believed to be the largest single gift by a living donor in the state of Hawai`i's history. The investment will be used to launch several community initiatives over the six-year period as well as support the Omidyars" ongoing philanthropic interests through the Omidyar `Ohana Fund at the Hawai`i Community Foundation. · Read the entire article.
eBay founder, wife pledge $50 million to Hawaii charities over six years. Honolulu Advertiser Published 10/27/2009
eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam have pledged to donate $50 million over six years to the Hawaii Community Foundation. The foundation said it believed the donation is the largest single gift by a living donor in Hawaii's history. The investment will be used to launch several community initiatives over the six-year period as well as support the Omidyars' ongoing philanthropic interests through the Omidyar Ohana Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation. · Read the entire article.
Farr bill aims to get students to eat their veggies by Kurtis Alexander Santa Cruz Sentinel Published 10/26/2009
Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, is renewing his push for salad bars in schools through legislation that would require more fruits and vegetables on campus menus. The Children's Fruit and Vegetable Act of 2009, which Farr expects to introduce in coming weeks, directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to spend more of its school food budget on produce and provide additional money for cafeteria upgrades like salad bars. · Read the entire article.
Specialty crops grants include Garrett County Cumberland Times-News Published 10/25/2009
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced winners of $450,560 in grants that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Maryland. "We are pleased to announce awardees of the Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The 2008 Farm Bill provided significant grant funding dedicated to specialty crops to become available," said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. · Read the entire article.
Food system reform starts with children by Jennifer Wilkins The Ithaca Journal Published 10/24/2009
Evidence from numerous studies points to the critical role diet plays in chronic disease risk. Treatment costs for diet-related diseases are mounting: $147 billion for obesity, $116 billion for diabetes and hundreds of billions to treat cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Making healthier food choices more affordable and available to all Americans is a logical complement to - if not an essential component of - reform. · Read the entire article.
National panel taps Lebanon teacher by Jennifer Moddy Albany Democrat Herald Published 10/24/2009
Organizers of a national panel on environmental practices in school nutrition have tapped Lebanon's Pam Lessley as a participant. Lessley, the Lebanon Community School District's director of nutrition, will travel at the expense of the National Food Service Management Institute to Hattiesburg, Miss., this Monday. She will serve on a panel that is researching conservation practices to develop a survey for schools nationwide. She plans a presentation to the Lebanon School Board on the experience sometime after her return on Oct. 29. · Read the entire article.
National panel taps Lebanon teacher by Jennifer Moddy Albany Democrat Herald Published 10/24/2009
Organizers of a national panel on environmental practices in school nutrition have tapped Lebanon's Pam Lessley as a participant. Lessley, the Lebanon Community School District's director of nutrition, will travel at the expense of the National Foo · Read the entire article.
Sussex Tech Recognized with Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Award Sussex Countian Published 10/23/2009
Sussex Tech has partnered with Nemours to promote health and wellness for children. It has established three goals that can be sustained for many years. First, the school promotes nutritional awareness by participating in the Farm to School initiative allowing fresh, local produce to be provided for school lunches, as well as a new salad bar. Next, beginning in January, it will be promoting physical activity by beginning the "5 Anytime" program where teachers can turn on the TV monitor during the school day for five minutes of physical activity. Finally, the school will host Student and Staff Health Week later in the school year. · Read the entire article.
Home Grown School Lunch Week makes connections by Jean Caspers-Simmet Agri-News Published 10/22/2009
Eleven northeast Iowa schools served local foods on school lunch menus and participated in nutrition education and fitness activities as part of Home Grown School Lunch Week. Coleslaw served for lunch will be made with cabbage and carrots grown by Oelwein FFA. The FFA, which manages a vegetable plot, will also provide food for a supper the district is hosting for third graders and their parents. · Read the entire article.
To Cut Global Warming, Swedes Study Their Plates by Elizabeth Rosenthal New York Times Published 10/22/2009
But if a new experiment here succeeds, she and millions of other Swedes will soon find out. New labels listing the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of foods, from whole wheat pasta to fast food burgers, are appearing on some grocery items and restaurant menus around the country. People who live to eat might dismiss this as silly. But changing one's diet can be as effective in reducing emissions of climate-changing gases as changing the car one drives or doing away with the clothes dryer, scientific experts say. · Read the entire article.
WJHS Students enjoy a local harvest lunch by Reg Bennett York County Coast Star Published 10/22/2009
This was the first Maine Harvest Lunch at WJHS and is part of a growing statewide movement encouraged by the Maine Department of Education simply known as "Farm to School." For one school day, many schools across Maine make it a point to serve locally grown food. · Read the entire article.
How Healthy Are Your Child's School Meals? by Sue Shellenbarger Wall Street Journal Published 10/22/2009
Just yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack challenged the nation's middle schools and high schools to provide healthier meals and more time for exercise and physical activity for their students, according to the New York Times. · Read the entire article.
University of New Hampshire Adds Zipcar to Campus Sys-Con Media Published 10/22/2009
Beginning today, a mix of six self-service hybrid and fuel efficient Zipcars will be available for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The vehicles are located in reserved spaces at the Dairy Bar, Thompson Hall and Quad Way in Lower Campus, and are available to all faculty, staff and students ages 18 and older. Durham residents ages 21 and older will also be able to join. Gas, insurance, 180 free miles, reserved parking and roadside assistance are included in low hourly and daily rates. · Read the entire article.
Annual ethnic guide sets diverse table by Heather McPherson Orlando Sentinel Published 10/21/2009
Finally! There's enough chill in the air to not feel guilty about stew and chili on the menu. Today, my blog is filled with recipes worthy of your soup pot. While you heat up the stove, I'll serve up the daily dish: Eat global, buy local. Today you'll find our annual ethnic grocery guide inside the section. We keep this list online year-round, so I want to hear about any places we've overlooked. Simply shoot me an e-mail, quick note or call and we'll update it immediately at OrlandoSentinel.com/ethnicgroceryguide. The Central Florida larder has a wealth of diversity for all to enjoy. There's a world of flavor for you to discover. Use our annual listings to begin your culinary explorations! · Read the entire article.
School uses dinner as learning opportunity by Tarah Campi Statesman Journal Published 10/21/2009
The line for dinner didn't let up for more than an hour earlier this month as students, parents and staffers celebrated the new school year at McKinley Elementary School with a meal together. It was the first big get-together after summer break, so there was lots to talk about. But at this gathering, most people were talking about the food - tomatoes, zucchini and other vegetables from Mount Angel growers; hormone-free herb-marinated chicken breast; and bushels of apples and pears delivered by the farmers who grew them. · Read the entire article.
Growing Pains by Marcia Vanderlip Columbia Daily Tribune Published 10/21/2009
Offered but not taken was yesterday's special, a cold chicken fajita wrap - a newer menu item featuring chicken, a jalapeño -infused flour tortilla, American cheese and fresh spinach. Canned corn is popular in the cafeteria, but other fresh salad bar items are not. Ice cream is dispensed and heartily eaten. Elementary children get ice cream once a month for Happy Birthday Day, but in middle school, junior high and high school, everyday choices include pizza, deli sandwiches and ice cream. · Read the entire article.
Advertising Cooking, Not Reheating by Marcia Vanderlip Columbia Daily Tribune Published 10/21/2009
National School Lunch Week came and went last week without much fanfare. For much of it, I toiled on a story about our local lunch program. After discovering the arcane methods by which federal mandates define a nutritious lunch - based on a fat/carb data-gathering system - I understand why the local folks told me, "Food is not simple." · Read the entire article.
Obama's Next School Message: Eat Your Veggies by Marcus Weaver-Hightower Education Week News Published 10/20/2009
President Barack Obama is fond of saying that parents have a responsibility to their children's education to turn off the TV and video games, an idea reiterated in his back-to-school speech to U.S. schoolchildren. That speech featured advice to take personal responsibility for one's own education, set goals, do homework, behave, and never give up, despite personal or institutional barriers. · Read the entire article.
Nationwide, there's a small movement to get local produce onto school lunch trays by Julie Anderson Southwest Iowa News Published 10/18/2009
"The overall goal for us really is to be able to come to the point where farm-to-school is somewhat easy to institutionalize," said Marion Kalb, co-director of the National Farm to School Network. "Over the years, it's become more popular. Ultimately, we would like it to be the norm, not the exception." · Read the entire article.
Henderson County Children Eat Local Apples WLOS Published 10/18/2009
Elementary students in Henderson County eat and learn about local food. Apples in coleslaw! · Read the entire article.
Local schools join Farm to School program Bozeman Daily Chronicle Published 10/17/2009
Six Bozeman-area schools -- Whittier, Irving, Longfellow, Hawthorne, Morning Star and Gallatin Gateway -- have teamed up with Gallatin Valley Farm to School program to sell healthy, Montana-made foods and gifts as a fundraiser. · Read the entire article.
Students favor local flavor by Julie Anderson Omaha World Herald Published 10/16/2009
"The kids'll eat wonderful," said Rice, food service manager for Central City Public Schools. Admittedly, it's a bit unusual for a lunch lady to go directly to the fields to purchase produce. She is part of a national movement to put more fresh, locally grown produce on school lunch trays. Local products are seen as more nutritious because they can get from field to table quicker, with less time to lose nutrients. Less fuel typically is used in transporting them, and local markets mean opportunities for area farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farm to school lunch slow to fruition by Julie Anderson Kearney Hub Published 10/16/2009
In Nebraska, there's no count of how many schools are using locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats and eggs. A task force is wrapping up work on a study, authorized by a legislative resolution last session, to find ways to connect schools and farms. "There's so much in the news about health - obesity, juvenile diabetes - that I think the public is really ready to look at how we eat and our local food economy," said State Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton, who sponsored the resolution. · Read the entire article.
School lunches: fresh, nutritious, and affordable by Scott Blackburn Bethany Beach Wave Published 10/15/2009
This week is National School Lunch Week. Schools across the country celebrate this week to highlight the importance and benefits of school lunches. The National School Lunch Program has come a long way since its inception in 1946, when Congress felt it was necessary to have a food program in schools that promoted a good, hot meal for students. · Read the entire article.
Downtown Throwdown Joins Local Food Events by Sarah Lemon Mail Tribune Published 10/15/2009
As the season for food-centered events gears up, downtown Medford is emerging with a popular new tradition: the Downtown Throwdown. Regular participants in the Third Friday Art Walk are already familiar with the throwdown, which debuted in July. It's the brainchild of Nora LaBrocca, a designer for Terra Firma Home and owner of the quasi-catering company Downtown Market Co. Incidentally, LaBrocca has earned top marks in all three previous throwdowns against the stiff competition of 38 Central, Elements Tapas Bar & Lounge, Jackson Creek Pizza Co. and Deli Down. · Read the entire article.
Grants Awarded for Specialty Crops by Brian Allmer Brian Allmer Radio Network Blog Published 10/15/2009
Sixteen grants totaling more than $625,000 have been awarded through the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crops Program. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, seeds, greenhouse and nursery products, and sod. Funds are received by CDA from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Colorado's fruit, vegetable and green industries. A complete copy of the U.S.D.A. news release is below. · Read the entire article.
Mascot for Broncos to help kick off Lunch Week Greeley Tribune Published 10/15/2009
The School Nutrition Association is pursuing a theme of eating healthfully and being active for this year's National School Lunch week. During the "Eat Right Get Movin' with Miles' assembly, Miles will encourage students to fuel up on low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. · Read the entire article.
$2.6 million in federal grants will promote Washington agriculture by Jason Kelly Access Washington Published 10/15/2009
After reviewing more than 100 initial concept papers and 35 proposals, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) selected 14 projects that will increase the competitiveness of the state's fruit, vegetable and horticulture growers. Funding for the research, education and marketing projects is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. · Read the entire article.
School lunch goes local in District 196 by KATIE MINTZ SUN NEWSPAPERS Published 10/14/2009
Cows grazed on Minnesota pastures are making their way to students' lunch trays in District 196. The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District served grass-fed beef hot dogs from Cannon Falls for lunch Thursday, Oct. 8. The menu item from Thousand Hills Cattle Company was part of its newest nutrition focus. · Read the entire article.
School Gardens Co-op Questions Quality of District's School Lunches by Ellen Gilbert Town Topics Published 10/14/2009
"Why do we have Chartwell's, one of the largest food service companies in the world serving lunches to our children in the beautiful garden state?" asked Princeton School Gardens Cooperative coordinator Diane Landis recently. In response to the recent appearance of Chartwell representative Cindy Hill at a PRS Board meeting to tout the company's efforts to improve school lunches, Ms. Landis said that "We are cautiously hopeful that Chartwells will come through. They do still serve highly processed foods. I rarely see fish or eggs on the menu - they do serve pizza dunkers, French toast with syrup, and other party type foods to our kids." · Read the entire article.
Exporting Asheville's know-how by Hannah Rachel Raskin Mountain X Press Published 10/14/2009
To achieve the goal of eating closer to home, last month some food activists took a trip to a very faraway place. Asheville's Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project this fall hosted its first-ever Local Food Institute, designed to familiarize local-food-market developers from Tennessee to Toledo with ways to energize their economies. For three days, participants tromped around downtown Asheville, eating lunch in the Isaac Dickson cafeteria, touring Greenlife Grocery and confabbing with the tourism officials who've crafted the Foodtopian Society initiative, helping to thrust edible experiences to the top of many Asheville visitors' itineraries. · Read the entire article.
Boulder Waldorf kindergarten lets children learn from the ground up by Meghan Tschanz Daily Camera Published 10/14/2009
Farmer Dave, a.k.a. Dave Brady, a co-founder of the kindergarten, assures the children that they will all get turns, as he leads Daisy Mae, the biggest of the goats, out of her pen and onto the milking stand. He begins milking and gives the first couple of squirts to Cody, a Great Pyrenees dog, who catches it in his mouth. · Read the entire article.
Students Enjoy Local Foods in Cafeterias My Backyard News Published 10/14/2009
Schools across the state are purchasing and serving fresh, locally grown food to students in celebration of Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week, September 21-25, 2009. During the Week, schools are highlighting local foods on their menus and supporting their local economy by purchasing food grown in Massachusetts. · Read the entire article.
In Iowa, Vilsack touts local food, regulation by Mike Glover Associated Press Published 10/13/2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack returned to Iowa on Tuesday to promote locally grown food and urge that states be given a key role in tighter regulation of the financial services industry. Vilsack, the state's governor for eight years, spoke Tuesday morning at a food security conference, saying his agency supported local food production that keeps consumers closer to the food supply. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Revolution Blossoms in Baltimore by Ralph Loglisci Civil Eats Blog Published 10/13/2009
Ralph Loglisci with the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future wrote up a fabulous summary on Civil Eats of the Baltimore City Schools cafeteria accomplishments highlighting: -Students' Cafeteria Bill of Rights -Great factoids, i.e.:A case of Maryland apples costs the Baltimore City Public Schools about $6, while a case of government-approved apples costs them about $56. --Coverage of the House Hearing where Tony Geraci and students testified : http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=EdLaborDemocrats#p/u/1/eZwBFN5HlYA Excerpt: Sometimes change happens in the most unexpected places. When I learned that Baltimore City Public Schools was on a mission to change the way its more than 80,000 students thought about food, I have to admit, I was surprised. The cash strapped school system has long faced difficult challenges and the last place I expected to see noticeable reform was with its food services department. To top that off, you could have bowled me over when I heard that the City Schools' new chef/dietitian, Melissa Mahoney, convinced her boss, Tony Geraci, to let her develop her own Meatless Monday lunch menus. To be honest, I doubt that Mahoney needed to do a lot of convincing. When it comes to dreaming up innovative and cost effective ways to feed kids healthy, tasty, whole foods, Geraci isn't shy about pushing the envelope. It's Geraci's bold and sometimes brash entrepreneur spirit that has captured the attention of food policy experts across the country, including the White House. · Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Gardenshare Presents Annual Awards The Gouverneur Times Published 10/13/2009
GardenShare presented its seventh annual Growing Community Awards to Julie Holbrook for Keene Central School's gardening and composting project and to Cindy Harnas for South Jefferson Central School's farm-to-school project. · Read the entire article.
Food Policy and Security: from Farm to Table and Classroom Progressive State Network Blog Published 10/13/2009
Food is at the center of our lives - the average American spends 1 of every 8 dollars on food and public policy plays a crucial role in whether that food is healthy and safe for our families. Disease outbreaks due to unsafe food, rising obesity rates and environmental concerns about wasteful agricultural practices have all focused attention on advancing new policies to improve both food safety and better nutrition in our communities. · Read the entire article.
Vilsack: For locally grown food, not against GMOs by Dan Looker Agriculture Online Published 10/13/2009
Speaking to a group of food activists in Des Moines, Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack got a standing ovation after describing the Obama administration's efforts to promote farmers markets and expand locally-grown foods into schools, hospitals and other government institutions. But when he refused to agree with a questioner that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are ineffective and dangerous, he was greeted by a smattering of boos. · Read the entire article.
Vermont FEED receives $476,000 from the Centers for Disease Control to Advance Farm to School progr by Koi Boynton Market Watch Published 10/12/2009
Centers for Disease Control awards Shelburne Farms, partner and fiscal agent for VT FEED, $476,000 for Farm to School efforts in Vermont. This award comes on the heels of a U.S. government study released last week showing that most Americans don't eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. As a senior member of both the Appropriations and Agriculture Committees, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was instrumental in securing this funding. Leahy said, "The funding I secured through the CDC will allow VT FEED to continue and expand Farm to School efforts throughout the state, giving kids the opportunity to eat more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. With obesity prevention a national health priority, it is encouraging to see Vermont doing so much for childhood nutrition." · Read the entire article.
Barre to honor 5 at 28th annual Community Service Recognition Night Barre Montpelier Times Argus Published 10/12/2009
A group of outstanding community volunteers will be honored this Thursday when the Knights of Columbus Hall hosts the 28th annual Community Service Recognition Night. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour, cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. The recipients of this year's awards will be welcomed into the hall at 6:45 p.m. by piper Ian Gauthier, accompanied by representatives of the four Barre service clubs, the Altrusa, Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary. At 7 p.m., a dinner of mostaccioli and chicken will be served. · Read the entire article.
Locally-grown produce part of WDC schools by Dana Pavek Morris Sun Tribune Published 10/10/2009
As hungry high school students line up for lunch, the tangy aroma of sweet peppers drifts from the Wadena-Deer Creek (WDC) High School kitchen. One of the choices on the menu - chicken fajitas with fresh, sautéed peppers. Outside in the High School Commons where students eat and congregate, WDC Food Services Director Sandie Rentz and University of Minnesota Extension Nutrition Education Coordinator Donna Anderson offer students a "taste" of fresh sliced peppers grown at a farm near Henning. Behind Rentz and Anderson is a display touting the nutritional benefits of peppers. · Read the entire article.
The South's fruit and vegetable crisis by Sue Strugis Institution for Southern Studies Published 10/09/2009
You might not think it could happen in the region noted for a cuisine featuring sweet potatoes, greens, okra and watermelon, but a groundbreaking new federal report shows that no U.S. state is meeting national goals for consumption of fruit and vegetables -- and the situation is especially dire in the South. · Read the entire article.
Failing the fruit test by Suzanne Havala Hobbs News and observer Published 10/07/2009
North Carolina teens are failing the fruit and vegetable test. They're not alone. No state meets national recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption, according to a report issued late last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On average, fewer than 10 percent of U.S. high school students get the recommended three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits each day. North Carolina falls well below that average, with only 6 percent of teens getting enough fruits and vegetables. · Read the entire article.
CDC to NC residents: Eat your fruits and veggies WRAL.com Published 10/07/2009
A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows that North Carolinians aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables. According to the State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 25 percent of North Carolina adults meet the recommendation of at least two servings of fruit a day, compared with 33 percent nationwide. Thirty percent of adults statewide meet the vegetable recommendation of at least three servings daily, compared with 27 percent in the U.S. · Read the entire article.
Better Diets, Healthier Nation by Jennifer Wilkins Albany Times Union Published 10/06/2009
Most Americans agree that the United States needs health care reform in in a big way. The debate about how to change the system has centered on its many inefficiencies and lack of competition, the economic logic of physician-ordered tests and procedures, and mind-boggling layers of bureaucracy. Many support a public option so that no one in this country need go without health coverage. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown is Preferable for School Lunches by Buddy Hance and Nancy S. Grasmick Delmarva Now! Published 10/05/2009
Imagine the impact on families and communities if even one local item is included in school lunches for each of 950,000 Maryland public school students. Farmers would have additional income, thereby strengthening the local economy and keeping farm land open and productive. Our children would receive the nutritional benefits of fresh, local products, as well as knowledge of why this matters. And the financial, environmental and nutritional costs of transporting food would decrease. · Read the entire article.
Weathers will seek new term as agriculture commissioner by Gene Zaleski The Times and Democrat Published 10/05/2009
Bowman dairy farmer and S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers says he will run for re-election in November 2010. "I am going to run for re-election to continue building upon what we have started," Weathers said. "I think we have gotten some good things initiated on the part of agriculture, forestry and the state. I hope to continue to build on that." · Read the entire article.
Anderson hires Farmer's Market manager by Mike Ellis IndependentMail.com Published 10/05/2009
Anderson County's new Farmer's Market manager, Tandy Wickiser, began work today. Wickiser said she aims to keep working on the sustainable agriculture programs that have been at the center of the Farmer's Market for more than a year. "I want to encourage our members to start thinking local," she said. "If we can spend more money in our county on locally owned businesses and farmers, that would make us bulletproof from an economic recession." · Read the entire article.
Micro eco-farming and organic small farming: New school markets opening up www.MicroEcoFarming.com Published 10/03/2009
The micro and small farming community knows that to make money farming, it isn't about growing more corn, it's about connecting directly to great markets. A brand new initiative will give $50 million for schools to buy local produce. Previous to this, the 2008 Farm Bill already allowed more flexibility and help for farm to school programs. · Read the entire article.
School Notes and Updates: Florida The Ledger Published 10/03/2009
A comprehensive look at events and happenings at select schools across Florida. · Read the entire article.
EV district takes fresh approach to lunch by Nina Culver The Spokesman Review Published 10/01/2009
East Valley school district is moving toward more fresh fruits and vegetables, and is sourcing from local farms in season. Excerpt: [Kitchen manager] Cash said that the kitchen workers requested the menu changes. "We were not happy with the old program," she said. "They worked with us, and it changed for the better." The cooks are busier now that they're making more things from scratch, but they don't mind. "It's worth it," said Cash. "The kids are giving us compliments." · Read the entire article.
From local farm to school lunch tray by Victor Alvarez EastBayRI.com Published 10/01/2009
New England's finer restaurants have long been part of the national trend of sourcing local ingredients for their menus. Now it's time for Seekonk's schools to get into the act. · Read the entire article.
Hawaii adults rank higher than national average in fruit, vegetable consumption by Baron Hawaii247.org Published 10/01/2009
A national report card on healthy eating habits for the first time provides Hawaii data on fruit and vegetable consumption, environmental supports and policies that may help Americans eat more fruits and vegetables. · Read the entire article.
Halton: Farm to School program expands halton.ca Published 10/01/2009
Representatives from the Farm to School Steering Committee, of which Halton Region is a member, joined students, staff, community representatives at a school barbeque yesterday at Gardiner Public School in Georgetown to launch the expansion of the Farm to School program. Attendees at the event enjoyed fresh corn that was delivered to the school by Allison's Farm Market. After a successful pilot last year with St. John's Catholic School in Burlington, the initiative has expanded to include 10 schools in Halton for the 2009-2010 school year. The program provides participating Halton elementary schools with links to a local food supplier, $400 for the purchase of locally grown vegetable and fruit, menu ideas, and healthy eating curriculum supports. · Read the entire article.
Know Your Farmer -- Better Yet, Know Your Farm Worker by Angles Garbes Seattle Weekly Published 10/01/2009
Anyone who works in the food industry knows that the Latino workforce is essential to its success. But to the average "foodie," these workers are practically invisible. From line cooks to dishwashers to farm workers who harvest fruits and vegetables, Latinos remain largely out of view, which means the issues they face are rarely discussed in the food community. But it looks like this is beginning to change. · Read the entire article.
Changing the Look of School Lunch One Tray at a Time The Jackson Blazer Published 10/01/2009
We often think of school lunch as cardboard pizza and grey green beans, but for students at Concord Community Schools, lunch looks very different. Over the past year, students have enjoyed fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables as part of their school lunch. In the fall of 2008, Food Service Director Alan Breneman began a Farm to School program in the school district and started sourcing produce from area farmers. Mr. Breneman became connected to local farmers through a partnership with Food System Economic Partnership, a non-profit in southeast Michigan that works to link farmers with consumers. · Read the entire article.
School-Lunch Staff Bring Nutrition to the Table by Brooke Lea Foster Edutopia Magazine Published 10/01/2009
From Portland, Oregon, to Atlanta, school menus are being redone with health in mind, even as budgets shrink and parents tighten their wallets. Managers are finding more appealing types of food to serve and more appetizing ways to serve it. And part of that appeal is education. So, along with their fruits and veggies, many students are now getting a serving of nutrition smarts. · Read the entire article.
Outdoor Classroom by Mark Sage and Caitlin Sullivan Southwest Virginia Today Published 09/30/2009
Three hundred sixth-graders descended onto Johnson's Highland Dairy Farm on Tuesday and another 300 are scheduled to show up today at part of the sixth grade Conservation Farm Field Day organized by Holston River Soil & Water Conservation District. The students picked at benthic macroinvertebrates from the stream, fed calves and learned about how a dairy works and where the manure goes. They also learned about topographic maps, cover crops, soil and erosion, the water cycle, water conservation and the effects of land use on water quality. These are all things the sixth-graders would be learning anyway, from their textbooks, but on this day they get to see, smell and feel it. Dave Johnson began opening up his family farm to school children about 20 years ago. Usually a teacher would call him and a class of schoolchildren would take a tour of the farm. Since the first Farm Field Day five years ago, his farm reaches more people. · Read the entire article.
Primal Lunch by Lesa Griffith Honolulu Weekly Published 09/30/2009
The author visits Manoa Elementary to see how school lunch has changed since she attended 36 years ago. Dexter Kishida, School Food Coordinator for ʻAINA In Schools, discusses challenges to getting locally grown foods into school meals. · Read the entire article.
Eating in America Still Unhealthy: CDC U.S. News and World Report Published 09/29/2009
The goal for the Healthy People 2010 program is to get at least 75 percent of Americans to eat the recommended two or more daily servings of fruit and for at least 50 percent of Americans to consume three or more daily servings of vegetables. · Read the entire article.
New Documentary on Local Food Movement has an Oregon-Heavy Cast by Scott Learn The Oregonian Published 09/28/2009
A new local-food documentary, "Ingredients," has a Portland-based producer and a set of stars that's a bit of a who's who in Oregon's locavore movement. The cast of the feature-length film, which debuted in Portland this weekend, includes farmers and chefs from Oregon to New York talking about the benefits and challenges of buying food from local producers. · Read the entire article.
LETTER: Locally Grown Food for Our Students by Buddy Hance and Nancy Grasmick Southern Maryland Headline News Published 09/28/2009
We would like to extend our congratulations to school food and nutrition services directors throughout Maryland. Thanks to their overwhelming support and enthusiasm, all of our 24 public school systems participated in the 2nd annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week (Sept. 14-18). This exciting week is part of the Farm to School Program which is designed to bring more Maryland-grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet. · Read the entire article.
Activist: School Lunch Can Be Fresh and Tasty by Morgan Josey Glover News and Record: Greensboro-North Carolina Published 09/27/2009
When Alice Waters visited the city last week, she did more than help raise money for the new Edible Schoolyard at the Greensboro Children's Museum. She also advanced a national campaign to add vegetable gardens and serve healthier, locally produced meals in all public schools. · Read the entire article.
Local foods featured in schools by Cynthya Porter Winona Post Published 09/27/2009
There is a groundswell for local food in this region and the epicenter of it is right in the kitchens at District 861. Monday 72 food service professionals from across Southeastern Minnesota visited the district to learn more about how food service officials here have made it their mission to serve children fresh food grown close to home. · Read the entire article.
Growing food security -- one garden at a time by Janis Wong And Koh Ming Wei West Hawaii Today Published 09/27/2009
· Read the entire article.
Area pumpkin patches popular fall familly fun destinations by Robert Pore The Grand Island Independent Published 09/26/2009
As fall transforms the landscape, one of its many colors and sights are the orange pumpkin patch. A symbol of seasonal change, like falling leaves, enterprising area growers have turned the traditional pumpkin patch into a fun fall family destination, along with a way to improve the bottom line of their operations. · Read the entire article.
Thinking Outside The School Lunchbox by Jenna Johnson Washington Post Published 09/24/2009
Lunch menus at several local schools are getting a makeover: Less mystery meat, canned fruit and sad-looking green beans. More fresh fruit, veggies, eggs, cheese and meat from farms just down the road. · Read the entire article.
Thinking Outside The School Lunchbox by Jenna Johnson The Washington Post Published 09/24/2009
Slowly, the buy-local phenomenon, which has made farmers markets and harvest subscriptions all the rage, is hitting school lunch programs. Maryland dubbed last week Homegrown School Lunch Week and encouraged cafeteria staffs to use local produce. Virginia plans to organize a similar statewide event in November. · Read the entire article.
Local, vegetarian food comes to city schools by Laura Vozzella The Baltimore Sun Published 09/24/2009
On Mondays throughout the year, cafeteria menus will be all vegetarian - a first for city schools and, it's believed, any large school system nationwide. But city school lunches are moving in that direction, and attracting national attention, including a visit last week by assistant White House chef Sam Kass and U.S. Department of Education officials to Hampstead Hill, a public charter school near Patterson Park. · Read the entire article.
Community Foundation awards $1 million to quality of life efforts by Sherri Begin Welch Crain's Detroit Business Published 09/24/2009
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has awarded $1.04 million to local nonprofits working to improve the quality-of-life in the region. · Read the entire article.
Challenges, successes for schools by Richard Devlin West Linn Tidings Published 09/24/2009
The 2009-10 school year is under way and I would like to welcome all the students, teachers, and school employees back to school and hope everyone has a productive and rewarding year. The Legislature faced many challenges this session and the global economic downturn forced us to make significant cuts across state government. · Read the entire article.
Many limbs of family tree help berry business grow by Clarice Keating Catholic Sentinel Published 09/23/2009
Theirs is a sweet life. Harvests begin to slow down this time of year for the Unger family, farmers of Oregon strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes. As the trees turn to autumn colors, farmer's markets " 17 in all where Unger berries are represented " carry the fruits of the family's labor through early October. Farming is in the blood for this family. And like the tangled vines of the grapes they grow, the harvest season touches many different lines in their ancestral tree as well as within their community. · Read the entire article.
Students get a taste of farm life by Laura Buck Southern Maryland Newspapers Online Published 09/23/2009
Three Calvert County schools last week for "Maryland Home Grown Lunch Week," held at Appeal and Plum Point elementary schools and The Tidewater School in Huntingtown. · Read the entire article.
Slow Food works quickly to put harvest in Cape schools by Laurie Higgins Cape Cod Times Published 09/23/2009
Folks at the Cape Cod chapter of the Slow Food Movement invited strangers to dinner earlier this month in an effort to improve the Child Nutrition Act, which governs what children are served in school lunches. The nonprofit Slow Food Movement held 300 "eat-ins" nationwide to let people know the act is coming before Congress for reauthorization soon. People shared a meal and collected signatures on a petition demanding that Congress makes it a priority to put more nutritious food on school lunch menus. · Read the entire article.
School Food and Healthy Choices by Nancy Taylor Robson The Chestertown Spy Published 09/23/2009
Margaret Ellen Kalmanowicz has got her hands full. She's the director of both transportation and food service for Kent County schools. Transportation is sorted now, but food service is ongoing. In an effort to improve the school food, Kalmanowicz got a fresh fruit and vegetable grant for two schools, Rock Hall and Garnet. Similar to a farm-to-school program, which more directly connects local growers to school breakfast and lunch programs, it tries to reintroduce real food to kids who were not only raised on Cheetos and chicken nuggets, but have come to expect those things in school, too. · Read the entire article.
Greener food, local agriculture on agenda by Janet Rausa Fuller Chicago Sun Times Published 09/23/2009
Wright detailed parts of the new campaign, including a farm-to-school program to get more locally grown foods into schools. The weekly White House farmers market, which opened last week, is part of the "Know Your Farmer" project. · Read the entire article.
School children feast on farm fresh food Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Published 09/23/2009
It's not officially a part of the farm-to-school movement, since the school district neither purchases from a local farmer nor officially educates students about the benefits of eating locally. However, Chautauqua has a highly productive food garden, which is used as a outdoor classroom for biology and nutrition and cultivated by the students in the school's multi-age first- through third-grade program. · Read the entire article.
Agriculture, Education Departments Launch Farm to School Program Earth Times Published 09/22/2009
Pennsylvania's students stand to benefit from better nutrition and enhanced education through a new program linking schools with local farms, Pennsylvania Agriculture acting Secretary Russell Redding and Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak announced today. · Read the entire article.
Lunch lady in Alaska catches a wild idea by Melissa A. Trainer The Oregonian Published 09/22/2009
Patty Luckhurst is an incredible lunch lady. She makes lunch from scratch for her 500 students, including cranking out 1,500 handmade yeast rolls each week. As if that weren't enough, the food service manager and head cook for the Dillingham School District has found a way to serve a local food, save the school district money and dramatically improve the diet of her students. · Read the entire article.
An Oasis in Chicago's Food Deserts Extra Newspaper Published 09/22/2009
An estimated 633,000 Chicagoans live in "food deserts," a term experts give to a densely populated area with limited access to grocery stores and healthy food options. Residents in these areas have to travel nearly twice as far to get to a grocery store than to a fast food restaurant. Lack of fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables in urban neighborhoods has been linked to high rates of childhood obesity and diabetes in low-income families. Fresh from the Farm, a farm-to-school program administered by Seven Generations Ahead (SGA), is combating this trend by introducing urban kids to gardening, farming, ecology and nutritious food choices. Fresh from the Farm recently wrapped a seven-week summer program at Ames Middle School in Logan Square. The kids met three times a week for hands-on instruction. · Read the entire article.
Averill Park BOE discusses policies by Joseph A. Phillips Troy Record Published 09/22/2009
The Averill Park Central School district board continued to hash out a series of governance and "ends" policies aimed at better defining accountability within the district, and received a report on a new program with implications for school lunches, curriculum and community relations. · Read the entire article.
Program Opens School Cafetarias to Local Farms by Paul Tuthill WAMC Published 09/22/2009
With the fall harvest approaching and students back in school, officials in Massachusetts are promoting a program to get locally grown food served in public school cafeterias. Since it's launch five years ago, the Massachusetts Farm to School Project has enrolled more than half of the state's public school districts. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Initiative offers Field Guide for parents to bring food curriculum to schools by Suki Wessling Santa Cruz Parenting Examiner Published 09/22/2009
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers, a California non-profit that promotes the interests, rights, and health of small farms, has released a Farm to School Field Guide with information for parents and community members about integrating farms with school curriculum. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Punch by Editorial Board Washington Post Published 09/21/2009
CHILDREN ARE back in school. For many, that means regular meals as part of the federally subsidized school lunch program. Unfortunately, it also means, too often, food that isn't good for them. We're encouraged that there is a growing movement to do something about that. · Read the entire article.
Secretaries of Agriculture, Education to Launch Joint Farm to School Program Reuters Published 09/21/2009
Department of Agriculture acting Secretary Russell Redding and Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Great Valley School District in Malvern, Chester County, to announce a joint partnership to encourage schools to plant sustainable gardens. · Read the entire article.
Leon County Schools Offering Vegetarian Meals by Sylvester Jackson The FAMUAN Online Published 09/21/2009
In Leon County, all elementary and middle schools are offering at least one vegetarian meal a day. Meals will include cheese quesadillas, cheese and bean burritos or cheese pizza. Vegetables and salads will continue to be served. Farm to school, which is a national program linking farmers with schools, also provides the schools with fresh collard greens."The superintended has always been striving for healthy meals in the schools," says Tim Tankersley, director of Nutrition Services in Leon County. Due to high school students eating off campus, elementary and middle school students have more choices of meals at lunch. · Read the entire article.
STATE AG OFFICIAL TO VISIT GRANVILLE HIGH Newark Advocate Published 09/20/2009
In celebration of Sustainable Agriculture Week, Ohio Department of Agriculture Assistant Director Greg Hargett will visit Granville High School on Monday to learn more about the school district's Farm-to-School program, according to an announcement Friday. · Read the entire article.
Knowledge is power when choosing your food by Candace Hammond Cape Cod Times Published 09/20/2009
If you're involved in your child's school, you might want to see if the administration would be interested in looking into the Farm to School (farmtoschool.org) program that connects local farms and schools in providing healthful, local food. The program teaches the students about healthful eating, the importance of small farms and knowing where their food comes from. · Read the entire article.
Leon County Schools offering lunch alternatives for students by Iricka Berlinger Tallahassee.com Published 09/20/2009
As of Sept. 8, all elementary and middle schools in Leon County offer at least one vegetarian main dish daily. Meals include cheese quesadillas, cheese and bean burritos or cheese pizza. Vegetables and salads are also continuing to be served daily. · Read the entire article.
Get local foods on the school menu by Lynn Fallon Des Moines Register Published 09/19/2009
Providing schools with fresh, local food is a national priority that could ensure better health in our nation's children. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School in Harford County Public Schools HartfordNeighbors.net Published 09/19/2009
Crunch! Crackle! Snap! Slurp! Those are just a few of the sounds made by students eating locally grown produce in all Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) cafeterias. In an effort to promote locally grown fruits and vegetables in HCPS, the Second Annual Farm-to-School Week was held September 14 - 18, 2009. · Read the entire article.
Green Report Card: Is Your Child's School Flunking the Environment? by Adria Vasil RaisingThemGreen.com Published 09/19/2009
You’d think schools would be role models for good behavior now wouldn’t you? Oh sure they might talk a good game about the importance of recycling paper and protecting polar bears, but are they walking the walk? Not if they’re leaving the lights on day and night, spraying the school grounds with toxic pesticides and mopping up with hormone-disrupting chemicals! Here’s a subject-by-subject breakdown on how your kid’s school might be failing the planet, as well as some pointers for helping them boost those grades. · Read the entire article.
Kids First by Pamela Bhatia Photography Facebook Published 09/18/2009
All Rhode Island Schools will serve only healthy foods that are fresh, delicious, and enjoyed by students and staff everyday. RI Nutrition Requirements in Action has been used to purchase local food in school. This video was prepared for the First Breakfast for School Leaders, where over 300 people (Superintendents, Business Officials, School Board members) attended to represent every RI district. · Read the entire article.
Adrienne's Slideshow by Adrienne Burroughs Kodak Gallery Published 09/18/2009
Local apples appear in the school cafeteria in this photo from the Maryland State Department of Education. · Read the entire article.
julie's Slideshow by Julie Oberg Kodak Gallery Published 09/18/2009
The Maryland Department of Agriculture took pictures of students learning about local foods. · Read the entire article.
Kids' Beef The Durango Herald Published 09/18/2009
Area schools are doing the right thing in purchasing increasing quantities of locally produced food. Not only does that give a boost to local farmers and ranchers and keep taxpayers' money circulating in the community, it puts better food on students' plates - a happy outcome all around. Ignacio and Durango schools are leading the way. Ignacio schools plan to buy 4,000 pounds of ground beef from Fox Fire Farms, southeast of Ignacio, and Bond Brands in Bondad. School District 9-R plans to buy 1,500 pounds of beef from James Ranch, north of Durango, and 4,000 pounds of ground beef from Fox Fire Farms. · Read the entire article.
Newport Schools Named State Wellness Award Winner by Newport Now Staff Newport-Now Published 09/18/2009
The city's public school system was the recipient of the 2009 RI Healthy Schools Coalition Award of Honor presented by Kids First R.I. for its efforts in addressing student wellness at an awards ceremony earlier today. According to Kids First, Newport was singled out for what it describes as an "Active, vibrant, engaged, well organized and highly supported District Wellness Committee." · Read the entire article.
Local produce served in school lunches by Janet Heim The Herald-Mail Published 09/18/2009
Corn on the cob, watermelon and other locally produced food items were on the menu this week in Washington County Public Schools and at schools across the state during the second annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School effort launched Mandan News Published 09/17/2009
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced on Monday that 11 North Dakota communities will be assessed for the possibility of establishing a direct link between local agricultural producers and school lunch programs. · Read the entire article.
Local lunches: County schools buy food for week from area farmers by Penny Riordan Carroll County Times Published 09/17/2009
Across Carroll County this week, school cafeteria managers were serving fresh, area fruits and vegetables from local farms as a part of Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
New R.I. mandates aim to make school lunches more healthful by Barbara Polichetti The Providence Journal Published 09/17/2009
Brayley, who serves on national nutrition committees, says the new requirements will make Rhode Island school cafeterias among the healthiest in the nation since she does not know of any other state that has implemented such stringent requirements. The new requirements, which were instituted by the state Department of Education, boost the number of servings of fruits or vegetables that must be offered at every school lunch and breakfast with the added caveat that legumes (dried beans, dried peas or lentils) be in the mix at least once a week. · Read the entire article.
Health Check: School nutrition standards by Barbara Morse Silva turnto10.com Published 09/17/2009
Public schools in Rhode Island are now following new food standards. The nutrition requirements spell out forbidden foods like French fries and mandate required foods like more fruits and vegetables. And fruit drinks must be as the name suggests: 100 percent fruit. · Read the entire article.
Program gets kids in the garden by Charlotte Albright Vermont Public Radio Published 09/17/2009
The Green Mountain Farm to School project took root about four years ago in Jay. Since then, another 14 Northeast Kingdom schools have signed on, giving elementary students year-round hands-on lessons in planning, growing, and harvesting vegetable gardens. Katherine Sims directs the outreach program from her office above a health food store in Newport. She says northeastern Vermont is a perfect place to grow this program, which gets both public funding and private donations. · Read the entire article.
Time for Lunch by Hema Tatafu Ke Alaka'i Published 09/17/2009
People from all walks of life enjoyed the "Time for Lunch" awareness campaign on the lawn area outside BYU-Hawaii cafeteria on September 5. The event was a joint effort between SIFE, BYU-Hawaii Food Services and other community organizations as part of a national movement trying to "draw attention to The Child Nutritional Act" and "to bring awareness to healthier school lunches", as stated by Natalie McKincey who was running the event. · Read the entire article.
Harford Schools Celebrate 2nd Annual "Farm To School Week" by Dagger News Services The Dagger Published 09/16/2009
Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Robert M. Tomback, accompanied by County Executive David R. Craig, will recognize "Farm to School Week" on Wednesday, September 16th, at Fountain Green Elementary School. · Read the entire article.
Harford Schools Celebrate 2nd Annual "Farm To School Week" by Dagger News Services The Dagger Published 09/16/2009
Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Robert M. Tomback, accompanied by County Executive David R. Craig, will recognize "Farm to School Week" on Wednesday, September 16th, at Fountain Green Elementary School. · Read the entire article.
Lolo company helping school kids eat healthy KPAX News Published 09/16/2009
Missoula school kids can dip their bread sticks in marinara with confidence because the sauce is local, and the school district's efforts to serve locally grown food in school cafeterias has some other school districts hungry for more information. · Read the entire article.
School lunch menus to feature local foods this week by Jane Bellmyer Cecil Whig Published 09/16/2009
Apples from Elkton, peaches grown in Colora, Asian pears from Cecilton and burgers from Conowingo will be on lunch menus this week as the county public schools celebrate Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Dignitaries and local produce on the menu at Hanover school by Marc Shapiro The Maryland Gazette Published 09/16/2009
The second annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch week, designated by Gov. Martin O'Malley, is part of the Farm to School Program established last year. "We're taking this time to let you know where your food is coming from," Hance told a group of students. "When you go home, tell your parents you want to buy local products." · Read the entire article.
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Program Begins California Farmer Published 09/16/2009
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan says Americans are more interested in food and agriculture than at any other time since most families left the farm. To stir that interest and develop a national conversation, USDA has introduced a program called "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food". Merrigan says "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" seeks to focus that conversation on supporting local and regional food systems to strengthen American agriculture by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and spurring economic opportunity in rural communities. · Read the entire article.
USDA to America: "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" by Leslie Cole The Oregonian Published 09/16/2009
Clearly there's a new sheriff in town in Washington, D.C. How else to explain USDA's new "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, announced yesterday? Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack and deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan say their department intends to begin a national conversation to build stronger local and regional food systems across the country. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch: Are We Doggin' It? by Cynthia Lair SeattlePi Published 09/16/2009
In 2007 I served on the voluntary Nutrition Advisory Committee of the Seattle public school lunch program. Members made field trips to schools, ate the cafeteria lunch food and wrote reports with observations and comments. · Read the entire article.
New USDA Farm to School Tactical Teams by Kathleen Merrigan USDA Office of Communications Published 09/15/2009
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new initiative to better connect children to their food and create opportunities for local farmers to provide their harvest to schools in their communities as part of USDA's 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative. · Read the entire article.
Hartford's New Farm to School Program Fights Childhood Obesity by Sarah Platt WITI-TV Published 09/15/2009
WITI-TV, HARTFORD - It's no secret childhood obesity is an epidemic in our nation, and kids here in Wisconsin aren't immune. Some local schools are taking steps to make sure their kids are eating the healthiest and freshest foods possible. FOX 6's Sarah Platt explains Hartford's Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Chef Ann Cooper launches school lunch revolution by AJC Opinion Access Atlanta Published 09/15/2009
"Everyone knows not to eat the hot dogs, Mom. They bounce. And the fish makes everyone sick." Wait just a tic. Are we living in the United States of America? Shouldn't a healthy, good-tasting school lunch be the right of each and every child in public schools across this country? Doesn't it peeve you just a little that your child is likely eating food products instead of actual food in their school cafeterias? · Read the entire article.
USDA Officials Help Kick-off Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week with Educational Activities and Lo by Maryland Department of Agriculture Published 09/15/2009
To draw attention to the connection between healthy food and the local farms that grow it, Governor Martin O'Malley officially designated September 14-18, 2009 as Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. "Many students today do not know where their food comes from and many residents aren't aware how important a part of Maryland's environment, economy and quality of life that farms are," said Governor O'Malley. · Read the entire article.
USDA promises to help school districts buy locally grown produce by Tom Karst The Packer Published 09/15/2009
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said new farm-to-school initiatives will help school administrators? transition to purchasing more locally grown foods in remarks about the just-launched "Know your farmer, know your food" initiative. · Read the entire article.
Md. School Lunches Include Homegrown Food by Suzanne Collins WJZ 13 Published 09/15/2009
There were local veggies on the pizza bagels at Hebron Harman school Tuesday and a display of melons and other fresh fruits. This kicks off a program to put local produce on the school lunch menu. · Read the entire article.
Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Program Starts Today TheBaynet.com Published 09/15/2009
St. Mary's County Public Schools will celebrate Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, Sept. 14 through 18, by including locally-grown products in school lunches. Select schools will also showcase this event with outside display stations set up and manned by local farmers, while lessons on healthy eating and farming will be delivered in classrooms. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown School Lunch Week Lunch Nugget Published 09/15/2009
This week in some of the Maryland Public Schools, it is Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. This means the fruits and vegetables at Nugget's school are locally grown and offered to the children. · Read the entire article.
Made in Rhode Island: RI Students Get Homegrown School Lunch by Chris Boardman abc6.com Published 09/15/2009
School lunches aren't typically comprised of items kids go crazy over. But today in Jamestown, students at one school were raving over their meals, all courses of which were Made in Rhode Island. ABC6 Reporter John Guice has more. · Read the entire article.
MCPS Farm-to-school program featured in national documentary Missoula Foodie Published 09/15/2009
A clip from a new documentary featuring the MCPS Farm-to-school program! · Read the entire article.
Big Plans for Small Farmers by Kim Severson The New York Times Published 09/15/2009
"Americans are more interested in food and agriculture than at any other time since most families left the farm," said Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan in a statement announcing the initiative. The U.S.D.A.'s new "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" campaign which includes a series of programs to help farmers better market their food and the people who run large institutions buy it. · Read the entire article.
Positively Milwaukee: Lunch From the Farm by Carole Meekins TMJ Channel 4 Published 09/15/2009
Corn salad and veggie paninis--all made from local produce! No, it's not the menu at a new downtown bistro, it's the menu at a local school. Thirty two school districts in southern Wisconsin are part of the 'Farm to School Program.' Organizers hope to continue expanding across the state. · Read the entire article.
Many regions have declared September Local Food Month' by Robin Shreeves The Bradenton Herald Published 09/14/2009
Local restaurants featuring local foods and a fundraiser that will benefit the counties Farm-to-School program are two of many events that will take place in Humboldt County this September. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch: Where the Real Weapons of Mass Destruction Lie by Hesh Goldstein Natural News Published 09/14/2009
The USDA needs to realize that there needs to be a sound program to deliver food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, from farm to school. · Read the entire article.
11 NORTH DAKOTA Communities Considered for Farm to School by Associated Press KX News Published 09/14/2009
Surveys will be conducted next month in the communities of Bowdon, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Grant County, Hazen, Jamestown, Mandan, Minot, Napoleon and Valley City to consider whether they can be part of the program. He says the surveys also will measure the growth of area food production. · Read the entire article.
Eleven NORTH DAKOTA Communities Considered for Farm to School by Associated Press KFYR-TV News Published 09/14/2009
North Dakota`s agriculture commissioner says 11 communities will considered for a program to bring food from area farms to school lunches. Commissioner Doug Goehring said the Farm to School program teaches healthy eating habits while providing farmers with a direct market. He says Farm to School programs already are in 40 states. · Read the entire article.
Close Encounters of the School Lunch Kind by Robin Shreeves Mother Nature Network Published 09/14/2009
Onetray.org has put out short, to the point video about the changes that need to be made to school lunches. I don't know if the kids in the video get the reference to the mashed potato mountain, but most of us will. · Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Maryland Schools Serve Up Local Produce by Charya Lon Your4State.com Published 09/14/2009
Schools across the state kick off Homegrown School Lunch Week on Monday. The Maryland Department of Agriculture organizes the week, which encourages school cafeterias to use locally grown food in their lunches. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown Food in School Lunches by The Associated Press abc2 Published 09/14/2009
This is the second straight year the Maryland Department of Agriculture has organized Homegrown School Lunch Week. Cafeterias in all 24 school districts will serve fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese and meats from Maryland. · Read the entire article.
Maryland Schools Serve Locally Grown Food for Lunch News Channel 8 Published 09/14/2009
Maryland students have a good reason to eat the cafeteria food at school this week. Sources say schools will be serving up locally grown food all week. · Read the entire article.
What's Up With That? by Rachel Hergett Bozeman Daily Chronicle Published 09/13/2009
So this Saturday, The Emerson Grill is inviting guests to bring their own cutting boards and knives to help process some of those ingredients under the guidance of Chef Donald MacArthur for its second annual Salsa Day. Cost is $15 per person and a portion of the proceeds goes to Farm to School, an organization that is working to bring local produce into the public school system. · Read the entire article.
Area schools battle obesity by Adrielle Harvey The Topeka Capital-Journal Published 09/13/2009
Two students indulge in locally grown watermelon as part of the Farm to School program, which connects children to local farmers. At the same time, the school is encouraging healthier eating habits in attempts to reduce childhood obesity by introducing more fruits and vegetables during school hours. · Read the entire article.
Local food movement still gaining momentum by Lindsey Nair The Roanoke Times Published 09/13/2009
The Virginia Department of Agriculture recently created a Farm-to-School program to encourage public schools to spend some of their $6 million annual produce budget with local growers. The department also recently unveiled an interactive Web site to help Virginians find local products. · Read the entire article.
Farming our Schools by Jesse Kurtz-Nicholl The Dakota Day Published 09/13/2009
As a Government and Economics teacher in a deeply urban school in California, I come face to face with disturbing daily realities. Recently, a 16 year old Latina student came up to me in astonishment and asked, "Are you telling me that a lemon is a fruit?" Equally astonished are the students that walk out to the school garden and marvel at the sweet peas they can pick fresh off the vine. "I never knew that came out of a flower," I've heard them gasp. They recoil at the sight of dirt touching a piece of produce, yet they don't blink at paying $2 for bottled water that is less regulated than the water coming out of their tap. I don't blame my students for a system that produces 3,800 calories per day per person (we only need half that amount) and then uses the most sophisticated marketing tools on the planet to get our youth to consume them. As a teacher, I have learned that you must accept your students "where they are" because getting angry about how they got there is wasted energy. · Read the entire article.
Md. school lunches to include homegrown food by Associated Press Washington Examiner Published 09/13/2009
This is the second straight year the Maryland Department of Agriculture has organized Homegrown School Lunch Week. Cafeterias in all 24 school districts will serve fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese and meats from Maryland. · Read the entire article.
Md. school lunches to include homegrown food by The Associated Press The Baltimore Sun Published 09/13/2009
This is the second straight year the Maryland Department of Agriculture has organized Homegrown School Lunch Week. Cafeterias in all 24 school districts will serve fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese and meats from Maryland. Some schools will continue to use locally grown food throughout the school year. · Read the entire article.
Building a Bridge to Somewhere: Farm to School by CookingUpaStory.com Eat Well Guide Blog Published 09/13/2009
With great excitement about the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, which rolled out this week, and particular joy over the White House farmers' market, which opens today, here is an inspirational video from our friends at Cooking Up a Story. This one is about a farmer who's helping build his local economy while feeding local schoolchildren more nutritious food. Farm to School networks, like farmer's markets, are excellent methods by which we can rebuild our local economies and our local food distribution systems. · Read the entire article.
The Farm to School Program for School Lunches: Sowing Seeds of a Healthier Future for Children by Beverly Bright suite101.com Published 09/12/2009
There are 30 million children eating school lunches, 5 days a week, 180 days a year in the United States. Schools participating in the Farm to School Programs purchase fruits, vegetables, eggs, grains, honey, meat, and beans for use in the school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
School district serves up local food by Jill Kasparie The Heartland Connection Published 09/11/2009
With lunch just hours away, workers are buzzing around the kitchen at Douds Elementary in Van Buren County. They're whipping up what looks like a typical school meal, but it includes an extra ingredient - local food. · Read the entire article.
Local delights in the lunchroom by Matt McKinney Star Tribune Published 09/10/2009
School lunch managers around the state are working to get more locally grown items onto their noontime menus. · Read the entire article.
Program supplies fresh produce from Jackson-area farms to students by Mike D. Lammi Mlive.com Published 09/10/2009
Students at all Jackson Public Schools elementary and middle schools this year will be offered fresh fruits and vegetables during lunch. Those who purchase lunch, or receive free or reduced lunch, are allowed one trip to a serving area · Read the entire article.
National coalition wants to improve school lunches by Judy Walker NOLA.com Published 09/10/2009
Slow Food USA is organizing the national push, urging member groups to hold potluck events this week. Some were scheduled on or before Labor Day and some later, including the New Orleans Chapter event, which also involves Kids Rethink New Orleans Public Schools, the New Orleans Food and Farm Network, marketumbrella.org (organizers of the two Crescent City Farmers Markets) and the Food Policy Advisory Committee of Tulane University. · Read the entire article.
Strengthen Child Nutrition Act by Bob Conner The Olympian Published 09/10/2009
I'm writing to thank The Olympian for its coverage of the national debate on health care reform, and to point out a great opportunity for Congress to support the health of children and families everywhere by reauthorizing and strengthening the Child Nutrition Act ? the law that governs school lunch programs. · Read the entire article.
School food service trying to rebound from deficit by Dorothy Jasperson Westby Times Published 09/10/2009
The Westby Area School District food service program is hoping to rebound from a $62,700 shortfall during the 2008-09 school years and become self-sufficient by the end of the 2009-10. To accomplish their goal the program will be forced to take some unpopular measures, including not allowing high school students with deliquent meal accounts over $20 to participate in the program until the family account is out of the red. Such action will not apply at the elementary or middle school level at the present time. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown School Lunch Week Promotes Locally-Grown Products Southern Maryland Online Published 09/10/2009
St. Mary's County Public Schools will celebrate Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, September 14-18, by including locally-grown products in school lunches. Select schools will also showcase this event with outside display stations set up and manned by local farmers, while lessons on healthy eating and farming will be delivered in classrooms. · Read the entire article.
Potluck promotes local food for schools by Colleen Redman Soutwest Virginia Today Published 09/10/2009
Black bean paté, pork ribs from Bright Farm, bread from Sweetwater Bakery, a casserole, fresh peaches, and apple pie were some of the dishes enjoyed at the Time for Lunch potluck, held on Labor Day at the Floyd Country Store. The event was initiated by Slow Food USA to promote locally grown and produced food in public schools and was organized by Slow Food USA member Yvonne Hodgkins.Co · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program Helps Local Farmers by Tara Herrschaft WCTV Published 09/10/2009
School children eagerly scoop food onto their plate, happy that lunchtime has finally come. "We have choices, so we can have that or that," said Cade Weldon, a 5th grader at Sealey Elementary School. But where do these choices come from? Farm to School has been working with Leon County Schools for 8 years, partnering local farmers with the district. "So our job is to go out there and try to make sense out of what a farmer wants for a bushel and what a food director wants for a per serving fee. And most of the time it works real well," said Glyen Holmes, who is the Executive Director for New North Florida Cooperative Association, Inc. · Read the entire article.
Parents to Join Kids for '15' Mile Menu by Stacy Joins Jamestown Press Published 09/10/2009
In the world of food, nothing has been more maligned than the school lunch. But things are about to change - at least here in Jamestown - as the district partners with Kids First, a non-profit focused on improving the nutritional and physical well-being of children, and Sodexo, the district's food service provider, to redefine the image of cafeteria food. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Jamestown schools will serve the "15- mile menu" - an all-local lunch - to students at the Melrose Avenue and Lawn Avenue schools. All the food served during the event will have been sourced from within 15 miles of Jamestown. · Read the entire article.
Program supplies fresh produce from Jackson-area farms to students by Mike D. Lammi Mlive.com Published 09/10/2009
First-grader Calvin Cunningham sat down in the Northeast Elementary School cafeteria Wednesday with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, raisins, pears, vanilla milk and brightly colored cherry tomatoes and broccoli. · Read the entire article.
Start school year off right with healthy, home-packed lunches by Jeanine Justice The Durango Herald Published 09/09/2009
What to pack for lunch at school or work often is relegated to last-minute morning decisions of what's left over in the refrigerator, or settling for a snack bar of some kind. · Read the entire article.
Michigan by Laura Shapiro Gourmet Published 09/09/2009
If there's anyplace that ought to be immune from a California-style food revolution, it's Michigan. Long winters, high unemployment, an economy that's been staggering for years, no instantly recognizable culinary culture - Berkeley it ain't. But the truth is, Michigan farmers raise the second-greatest variety of agricultural products in the country, after California. Traditionally most of the fruits and vegetables grown there have gone straight to giant food processors, but that system isn't working the way it used to, now that processors have access to cheap produce from across the globe. · Read the entire article.
Minestrone, and Three Other Things That Will Save American School Lunch by Deborah Lehmann Huffington Post Published 09/09/2009
For some, the prospect of reforming American school lunch is dauntingly complex. But for one feisty Italian old woman, the solution was simple: "Minestrone!" she cried out in her heavy accent, interrupting a speech at the Slow Food USA Eat-In I attended today in Tiverton, Rhode Island. "So cheap, so good, and you have the beans, and the vegetables. And you put in the chard, and it makes it so sweet, and they like it." · Read the entire article.
Farmers' market ready for fall produce by Joel Turner The Franklin News-Post Published 09/09/2009
Even though the summer is coming to an end, farmers' markets in Rocky Mount and other localities in Virginia are not closing for the season. Post-Labor Day produce is more plentiful than in the past, according to the Virginia Farm Bureau. · Read the entire article.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Get Ready Kids - Fresh, Local Lunches Are Coming to Your School Cafeteria! by Maryland Department of Agriculture Published 09/09/2009
School lunches are getting a makeover this fall with more interesting and more nutritious foods. School children in hundreds of public schools across Maryland will get a taste of fresh, Maryland-grown and produced food in their lunches during the second annual Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, September 14-18. · Read the entire article.
Schools add locally grown foods by Brenda Ward Northfield News Published 09/08/2009
If parents of students were to grade the food service at Northfield Public Schools, they just might give an "A" for adding fresh, locally grown food to this year's menu. · Read the entire article.
Group promotes better lunches for America's school kids by Amit Pathania TopNews Published 09/08/2009
30 million children participate in the National School Lunch Program therefore Eat-Ins are an effort to draw attention to the need for more nutritious food. The program is part of the Child Nutrition Act that Congress will reauthorize later this year. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School: Local produce can benefit your school and community! Healthy Kids Missouri Blog Published 09/08/2009
With a garden on the White House lawn, recent food safety scares, and daily media reports about the child obesity and health care crises, more schools and communities are looking for solutions through Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
School tests local-foods lunch, kids eat it up by Mike Kilen Des Moines Register Published 09/07/2009
So last week, the barf and canned corn were replaced. An effort led by parents, who had rallied for changes after tainted beef was sold to the school two years ago, helped launch a complete overhaul of lunch at the school. It's now the only one in Iowa to prepare meals from scratch each day with food primarily grown by local farmers. · Read the entire article.
New menu has students, teachers excited at PLS by Emily Christensen WCF Courier Published 09/06/2009
The Price Lab Grassroots Cafe opened this year, but parents, University of Northern Iowa educators and locally grown food expert Rob Stanley have worked for more than a year behind the scenes to make the program viable. · Read the entire article.
Sit-in on the menu to support healthy lunches in school by Cate Lecuyer Salem News Online Published 09/05/2009
In all 50 states, thousands of people will be doing the same thing in some 300 locations as part of Slow Food USA's "Time for Lunch" campaign. · Read the entire article.
Whitewater schools modernizing by Kayla Bunge Janesville Gazette Published 09/05/2009
"We are living in transformative times," she said. "It's time for schools to look really, really different than they have. We have to approach our business in a completely different way - especially as we're forced to do more with less as resources continue to shrink." · Read the entire article.
Slow Food for The Bridgehampton School | The Sag Harbor Express by Kathryn Menu The Sag Harbor Express Published 09/04/2009
Boasting an edible garden and a Career Academy-based curriculum originally centered on landscape design - this year reaching out into botany and nutrition - students at the Bridgehampton School have been actively participating in the evolution of how food is viewed on the East End of Long Island for several years now. · Read the entire article.
Sept. 8 is back to school at PR-B by Kelly Virden PineandLakes.com Published 09/04/2009
Also planned this school year is a "Farm to School" program in which the district will buy local products and use them in their school lunch program, Anderson said. She's already purchased some wild rice and honey and has plans to expand the program, as able. "It's to boost the economy in the area and to get back-to-basics for students," she added. · Read the entire article.
Students latch onto pilot lunch program by P Miller The Edmund Sun Published 09/04/2009
Dave Fouts, a chef with Simply Smart Food and an Edmond Sun columnist, made the proposal to develop and implement a cost-effective, nutritious and tasty school breakfast and lunch program that will be healthy, contribute to academic performance and that eventually can be implemented district-wide. · Read the entire article.
September 2009 Flash News by Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation Published 09/04/2009
In Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation featured Homegrown School Lunch Week in their September newsletter. · Read the entire article.
Rural schools go loco for local food by Joe Smydo Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Published 09/03/2009
In Elk County, about 120 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, Ridgway Area School District Superintendent Tom Butler is planning a lesson in nutrition and economics for the entire community. On Sept. 16, Dr. Butler wants to serve the district's 1,000 students a meal made almost entirely from locally grown and raised foods. · Read the entire article.
Slow Food Eats In for School Lunch Reform by Jane Black Washington Post Published 09/03/2009
With Congress set to reauthorize childhood nutrition programs, Slow Food is asking Washington to allocate $1 more per student per day for lunch. The organization also wants Congress to establish nutrition standards for all food sold in schools, fund farm-to-school programs and school gardens and offer incentives for schools to buy local. · Read the entire article.
Lunch From the Farm by Carole Meekins TMJ Milwaukee Published 09/03/2009
Corn forenza salad and veggie paninis--all made from local produce! No, it's not the menu at a new downtown bistro, it's the menu at a local school. At Hartford Central Middle School lunch is a culinary event, thanks to the 'Farm To School Program.' · Read the entire article.
Hartford's new Farm to School program fights childhood obesity by Sarah Platt Fox 6 Now Published 09/03/2009
It's no secret childhood obesity is an epidemic in our nation, and kids here in Wisconsin aren't immune. Some local schools are taking steps to make sure their kids are eating the healthiest and freshest foods possible. FOX 6's Sarah Platt explains Hartford's Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
A national movement of foodies, farmers, parents and educators is pushing for better school food by Dana Hull Mercury News Published 09/03/2009
Serving healthy meals at school is tougher than ever - most campuses don't even have kitchens anymore. And the federal government's low reimbursement rate - just $2.68 for each poor child who qualifies for free lunch - makes it tough to buy high-quality produce. As school budgets get squeezed, many districts are going with the vendors offering the best bargain, not the best food. · Read the entire article.
Local Food Month by Robin Shreeves Mother Nature Network Published 09/03/2009
As far as I can see it's not a national month long celebration, yet, but, I've been seeing lots of news articles about September being declared "Local Food Month." Here are a few places that are celebrating local foods this month. · Read the entire article.
Slow Food- It's Time to Catch Up by Debra Lordan Maui Weekly Published 09/03/2009
Every five years, the window of opportunity opens to tweak and reauthorize federal child nutrition programs. The Child Nutrition Act of 2004 expires on Sept. 30, offering lawmakers a tremendous opportunity to create a future in which fresh, healthy meals are the norm at our schools. In preparation for the reauthorization, Slow Food USA (www.slowfoodusa.org) launched Time for Lunch, a national campaign developed to send a message to Congress to provide funds so America's children can eat healthy at school. · Read the entire article.
Number of Rhode Island farms is growing by Talia Buford The Providence Journal Published 09/02/2009
FOR ANYONE WHO didn't grow up on a farm, strolling through the crops at Jaswell's on a warm summer day is pretty close to heaven. (And even the Jaswells, all of whom, except for daughter Allison, live in a white house next to the rolling fields and farm stand, will admit that it's pretty sweet.) · Read the entire article.
School nutrition program integrates Missouri-grown foods by Michelle Pais Missourian Published 09/01/2009
This fall, the district is working toward bringing more fresh produce and Missouri-grown foods into its school nutrition program. Field and Benton elementary schools will participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, allowing the schools to serve fresh produce to students as snacks during the day. · Read the entire article.
Co-op aims to go to school by Deborah Buckhalter Jackson County Floridan Published 09/01/2009
Rep. Allen Boyd, D-Monticello, made another stop in Jackson County following a town hall meeting here Aug. 19. He went to the New North Florida Co-operative to see how the non-profit organization works. Established in 1995 by Jackson County resident Glyen Holmes, it aims to connect small-scale farmers to each other, and to buyers who don't need huge amounts of produce. · Read the entire article.
School lunch options by April McCaffery Examiner Published 09/01/2009
Do your kids buy lunch or participate in the meal assistance program, or do you pack them a lunch? Either way, here are some things to chew on as your kids prepare to go back to school. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program by Idaho State Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs Nourishing News Published 09/01/2009
The Idaho Farm to School Program works towards having Idaho grown food served to students in Idaho Child Nutrition Programs. Idaho State Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs is pleased to offer several resources and tools on the Idaho State Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs website on the topic of Farm to School. These materials can be found at: www.sde.idaho.gov/site/cnp/. · Read the entire article.
"Eat-ins" shed light on healthy school food by Grant Welker The Herald News Published 08/31/2009
The same week most area students go back to school, a national group that advocates for healthy food will hold more than 270 "eat-ins" on Labor Day, including one in Tiverton organized by the group's Rhode Island chapter. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Activist MiBiz.com Published 08/31/2009
As an activist and organizer for much of his life, Chris Bedford spent a great deal of time highlighting problems. Meeting and filming famed architect William McDonough helped him see the value in talking about solutions and in making transfor-mational, sustainable change instead of just doing an action less bad. "Food is the doorway. People and small producers have a lot of power." His latest effort has gone into the Muskegon County-based Farm-to-School movement to feed schoolchildren healthy, locally produced food to benefit their scholastic performance. It's an uphill battle against years of flawed federal policy and a monolithic conventional food industry, but he's learned to focus on the positives -feeding children healthy meals can improve their academic achievement. "That's not a partisan issue. It's about our children and our future." · Read the entire article.
The Push to Get Locally Grown Food to American Children by Jenn Escalona Bright Hub Published 08/31/2009
Farm to School programs can simultaneously fight the childhood obesity epidemic and preserve the livelihoods of local farmers all the while saving taxpayer money. · Read the entire article.
Schools must lead healthy foods effort by Ann Cooper, Beth Collins San Francisco Chronicle Published 08/30/2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that of the children born in the year 2000, 1 out of 3 Caucasians and 2 out of 3 African Americans and Hispanics will contract diabetes in their lifetimes. As a result, that generation will be the first in our country's history to die at a younger age than their parents. · Read the entire article.
Teaching kids to eat healthy by Anya Martin STL Today Published 08/30/2009
Last spring when Cristy Nolton, executive chef of the Graveyard Tavern in Atlanta, prepared radish and cucumber salad in the classroom for first- and second-graders at nearby Burgess-Peterson Academy, the children cleaned their plates, said Betty Jackson, a physical education teacher and wellness coordinator at the public elementary school. · Read the entire article.
Nonprofit helps Michigan farmers' business grow by Associated Press Chicago Tribune Published 08/29/2009
Charles Bagwell wants to run an organic fish farm that would generate a million pounds of tilapia a year. A southeast Michigan nonprofit wants to help him get his feet wet. · Read the entire article.
Senator Applauds Efforts To Serve Home Grown Produce In Schools, Restaurants Long Island Exchange Published 08/28/2009
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle (at podium) commended J. Kings Food Service for its success in bringing local produce to over 300 Long Island schools and universities, and for enabling local restaurants to feature home grown produce on their menus. · Read the entire article.
North Dakota Farming News KX News Published 08/28/2009
Backyard Farming and Sharing in North Dakota. · Read the entire article.
September is the month of the apple by Meredith Cohn The Baltimore Sun Published 08/27/2009
On the buy local theme, all Maryland school systems are also offering locally-grown products in school lunches from Sept. 14-18, during Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Burlington schools' food staff visit farm by Lynn Monty Burlington Free Press Published 08/26/2009
Doug Davis, director of food service for the Burlington School District, said the reason he wanted to bring the staff to the farm was to acknowledge the partnerships that have formed between Burlington schools, Shelburne Farms and Vermont FEED, a nonprofit organization working to connect children and families with their food and local farms. FEED is an acronym for "Food Education Every Day." · Read the entire article.
School systems find creative ways to teach children to eat their vegetables by Associated Press The Gainesville Sun Published 08/26/2009
French fries are a staple and ketchup a vegetable as far as American kids are concerned. But at least some schools are finding children will eat healthier meals when offered them and take nutrition to heart if they are taught about the positive impacts on their bodies. · Read the entire article.
Taste of Place Garden Soiree Advance Tickets Redwood Times Published 08/26/2009
This elegant fundraising event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. and features delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by Celebrations Catering, regional wine and beer and a silent auction. Visitors can tour the gorgeous Redwood Roots Farm during the height of the growing season. Music will be provided by farmers market favorite Blue Lotus Jazz. Tickets are $20 each and include one free drink. Children under five are free. Tickets can be purchased at the North Coast Co-op, Wildberries, Eureka Natural Foods, Rookery Books, the Farmers' Market and through the CAFF office at (707) 444-3255. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $30. Advance ticket purchases are recommended because the event does sell out. · Read the entire article.
Help improve children by Heather Taylor Collegiate Times Published 08/26/2009
It's no secret that rates of childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise. Both conditions have been proven to be directly linked to diet, specifically the kinds of overprocessed entrees, a la carte fast food items and vending machine junk food that are often the only school lunch options available to any kid whose parents don't pack their lunch. · Read the entire article.
Getting Healthy Food into School Cafeterias by The Kojo Nnamdi Show WAMU 88.5AM Published 08/26/2009
School districts across our region are looking for ways to improve the quality of food served at lunch (and sometimes breakfast). But they're confronting a lot of tricky challenges, like covering the cost of fruits and vegetables during the recession or sourcing food from more local farmers. From the farm field to cafeteria tray, we examine the challenge of feeding healthy food to our region's students. Guests: Andrea Northup, Coordinator, DC Farm to School Network, Capital Area Food Bank and Penny McConnell, Director, Food and Nutrition Services, Fairfax County Public Schools · Read the entire article.
Back to School Lunches: Fresh, Local Food for Maryland Students by Maryland Department of Agriculture Published 08/26/2009
For the second year, many Maryland schools will offer locally-grown products in school lunches from Sept. 14-18, which is Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Local food program promotes Tenn. farms, improved nutrition for students by Rebecca D. Williams Knox News Published 08/25/2009
Most children don't get the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, experts say. In the last 20 years, obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. In 2008, 31.9 percent of American children and adolescents were overweight and 16.3 percent were obese. That's what drives Snodgrass to hunt for locally grown vegetables, she says. "We have a pretty high percentage of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes," says Snodgrass. "We are a pretty low-income county. I figure if they get one extra serving of vegetables a day, I've helped the child." · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program a big success in Indpendence district by Jean Caspers-Simmet Agri-News Published 08/25/2009
It's all part of the Farm to School Program. The Independence Area Chapter formed last year and is doing great things, said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, who came with three Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship employees to help. About 15 volunteers -- teachers and other community members -- turned out to process veggies. · Read the entire article.
Food and dining briefs by Kathy Stephenson The Salt Lake Tribune Published 08/25/2009
The local group, along with its national counterpart, Slow Food USA, wants Congress to increase school lunch reimbursements; establish stronger nutrition standards; provide grant money for innovative farm-to-school programs; and provide incentives to buy local foods. · Read the entire article.
Local food program promotes Tenn. farms, improved nutrition for students by Rebecca D. Williams Knox News Published 08/25/2009
A look at Farm 2 School efforts in Tennessee: "Even though it takes extra time and effort, cafeteria workers in Hawkins County's public schools slice every apple into wedges before serving it. If they don't slice the apples, the kids won't eat them, according to Child Nutrition Director Alice Snodgrass." · Read the entire article.
Slow Food USA: Pushes to get real food into schools by Lynn Fallon Iowa Politics Published 08/25/2009
Earlier this summer, Slow Food USA (www.slowfoodusa.org) launched Time for Lunch (www.slowfoodusa.org/timeforlunch), a national campaign to tell Congress to provide America's children with real food at school. One of the major milestones for the campaign will be orchestrating more than 100 Eat-Ins in communities across the country on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2009. The Eat-Ins will draw attention to the need for real, healthy food for the more than 30 million children who participate in the National School Lunch Program. The program is part of the Child Nutrition Act that Congress will reauthorize later this year. · Read the entire article.
Illinois Is the Latest State to Look Local for Food - but Is Local Better? by Haley A. Lovett www.findingdulcinea.com Published 08/24/2009
Farm-to-school and other local food programs are sprouting up across the U.S., as Illinois looks to local farms to boost the economy and fill vacant lots in Chicago. During the Illinois State Fair's agriculture day, Governor Pat Quinn signed a law that would encourage more purchases of local food by government agencies to help struggling farmers.Currently, only about 10 percent of the food eaten by Illinois residents comes from the state, nearly 80 percent of the state land is farmland, reports John O'Connor of the AP. · Read the entire article.
New agricultural business hopes to promote a completely local food system by Mike Ludwig The Athens News Published 08/24/2009
Last year Jaeger received a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program to plant test plots of staple food crops that could eventually become the base of a new, localized staple food system in southeast Ohio. Ajamian and Jaeger experimented with crops such as millet, meal corn, quinoa, amaranth, spelt, beans and buckwheat to find out what staple food crops can be grown efficiently and sustainably in our region. · Read the entire article.
Talk of lottery cuts worries local retailers by Alex Paul Albany Democrat-Herald Published 08/23/2009
That $56 million could have ensured that every child in Oregon eligible for Head Start was able to enroll in a program last year. It also could have funded a Farm to School nutrition initiative for four years. · Read the entire article.
Simply Fresh brings city schools produce straight from the farm by Rick Wagner Times News Published 08/22/2009
You could call it eating local, a practical experience class. That's because the economics of supporting local farmers is literally on the lunch table at Kingsport schools. Students are eating locally grown produce thanks to a produce vendor who seeks it out. · Read the entire article.
Harford Schools Awarded District of Excellence Distinction By School Nutrition Association The Dagger Published 08/21/2009
Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) was awarded the District of Excellence in School Nutrition distinction by the School Nutrition Association for exceeding national best practice standards for school nutrition programs. Nearly five million healthy meals are served during the school year at HCPS, and more than half a million dollars is allocated to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, HCPS participates in the Farm to School program, which provides students with food selections that include locally grown agricultural products. · Read the entire article.
Obama to set up a White House farmer's market by Bryan Nelson Mother Nature Network Published 08/21/2009
Not long ago, the first lady planted the first seeds for the White House's own organic garden. Now the Obamas want to expand the idea to set up a farmers market just outside the White House. One aim of the market will be to help local farmers deliver fresh produce to D.C. school cafeterias, to encourage kids to make healthier choices in their diet. · Read the entire article.
A White House Farmers Market? by Jane Black The Washington Post Published 08/20/2009
Obama also stressed the importance of creating distribution systems that could link small, local farmers to public schools who want more fresh fruits and vegetables on their menus. · Read the entire article.
Oak Park district meals to have different look, taste by Lisa McKinnon Ventura County Star Published 08/20/2009
Urged by concerns about childhood obesity and the promise of additional funds for school nutrition programs from the Obama administration, many educators say the stage is set for change. During a recent School Nutrition Association conference, for example, members flocked to seminars on organic foods, the farm-to-school movement and creating whole grain dishes with kid-appeal. · Read the entire article.
Fifth Season Bounty Fills F2C Freezer Islands Published 08/20/2009
Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program partnered with the FEAST summer agriculture education students at the school to process and freeze fresh produce for use during the school year. The Fifth Season bounty included organic plums, raspberries, Walla Walla onions, russet potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, squash, and green beans. · Read the entire article.
Elected leaders touch on issues by Philip D. Brown Richard County Daily Journal Published 08/19/2009
The emerging green economy, school nutrition and healthcare were just some of the subjects discussed at a meeting that followed the White House's Rural Tour event at Cole Auditorium Monday. The Farm to School Network was brought up twice during the hour and a half forum. · Read the entire article.
Agriculture projects receive state grants by George Hohmann Charleston Daily Mail Published 08/19/2009
Commissioner Gus Douglass has presented a total of $97,606 in specialty crop grants to 33 recipients around the state, including: West Virginia Small Farms Center, Monongalia County, $3,600 to help integrate state specialty crops into the public school system through a farm-to-school demonstration project. · Read the entire article.
Nutrition director honored by national physicians group by Marcus Moore Gazette Published 08/19/2009
Parents of elementary school students are told of the school system's vegetarian options through a monthly menu, and all county schools participated in "Farm to School Week," where fresh fruits and vegetables were on the menu. · Read the entire article.
Heirlooms With Taste by Jane Black Washington Post Published 08/19/2009
My article on heirloom tomato snobbery created quite a stir. My electronic in-box was flooded by heirlooms' angry defenders. And by snail mail, I received letters with photos of their successful backyard beauties. It was even worse on Facebook, where one farm-to-school advocate commented that I'd entirely missed the point: They are "grown for flavor, not shelf-life," she said. Writing them off is "like giving up on marriage because you had one bad date." · Read the entire article.
Stars Aligning on School Lunches by Kim Severson The New York Times Published 08/18/2009
The Department of Agriculture is expected to upgrade school food nutrition standards this year, many of which haven't been changed for nearly 15 years. And because many Obama U.S.D.A. appointees are focusing on improving student health through better food, the department has started an aggressive effort to study reform efforts big and small. These include the national farm-to-school program, which is in nearly 9,000 schools. · Read the entire article.
Farm-To-School Programs Featured On New NCAT Radio Show by Holly Michels and Jef Birkby ATTRA and NCAT Published 08/18/2009
Sustainable Agriculture Spotlight airs Thursdays at 11 a.m. MDT from July to October. This week's program discusses techniques to bring local food to lunch trays in school and college cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Rural Tour takes Obama officials to rural N.C. by Caitlin Cissne News 14 Published 08/17/2009
The Obama administration brought its "Rural Tour" to North Carolina Monday. Questions from the audience were about everything from school lunches to support for local farmers. · Read the entire article.
U.S. education, agriculture secretaries visit Richmond County by Bryan Mims WRAL.com Published 08/17/2009
Vilsack said farmers markets support local growers, who in-turn can enhance nutrition in local schools. "(For) many of our students these are the only meals they get," Duncan said. "I see too many of these meals thrown away. They're not nutritious. They're not healthy. We're wasting money." · Read the entire article.
Civility and respect rule at bipartisan town hall meeting by Jim Morrill CharlotteObserver.com Published 08/17/2009
Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and Democratic U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell joined two Cabinet secretaries in fielding questions from an overflow audience at Richmond Community College. One man asked Duncan about school vouchers, or public subsidies for private schools, saying they would give more families more choices. · Read the entire article.
Local food movement continues to grow in Lake County by Terre Logsdon Lake County News Published 08/17/2009
Even youth in Lake County get to participate in the local food movement. Both Kelseyville Unified School District and the Konocti Unified School District purchase some of their fresh produce locally, have school gardens, and participate in the farm-to-school program of the HLN. · Read the entire article.
Fresh Farms Give City Children Food Options by Natalie Moore Chicago Public Radio Published 08/16/2009
A free program called Fresh from the Farm is teaching students about food in creative ways. The goal is to form them to have agency when making their own food choices. This radio show features Fresh from the Farm's summer work at the Ames Middle School. · Read the entire article.
Progressive Eaters, Unite! by Courtney Helgoe Experience Life Published 08/15/2009
America's food industry is in the midst of a dramatic culture shift that's challenging everything we've been taught about eating. Here's how to take advantage of this exciting new movement and eat more healthfully than ever before. · Read the entire article.
Mid-Del dietitian to give color to students' nutrition by Chris Schutz NewsOK Published 08/13/2009
The district is applying to join the federal Farm to School program, which supplies extra fresh produce to schools where at least half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, Kirkes said. · Read the entire article.
New law puts locally produced foods on menu by Peter Korn Sustainable Life Published 08/13/2009
The House Bill 2763 takes effect in January. The bill amends state purchasing requirements so that public agencies can favor locally produced foods. Public agencies can buy locally grown or produced food even if it is as much as 10 percent more expensive than food from outside. · Read the entire article.
School Board adds member to food panel by Hannah Guzik Ashland Daily Tidings Published 08/13/2009
The School Board has chosen the members for new Food Service Study Committee. Tracy Harding, the executive director of the Rogue Valley Farm to School program, is included in this new committee. The 11 committee members will be tasked with creating a food service program that is healthier and cheaper than the one the district uses now. · Read the entire article.
Nutrition conference held in Kellogg by Nick Rotunno Shoshone News Press Published 08/13/2009
The Kellogg conference - with its workshops, instructors, networking and extensive vendor show - was one more step toward overall student well-being. Attendees learned about the Farm to School program, which supplies cafeterias with fresher products from closer to home. · Read the entire article.
Nutrition conference held in Kellogg by Nick Rotunno Shoshone News Press Published 08/13/2009
The Kellogg conference - with its workshops, instructors, networking and extensive vendor show - was one more step toward overall student well-being. Attendees learned about the Farm to School program, which supplies cafeterias with fresher products from closer to home. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school: Brookside crops ripening by Cate Oliver and Allison Petro Willits News Published 08/13/2009
Just as students are enjoying the waning weeks of summer soaking in the Willits sun, the crops of Brookside School Farm are relishing the rays and showing their first signs of ripening. Bursts of red tomatoes poke through thick green rows at the one-acre farm, tucked behind Brookside Elementary School, awaiting the arrival of the new school year because this year Brookside Farm's produce has a special destination: the school cafeteria. · Read the entire article.
Community Garden Meeting Held by Stacie Gruntman Tumbler Ridge News Published 08/12/2009
The garden was also part of the "farm to school salad bar project" where a local high school would prepare salads with the fresh vegetables and sell to students twice weekly. All the money goes back into the garden to produce more food. · Read the entire article.
Let's Talk Honestly About Improving School Food by Dana Woldow Beyond Chron Published 08/12/2009
The official party line is that "it costs no more" for schools to do farm to school because purchasing locally grown produce is cheaper than buying food shipped in from all around the country. · Read the entire article.
States Push Locally Grown Food by Tami Yu Digital City Published 08/11/2009
Whether you like to eat your veggies or not, the slow food movement is steadily making headway across the nation. Currently there are 41 states, operating the Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
'Buy Fresh, Buy Local' Independence Bulletin Journal Published 08/10/2009
For that purpose volunteers spent several hours preparing and freezing a variety of fresh vegetables. The effort is part of the district's Farm to School program, a state-wide initiative that is overseen by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship that has grown from four districts to nine districts for the coming year. · Read the entire article.
'Buy Fresh, Buy Local' Cedar Valley Daily Times Published 08/10/2009
For that purpose volunteers spent several hours preparing and freezing a variety of fresh vegetables. The effort is part of the district's Farm to School program, a state-wide initiative that is overseen by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship that has grown from four districts to nine districts for the coming year. · Read the entire article.
How Design Can Help farmer's markets Feed a Growing Demand by Alissa Walker GOOD Published 08/10/2009
How will these local farmers continue to supply our urban demands- And there are many farm-to-school programs like the one in Santa Monica, California where the public school district has bought farmers' market produce for their salad bars for 11 years. · Read the entire article.
Healthful snacks on way to schools by Katie Humphrey Star Tribune Published 08/08/2009
"If you had a chocolate chip cookie in front of you and an apple, obviously the chocolate chip cookie would be more appealing," Rondeau-Ambroz said. Food services director Roxanne Williams said that's part of the rationale behind the exit of deep fryers and ice cream from some of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage schools. The emphasis this year will be on locally grown foods and farm-to-school education and eating. · Read the entire article.
School Board to appoint food panel members by Hannah Guzik Ashland Daily Tidings Published 08/08/2009
At the 7 p.m. meeting in the City Council Chambers, the board will need to choose between seven people who have applied for the community member positions. Tracy Harding is one of them; she is the executive director of the Rogue Valley Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Real food, local food CommonsNews.org Published 08/08/2009
On Friday, Aug. 14, a reception will benefit the Farm to School Committee of the Brattleboro Town Elementary Schools. · Read the entire article.
Cooking The Books: Why We Need Home Economics (back) in Schools by Sarah Sliwa The Faster Times Published 08/07/2009
While there is significant and laudable momentum around school gardening, farm-to-school procurement, school wellness policy implementation, and improved nutrition for school food offerings, there are several unique reasons to advocate for home economics for both genders. · Read the entire article.
Ristorante Italiano features local organic produce by JoAnn Saccato Lake County News Published 08/06/2009
Leonardis' produce is available through various outlets including Zino's Ristorante, Nature's Bounty in Lakeport, Lake County Community Co-op's CSA boxes, Ukiah Co-op, Finley Farmers' Market and direct from the farm sales. Farmer Jim Leonardis of Leonardis Organics also participates in the Farm to School program with Kelseyville and Konocti Unified districts providing a direct link for students to their food. · Read the entire article.
Time for Lunch campaign promotes slow food movement by Abby Chou Examiner.com Published 08/06/2009
Slow food is a way of eating and living that focuses on whole foods and local farming. One major supporter of slow food is the National Farm to School network. · Read the entire article.
Allston-Brighton political notes by area politicians and Allston-Brighton editors Allston-Brighton Published 08/05/2009
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan joined numerous mayors and more than 100 child hunger advocates, public health officials, and food security and policy leaders from across the Northeast in a call to action to end child hunger. The conference included strategy sessions on improving access to child nutrition programs through federal, state and local child nutrition programs, and on strengthening regional food security through urban and rural linkages such as farm to school. The Boston Public Schools plan to expand farm-to-school programs as a way to incorporate more fresh produce into school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Maryland boosting efforts for its own farm-to-school bid by Sean Clougherty Americanfarm.com Published 08/04/2009
Although there is a lot of enthusiasm in the "farm to school" effort in Maryland, advocates were told slow and steady wins the race in making significant and lasting change. Doug Davis, food service director for the Burlington, Vt., school district talked about his successes and challenges in developing a program to get more whole and locally grown food onto student's lunch trays in the keynote speech at Maryland's first farm-to-school workshop last week. · Read the entire article.
Planting the seeds: Eureka parents propose the city's first garden school by Donna Tam The Times-Standard Published 08/04/2009
Michelle Wyler, manager of Farm-to-School Humboldt, said the program Riggs and Smart are trying to start seems to be the first of its kind in the county. She said while there are many schools that integrate some curriculum with a school garden into their lesson plans, none have had an entirely garden-based program. · Read the entire article.
Governor Douglas on healthcare: federal plan stresses coverage, not prevention by John Flowers Addison Independent Published 08/03/2009
Governor Douglas discusses health care, the budget shortfall, and agricultural policy. He says he is a big fan of the Farm to School program, through which fresh local farm produce is made available at public schools. · Read the entire article.
Local Food for Local Schools by Jonathan Pitts District Administration/Baltimore Sun Published 08/03/2009
The Jane Lawton Farm to School Conference in Crownsville, a joint production of the state's agriculture and education departments, was a success once again this year. Last year, the Maryland General Assembly charged the divisions with promoting fresh and local school food by passing Senate Bill 158, a measure that created the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program. Gov. Martin O'Malley signed it into law in May 2008. "Farm to school is a complex mission with many working parts," Stew Eidel, a Maryland State Department of Education official, told nearly 200 farmers, educators, food-service directors and parents at an Anne Arundel County workshop last week. "But it has one simple goal: to produce healthy kids." · Read the entire article.
NH schools are learning to offer healthier foods by Denise Brewitt NashuaTelegraph.com Published 08/02/2009
High-sugar items are being nixed from menus. Tasting events are offering students unusual fruits like plantains and kumquats. And communities are becoming involved with programs such as New Hampshire Farm to School, which helps connect schools with local farms to bring fresh, local foods into cafeterias. Ask the students who attend schools participating in the New Hampshire Farm to School program, and they're sure to tell you how much better-tasting produce from a local farm is. · Read the entire article.
Local food for local schools by Jonathan Pitts Baltimore Sun Published 08/02/2009
The Jane Lawton Farm to School Conference in Crownsville, a joint production of the state's agriculture and education departments, was a success once again this year. Last year, the Maryland General Assembly charged the divisions with promoting fresh and local school food by passing Senate Bill 158, a measure that created the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program. Gov. Martin O'Malley signed it into law in May 2008. "Farm to school is a complex mission with many working parts," Stew Eidel, a Maryland State Department of Education official, told nearly 200 farmers, educators, food-service directors and parents at an Anne Arundel County workshop last week. "But it has one simple goal: to produce healthy kids." · Read the entire article.
2010: Brian Clem's listening tour heads to Southern Oregon by Kari Chisholm Blue Oregon Published 08/01/2009
State Rep. Brian Clem (D-Salem)mentions Farm to School in a TV interview. · Read the entire article.
Insights by Goldie by Goldie Caughlan PCC Natural Markets Published 08/01/2009
The National Farm to School Network, the Community Food Security Coalition, and School Food FOCUS are collaborating to implement programs that provide fresh, nutritious food to schools and a profitable, stable market for local farmers. Their project, "One Tray at a Time," will launch officially this fall when Congress is back in session. · Read the entire article.
Farm to school in local-motion by Mike Mitchelson Food Service News Published 08/01/2009
There will be several topics discussed at the Minnesota School Nutrition Association annual conference this month, but arguably the most important will be the presentation on a statewide Farm To School school lunch initiative. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School benefits counties like Macon The Franklin Press Published 08/01/2009
Congress will consider funding for the Farm to School program on Sept. 30. We support mandatory funding for Farm to School for several important reasons. · Read the entire article.
Mayor Menino Convenes Summit to End Child Hunger by Mayor's Office City of Boston.gov Published 07/31/2009
The conference included strategy sessions on improving access to child nutrition programs through federal, state and local child nutrition programs, and on strengthening regional food security through urban and rural linkages such as farm to school, farmers market partnerships and local food procurement opportunities to alleviate child hunger. · Read the entire article.
A lesson in 'farm to fork' by Eleanor Greene The Valley Sun Published 07/30/2009
Summer school students learned the importance of locally grown foods last week at Paradise Canyon Elementary. Moira Beery and Emily Dwyer from the Farm to School program visited Marcia Van's "Cooking Around the World" class to discuss the agriculture, farming and farmer's markets. · Read the entire article.
Podcast #16. OurNakedFood: The Farm to School Program Our Naked Food Published 07/30/2009
Our Naked Foods interviews Debra Eschmeyer, Program Media & Marketing Director of the Farm To School Network, via skype. This podcast opens by emphasizing the climbing obesity rates in New Zealand, as is currently the 3rd most obese nation in the developed world according to the newly released OECD Health Data Report for 2009. · Read the entire article.
Schools look for ways to buy locally grown food by E.B. FURGURSON III Hometown Annapolis Published 07/30/2009
Schools across Maryland are taking the first steps to include more locally grown food in their cafeterias, but it will be a long, bumpy road to get there, participants in a conference in Crownsville learned yesterday. "Maryland Farm to School: A Ripe Opportunity" was how one presenter put it. This article goes on to feature case studies highlighted at the conference. · Read the entire article.
Food for Thought by Karla Sluis The Durango Herald Published 07/29/2009
The Herald screened "Food, Inc.," which is now playing at the Abbey Theatre through Aug. 6, for a panel of local food professionals and experts on Monday. We asked what they thought of the film and how it connected to our local food culture. Jim Dyer, director of Durango's Farm to School program, prescreened the film and sent his comments via e-mail. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Program: A Prime Opportunity to Serve Up Improvements by Aimee Witteman Natural Awakenings Published 07/28/2009
This year, Congress plans to reconsider the Child Nutrition Act - federal legislation that authorizes the school lunch program - and a grassroots effort is underway to improve the state of affairs in school cafeterias. Specifically, good food advocates would like to see $50 million in mandatory funding for Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
UNH makes list of top 15 'green' colleges Seacoastonline.com Published 07/28/2009
UNH is a leader in integrating sustainability throughout its curricula, operations, research, and engagement efforts. Committed to being a model sustainable learning community, UNH has earned several awards for its sustainability initiatives, which range from having the largest transit system in the state and being the first in the nation to receive an EPA Energy Star building rating for residence halls to innovative research and engagement through efforts like Carbon Solutions New England and the NH Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Take Action to Support Healthy Foods by Julia Wasson Blue Planet Green Living Published 07/28/2009
Actions You Can Take: The summer recess is coming up, and during their town hall meetings, we need to contact specific elected officials who serve on committees that deal with the Child Nutrition Act re-authorization. This is the legislation that contains funding for the Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Plan to return farming to Staples School property moving forward by Julie Weisberg HersamAcorn.com Published 07/24/2009
Tressler has set his sights on a new project: restore the additional, unused acreage on the Samuel Staples Elementary School campus to active farmland. As part of the plan, portions of the land would be leased to interested area growers, a second small portion would be designated as a Samuel Staples student garden, and a third area would be set aside for farm-to-school produce production. · Read the entire article.
State to Hold Workshop On Farm to School Program The Washington Post Published 07/23/2009
The Maryland Department of Agriculture will conduct a workshop from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Crownsville about how to increase children's consumption of healthful, local foods and help students understand the role of agriculture in the state's economy and the environment. · Read the entire article.
Eller Family Farm by Sarah Milnar Community of a Plate Published 07/22/2009
Barb makes sure all her pigs, cows and goats have room to roam over 140 acres of farm and forest. Now Barb has made it her mission to keep her community out of the hospital by providing good, healthy food. She is now working to start a a Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Memories pull woman home to work James Ranch land by Marje Cristol The Durango Herald Published 07/22/2009
Wheeling is one of five siblings who has returned to Durango to raise her children on the family ranch. She chose to till the soil and plant the seeds that provide a bounty of vegetables, berries and flowers. Marketing to schools, restaurants, grocers and directly to her customers, James has developed an important complement to her family's enterprise. An active Farm to School advocate, Wheeling contracts with Durango School District 9-R and Fort Lewis College to provide fresh produce. Read the entire article. · Read the entire article.
PROJECT LEAN: Maximize nutrition by using local food by Joyce Houston The Times-Standard Published 07/22/2009
The Community Alliance with Family Farms is best known in Humboldt County for its Farm to School program. This year the alliance has launched a "Buy Fresh Buy Local" campaign. · Read the entire article.
Sarasota school district partners with local farms by Kate Spinner Herald Tribune Published 07/21/2009
When tomatoes are ripe in Ruskin and blueberries abundant in Myakka City, students will find them in their school lunches this year. The district plans to spend as much as $400,000 at Southwest Florida farms this year through a program called farm-to-school. · Read the entire article.
State Legislators Host Hearing On Michigan's Agriculture Industry by JM WHMI 93.5 FM Published 07/21/2009
The future of agriculture, programs and state permit issues along with costs and land issues were all brought up along with farm to school feeding programs. The lawmakers are touring the state for input and yesterday was the group's second hearing with the ultimate goal to produce ideas that can be turned into legislation. · Read the entire article.
The high cost of cheap food by Megan Nix Denver Post Published 07/19/2009
Supplying cafeterias with local organic food isn't fancy; it's cheaper than skipping lunch. In the long run, our tax dollars wouldn't subsidize the petroleum that keep factories surging, trucks transporting our tomatoes, and our health insurance bills skyrocketing. · Read the entire article.
Too many children in danger of obesity as adults by Shari Barkin, M.D., MSHS The Tennessean Published 07/18/2009
Tennessee farm-to-school programs enhance accessibility of fresh produce, but are such innovative programs and policies probably enough to halt the epidemic · Read the entire article.
Slow Food Chicago Eat-in to rally at Daley Plaza by Janet Barrett Examiner.com Published 07/17/2009
Community groups and school groups, parents, teachers and students; anyone who cares about providing uncompromised quality in school lunches can be a part of the Slow Food Chicago Eat-in Wed., Aug. 26, at Daley Plaza by packing themselves a delicious, nutritious lunch and joining in. · Read the entire article.
Farm to Plate empowers ag-related businesses by Kathryn Flagg Addison County Independent Published 07/16/2009
The Farm to Plate bill aims to map the state's local food system, draft a development plan growing the local foods industry, and create an "overall framework" for putting local foods into the hands of Vermonters and Vermont schools and businesses. · Read the entire article.
The Next Course by Jane Black Washington Post Published 07/15/2009
The garden has been an unqualified success; on the first family's trip to Moscow last week, Russians were far more interested in Obama's garden than in her fashion sense. The challenge now is to craft a strategy to capitalize on Obama's newfound clout to improve school lunches and access to fresh fruits and vegetables and to make how we eat an integral part of the national health-care debate. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Brings Home the Bacon by David Richardson Miller-McCune Published 07/14/2009
In 2005, Ecotrust partnered with Portland's Abernethy Elementary for a semester-long experiment in far-to-school. The challenge was to find a way to extend the farm-fresh approach beyond one model school. Ecotrust secured a $150,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente Community Fund for a first-of-its-kind district wide study of a local purchasing incentive to work in the · Read the entire article.
Maryland to Host First-Ever Farm-to-School Workshop on July 29 by Maryland Department of Agriculture Published 07/09/2009
Maryland farmers, food service staff, parents, teachers, and interested citizens are invited to attend to plan how to increase children's consumption of healthy, local food and help students understand how healthy eating and agriculture's benefits to the economy and the environment. · Read the entire article.
District, chef create nutrition pilot program by Patty Miller The Edmund Sun Published 07/08/2009
Edmond Board of Education members voted 5-0 Monday night to begin the program, along with high praise from some board members. Dave Fouts, with Simply Smart Food, made the proposal to develop and implement a cost-effective, nutritious and tasty school breakfast and lunch program that will be healthy, contribute to academic performance and that eventually can be implemented district-wide. · Read the entire article.
Could have been worse at PCPH by Natalie J. Ostgaard Crookston Daily Times Published 07/08/2009
A collaborative of eight Minnesota counties, with Polk serving as the fiscal agent, has been awarded a $1,110,000 Statewide Health Improvement Program. Possibilities include the Farm-to-School program that brings healthy locally grown products to school lunch menus. · Read the entire article.
Local producers will foster OSU freshness by Monique Headley Stillwater Newspress Published 07/07/2009
Terry Baker, director of University Dining Services, is confident that a collaboration of collegiate creativity and local agribusiness producers will offer a delicious benefit to all at Oklahoma State University. Integral to the successful germination and efficiency of the program is Chris Kirby, director of the Farm To School Program for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said Baker. · Read the entire article.
Salem Democrat Clem to test race for governor by Peter Wong Statesman Journal Published 07/07/2009
He championed farm-to-school programs - although he failed to win funding to enable schools to buy Oregon produce and processed foods - and better relations between agriculture and environmentalists. Is your state fit or fat? by Catherine Holecko About.com Guide to Family Fitness Published 07/06/2009
The "F as in Fat" report shows how states are reacting to the climbing obesity percentages. For laws enacted between June 2008 and June 2009, the report says that 19 states have passed legislation regarding farm-to-school programs, which can improve nutrition at schools as well as increase sales for farmers. · Read the entire article.
Local food gets toehold in central Illinois by Kathryn Rem The State Journal-Register Published 07/05/2009
In about a year, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance expects to issue a report with recommendations for improving and strengthening the local food system. Topics the task force may examine include: Farm-to-school programs. These can include everything from gardening on school property and teaching farm curriculum to helping kids cook and serving local foods in school lunchrooms. · Read the entire article.
Leduc Farm legacy secured by Joel Banner Baird The Burlington Free Press Published 07/04/2009
The Vermont Land Trust will consider the Common Roots proposal among others, but Common Roots's mission to combine farm-to-school food production with an educational facility perfectly satisfies one of the Vermont Land Trust's provisions--to provide the community with additional opportunities or services. · Read the entire article.
State ranks in top 10 for obesity prevention by Howard Weiss-Tisman Brattleboro Reformer Published 07/02/2009
Vermont and Connecticut were among the leaders in preventing obesity in children. Vermont was credited in the report for the work it has done in the schools to address the issue. · Read the entire article.
Fixing Lunch by Corby Kummer The Atlantic Magazine Published 07/01/2009
Tony Geraci is determined to get healthy food to the kids in Baltimore's public schools. (Article also highlights the St. Paul Public Schools lunch program.) · Read the entire article.
Oklahoma is Sixth-Fattest State by Kim Archer American Chronicle Published 07/01/2009
The national "F is for Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2009" report ranked the overweight and obesity rate of 10- to 17-year-old Oklahoma children 33rd in the nation, tied with Washington state. · Read the entire article.
Study: Michigan climbs scales as 9th fattest state by Megha Satyanarayana Detroit Free Press Published 07/01/2009
Michigan's obesity has risen 1% since last year's report. Dr. James Marks, senior vice president of RWJF, said, "We must continue to view this with alarm." · Read the entire article.
Local foods galore by José Quezada Times-Standard Published 07/01/2009
Humboldt Community Alliance with Family Farmers was formed in October 2006 by uniting the Friends of Humboldt County Farmers Markets with the Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
School Meal Program Looking Buff Food Management Magazine Published 07/01/2009
When Environmental Club students at Winona (MN) High School suggested that the district reduce its carbon footprint and get greener four years ago, few would have imagined that it would result in "buffburgers" and "buffdogs" on the lunch line - items made with bison meat produced by a local rancher/processor. But that was one of the major consequences of the decision, says the district's nutrition services director, Lyn Halverson. · Read the entire article.
Education Newsmakers: 06/30/2009 Traverse City Record Eagle Published 06/30/2009
Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Superintendent Michael Buell recently met with U.S. Senate leaders and experts in Washington, D.C., to discuss promoting healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity in students, featuring farm to school. · Read the entire article.
Summer Fruit Made Simple by Natalie Haughton Pasadena Star-News Published 06/30/2009
Cory Schreiber the farm-to-school food coordinator with the Oregon Department of Agriculture has co-written the cookbook "Rustic Fruit Desserts", which features fresh, local, and seasonal recipes. · Read the entire article.
Obama Administration Begins Naming State Executive Directors for the Farm Service Agency USDA.gov Published 06/29/2009
Obama appoints Jim Barber as the NY Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA. Barber is very active on agricultural organizations and co-founded NY Farms!, an organization that developed the Farm-to-School program which was later adopted by the State. · Read the entire article.
From Farm to School: The Push to Get Locally Grown Food to American School Children by Jenn Escalona Bright Hub Published 06/24/2009
Farm to School programs can simultaneously fight the childhood obesity epidemic and preserve the livelihoods of local farmers all the while saving taxpayer money. · Read the entire article.
Local Promotes Program by Angela Weaver The Evening Leader Published 06/23/2009
Farm to school programs ensure that our children eat the highest-quality food available. These programs deliver food that not only nourishes children's bodies immediately, but also knowledge that enhances their educational experience and cultivates long-term healthy eating habits. They are a win-win for kids, farmers, communities, educators, parents and the environment. · Read the entire article.
It's Time for Lunch: Slow Food USA Pushes to Get Real Food into Schools by Slow Food USA PRWEB Published 06/23/2009
Slow Food USA launches a national campaign to get real food into schools highlighted by a national day of action on Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2009. The national day of action will consist of more than 100 local Eat-Ins across the country. As part of the campaign, Slow Food USA has created a platform outlining specific "asks" for Congress in updating the Child Nutrition Act due for reauthorization in September. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Food Focus Workshop Held Today in OKC by Jack Carson Oklahoma Agriculture Blog Published 06/23/2009
The goal of today's program was to let state school and college food service personnel meet local farmers and resource people to discuss better ways to introduce and increase the amount of locally grown foods into our school lunch programs. About 125 people registered for the event with close to equal numbers of school nutrition folks and farmers. · Read the entire article.
Guest Column: Oregon students could benefit from Farm to School program by Deborah J. Kane Daily Astorian Published 06/22/2009
Other states invest resources to supplement the national school lunch and breakfast program, but Oregon currently doesn't allocate any state funding to school meals. HB2800 will change that by strategically allocating lottery resources to schools so that they can purchase more Oregon grown, processed and manufactured foods for the lunchroom. · Read the entire article.
Legislature should add fresh food to school lunches by Deborah J. Kane Mail Tribune Published 06/21/2009
Other states invest resources to supplement the national school lunch and breakfast program, but Oregon currently doesn't allocate any state funding to school meals. HB 2800 will change that by strategically allocating lottery resources to schools so that they can purchase more Oregon- grown, -processed and -manufactured foods for the lunch room. · Read the entire article.
LEAVING A BAD TASTE: "Closed campus" policy at KHS could take bite out of restaurant profits by Kyle Wind Daily Freeman Published 06/21/2009
School administrators plan to "close the campus," keeping juniors and seniors from leaving school grounds for lunch, as they are allowed to now...because the district is looking for more locally grown fruits and produce to improve the quality and healthiness of its meals, which now will be served to nearly all students. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School a Hit with Students by Kendra Blevins Jenks Gazette Published 06/20/2009
This year Jenks Public Schools are seeing the fruits of the Farm-to-School Program. Pat Meadows, director of child nutrition, says it was the right time to start the program. · Read the entire article.
Add fresh food to school lunches by Deborah J. Kane The Stump on OregonLive.com Published 06/18/2009
Other states invest resources to supplement the national school lunch and breakfast program, but Oregon currently doesn't allocate any state funding to school meals. HB2800 will change that by strategically allocating lottery resources to schools so that they can purchase more Oregon grown, processed and manufactured foods for the lunchroom. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Opportunities by Lauren Ware About.com Published 06/17/2009
The national Farm to School program is taking off in many parts of the United States! More and more schools are setting up programs. · Read the entire article.
Harlem students harvest lessons on Yorktown farm by Brian J. Howard LoHUD.com Published 06/17/2009
34 students from the Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy 2 charter school took part yesterday in the Something Good in the World's Earth School's Farm-to-School program at Hilltop Hanover Farm. The purpose is to partner with schools by bringing students to the farm for several repeat visits so they can learn about where their food comes from, how it grows and how it gets to their plates. · Read the entire article.
Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools: News Conference by Tiffany The Trumpet Published 06/12/2009
Yesterday, NPN attended Rethink's new conference about their latest project, "Kids Will Eat It!", which aims to bring fresh, local food to New Orleans' public schools. · Read the entire article.
Volunteers sought by Extension by Bob Audette Brattleboro Reformer Published 06/11/2009
In the past seven years, the UVM Extension Youth Horticulture Project has worked with more than 1,600 youth, grown more than 24,500 pounds of produce, raised more than $6,000 through various youth-run enterprises and donated more than 15,000 pounds of produce to local hunger relief programs and schools. · Read the entire article.
Schools fight uphill battle on healthy food by Eric Hartley Hometown Annapolis Published 06/11/2009
About 30,000 kids eat a school lunch every day at Central Elementary School in Edgewater, so there's clearly an opportunity to make a difference in how some of them eat, perhaps even for the rest of their lives. · Read the entire article.
Attacking Hunger at Its Roots by Hillary Clinton The Huffington Post Published 06/11/2009
"The Obama Administration is committed to providing leadership in developing a new global approach to hunger. We will look to 7 guiding principles to support the creation of effective, sustainable farming systems in regions around the world where the current methods aren't working." · Read the entire article.
Students test recipes to change their own lunch menu, in a fresh local direction by Judy Walker The Times-Picayune Published 06/11/2009
A group of middle school students hope to provide proof today to the leaders of the Recovery School District that students will eat fresh, local, healthy foods. · Read the entire article.
New Roots rounding out faculty by Liz Lawyer Ithaca Journal Published 06/10/2009
The faculty and staff for New Roots Charter School is nearly complete, including a newly-appointed Farm to School meal program coordinator. · Read the entire article.
UCSC grad, thinking baby food should be local and green, wins $12,000 in startup cash by Jondi Gumz Santa Cruz Sentinel Published 06/10/2009
Not only did Olin have experience as a chef in New York, she knew about "farm to school" programs. · Read the entire article.
Today's Topic: Farm to School Program In the Field Published 06/10/2009
North Carolina farmers provided nearly $700,000 worth of fresh produce to local school systems through the N.C. Farm to School program, which connects local farms with local schools. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler explains to Rhonda Garrison why this is a win-win situation for farmers and for students. · Read the entire article.
Cartwright family art in Waldoboro Village Soup Published 06/10/2009
Chelsea graduated from Finger Lakes School of Massage in 2006 and has worked with young children and for the Flannel Shirt Fund, established in memory of Joel. Through small grants the fund encourages children to grown their own food and foster farm-to-school projects. · Read the entire article.
Artist colony at Colton school to disband; Matt Damon to help relocate rooftop garden by Eliot Kamenitz The Times-Picayune Published 06/10/2009
Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools will announce today that it plans to use a $10,000 pledge from actor Matt Damon to start a "Can You Match Matt" fund-raiser. The money will be used to help find a permanent home for its rooftop garden. · Read the entire article.
Grow it local by Howard Weiss-Tisman Brattleboro Reformer Published 06/09/2009
School garden programs have been blooming all over Windham County during the past few years...Now a parent at Putney Central School wants to supersize the amount of local fruits and vegetables that are served in regional cafeterias during the school year. · Read the entire article.
School garden beginning to take shape at Hennessy by Aimee Retzler The Union Published 06/08/2009
Hennessy Elementary School in Grass Valley is taking a first step in helping students learn where their food comes from. Volunteers from Hennessy, in partnership with the University of California Cooperative Extension and Live Healthy Nevada County, recently built more than 20 raised beds where planting started before school let out. · Read the entire article.
From the Ground Up: A Student-Centered Wellness Program with its Roots in the Garden Published 06/08/2009
A budding farm to school program in Marbletown Elementary School, in Stone Ridge, NY with volunteer opportunities. · Read the entire article.
Cash cow: Strolling of the Heifers has delivered on its promise to help farmers by Howard Weiss-Tisman Brattleboro Reformer Published 06/06/2009
Munzing started the Strolling of the Heifers in 2002 to help raise awareness of local agriculture and money for struggling farmers. As The Stroll enters its eighth year, its reach has extended from the farm, to the schools and into social service agencies. · Read the entire article.
Intimate Portrait: Ralph Ariza, AmeriCorps Intern by Ralph Ariza Mountain Talk Published 06/05/2009
My major guiding light right now is the direction that my Community Action Project is taking. I have been researching farm-to-school connections and edible school gardens. · Read the entire article.
What's For Lunch? Fruits & Vegetables by Sade Malloy kimatv Published 06/05/2009
The Toppenish School District just got a Gold award from the USDA for their healthy food options. · Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Executive Profile: Jennifer Fike Executive director, Food System Economic Partnership by Janet Miller Michigan Business Review Published 06/04/2009
Jennifer Fike wants to make sure the family farm doesn't end up on the endangered species list. As executive director of the nonprofit Food System Economic Partnership, Fike connects local food buyers with local food growers. · Read the entire article.
NCDA&CS Farm to School program has record year by Gary Gay, director of the NCDA&CS Food Distribution Division Published 06/04/2009
When teachers and school lunchroom staff encouraged students to eat their fruits and veggies this year, it is a good bet they were fresh from a North Carolina farm. More than $685,000 worth of food made its way onto school trays during the 2008-2009 school year, the most for the 12-year-old Farm to School program managed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School promotes healthy eating habits, local foods by Nicole Strittmater Stevens Point Journal Published 06/02/2009
Nathan Hunter, 10, sat in the cafeteria Monday afternoon with his school lunch -- a slice of pizza, bread, milk and peaches. The Jefferson School for the Arts student said there is one thing that would make his dining experience better -- local foods. "I think it would be really nice, because it would be a lot healthier, and it would be good for the Earth," he said. · Read the entire article.
N.C. blueberries burst into schools as Farm to School Program posts record year by Andrea Ashby In the Field Published 06/02/2009
Overall, it has been a great year for the department's Farm to School Program. Nearly $700,000 worth of North Carolina commodities have moved into the school systems this year, more than ever in the 12-year history of the program. · Read the entire article.
Saving the planet starts with kids by Colleen Armstrong Island Sounder Published 06/02/2009
By educating and instilling an appreciation for all plants, creatures and the relationship between them, we are ensuring a brighter future for ourselves and the land that surrounds us. · Read the entire article.
Buying local food helps farmers, schools, and the environment by Gregg Hoffman Biz Opinion Published 06/01/2009
A vast majority of people in the world live within 10 miles of their food sources, but in the United States much of our food travels as far as 2,000 miles from the farm to the table. While that system allows us to eat relatively fresh fruits and vegetables in winter in Wisconsin, it adds costs, has adverse environmental effects through transportation, raises questions about health and "food security" and takes money out of the local economy. · Read the entire article.
Farm Fresh by Chelsey Simpson Living in South Carolina magazine Published 06/01/2009
This is a wonderful story describing the Farm to School efforts in South Carolina. It describes the health impact and economic impact of farm to school programs. · Read the entire article.
Ag, education in spotlight at fair by Associated Press Rutland Herald Published 05/31/2009
All proceeds from the raffle, rides and donations will benefit the Hartland Farm to School Program, which helps children make connections between the food they eat and where it comes from. · Read the entire article.
Committee sends ODA budget to Oregon Senate floor by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 05/29/2009
In the budget, ODA is proposing to preserve its farm-to-school coordinator position and a renewable energy position. · Read the entire article.
The school lunchroom grows green by Yvonne Zipp The Christian Science Monitor Published 05/29/2009
At a private school in Newark, N.J., students dine daily on ingredients grown on the building's roof. In Baltimore, city schools have their own 33-acre organic farm, while in Riverside, Calif., elementary school students trundle wheelbarrows of lettuce and buckets of strawberries from a community garden behind the playground directly to their own salad bar. Across the United States, efforts to make school lunches more environmentally friendly have paired with the local food movement, as educators try to reconnect children with the growing season. School lunchrooms are also getting revamped to cut water and energy use and lessen food waste. · Read the entire article.
Giving local food thought by Sara Holt Durango Herald Published 05/28/2009
With the economy in flux and gas prices on the rise again, many people are asking how we can ensure food security in these changing times. Fortunately, the local food scene in La Plata County is alive and thriving, with farmers markets and several key players dedicated to building community and local food security in our little mountain island. · Read the entire article.
Some ag bills move by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 05/28/2009
Oregon Department of Agriculture's budget cleared its first and potentially biggest hurdle this week. The budget protects the department's farm-to-school and renewable energy program coordinators. · Read the entire article.
Candidates Not "Anti-Business" by Joaquin Lujan Mountain Mail Published 05/28/2009
She worked with the state Food and Agriculture Council to develop legislative funding for the Farm to School Program, which purchases New Mexico farm produce for our children's public-school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Children plant carrots and democracy by Margaret Krome Revista Amauta Published 05/28/2009
At the Northeast Farm-to-School conference last week, children, teachers, farmers and school food administrators described every kind of project imaginable linking children directly with food production. · Read the entire article.
Fox Fire Farms is an expanding family affair by Marje Cristol Durango Herald Published 05/27/2009
They take a special interest in providing healthy food to the community's children, and have been working closely with area school districts, including Durango, Ignacio, Bayfield, Cortez and Pagosa Springs to provide certified organic grass-fed beef, a wonderful contribution to our local Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
Obesity grant plan trims local tummies by Scott Nicholson The Watauga Democrat Published 05/27/2009
The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service coordinated efforts to promote a Farm to School program. Healthy cooking classes were held in all afterschool programs in Watauga County and local produce taste tests occurred at Mabel and Bethel Elementary School. · Read the entire article.
Contact Your Legislators about Farm to School Bill by Mel Reader The Oregon Center for Christian Values Published 05/27/2009
We all know that Oregon faces a tremendous budget deficit this year and that's a big part of the reason we are working so hard to get the legislature to invest in the Farm to School and School Garden Program. This innovative program will add much-needed stimulus to the state's economy and feed hungry kids, whose numbers are growing as the economy worsens. · Read the entire article.
The Youth Shall Lead Us by Dean Williamson New West Published 05/27/2009
More great news about the future of local farming. The New York Times reports on an optimistic (in my opinion) national trend more and more college students are seeking internships not on Wall Street, but on the farm. · Read the entire article.
Students nosh on fresh foods in new class by Elizabeth Willis The Enquirer Published 05/26/2009
Homer Community Schools in October became the third district in the state to obtain the non-competitive grant through Michigan State University Extension's Michigan Nutrition Network, Finch said. The goal is to get kids eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to increase their physical activity. It has allowed elementary students to grow nutritious foods from the seed and then try them in their classroom, among other activities. · Read the entire article.
Students nosh on fresh foods in new class by Elizabeth Willis The Enquirer Published 05/26/2009
Homer Community Schools in October became the third district in the state to obtain the non-competitive grant through Michigan State University Extension's Michigan Nutrition Network, Finch said. The goal is to get kids eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to increase their physical activity. It has allowed elementary students to grow nutritious foods from the seed and then try them in their classroom, among other activities. · Read the entire article.
Some Positive Directions in Public Health? by Heather Gray Counter Punch Published 05/24/2009
Following Pollan's presentation I was then informed that the Senate Agriculture Committee would be holding a hearing on the "Farm-to-School Initiatives in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization" program. I attended. With Senate Agriculture Committee chair Tom Harkin and committee member Georgia's Senator Saxby Chambliss asking questions, the packed audience heard from USDA representatives, physicians and a farmer about ways to improve nutrition in the school system and provide healthy nutritious food to our youth. · Read the entire article.
St. Paul steps up Farm-to-School initiative by Mike Mitchelson Food Service News Published 05/23/2009
More than 2,000 school districts across the country are involved. With those participatory numbers and nutrition guidelines at the forefront of the school lunch debate, it's safe to declare that finding locally-grown products is no mere feel-good measure. · Read the entire article.
City schools promote healthy foods by Mareesa Nicosia The Saratogian Published 05/23/2009
New initiatives to promote healthy eating in the district include the Farm to School program started last year and gardens on school grounds to provide vegetables and herbs for lunch menus. Division Street and Greenfield elementary schools broke ground on gardens this spring while Lake Avenue Elementary began a composting project to fuel a garden in the near future. · Read the entire article.
Insider guide to Fort Bragg: 20-plus delicious reasons to go there now by Wanda Hennig SF Culinary Travel Examiner Published 05/23/2009
Their biggest win to date has seen them turn several acres of school district property, previously strewn with trash and junk and adjoining Fort Bragg High School, into a thriving model garden sprouting abundant seasonal produce. They've trained about 1,000 students on the hows and whys of growing and eating fresh and local produce. Their farm-to-school program has the kids eating healthy in the school cafeteria. · Read the entire article.
Our Bay: This Week's Take: Grounding the connection to what kids eat by Cindy Ross The Capital Published 05/23/2009
It is disturbing to realize how ignorant some children are about the food they eat. The Farm to School program, a promising nationwide program with participants in our region. · Read the entire article.
A fresh classroom approach by Melissa Flores The Pinnacle Published 05/22/2009
Farm to school programs were the topic of discussion at a May 18 workshop presented by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers that was attended by school officials, food service directors, parents and teachers. · Read the entire article.
School lunch vendor recommended for board approval Tuesday by Charles A Peterson Newark Advocate Published 05/21/2009
A food service vendor judged to be offering solid economic, farm-to-school produce and recycling programs is being recommended to the Granville Board of Education Tuesday for next year's school lunch program. AVI Fresh, of Warren, Ohio, graded out the best among three bidders, said school district Director of Business Operations Chuck Dilbone, who headed a committee of staff and citizens studying bid proposals. · Read the entire article.
Tasting The Local Flavor by Jenny Jones The Daily News Record Published 05/20/2009
Harrisonburg and Rockingham County students will get a little local flavor next week during Local Foods Day. The day will take place May 28 and will feature lunch offerings made from locally grown and processed produce, meat, poultry and flour. The program falls in line with a national initiative called Farm to School. · Read the entire article.
Dyers raise sheep and farming awareness The Durango Herald Published 05/20/2009
Jim Dyer is active in the local, state and national agricultural movement. He directs the Southwest Marketing Network, an effort to increase marketing expertise and opportunities for Four Corners farmers and ranchers. He also is actively involved in promoting Farm to School programs. Pam Dyer is involved in the local spinning and weaving guilds, and can be found working and selling her works of art at the local yarn shop. · Read the entire article.
Local School District Gets Lunch Makeover by Rebecca Trylch ABC12 News Published 05/20/2009
A Mid-Michigan school district is giving lunch a mini makeover. · Watch the video · Read the entire article.
Fields of dreams by Rob De Walt The New Mexican Published 05/19/2009
Field Days - which began as a photography project but morphed into a full-blown memoir after an encounter between the author and Santa Rosa farmer Sharon Grossi (of Valley End Farm) - is a fly-on-the-wall look at contemporary sustainable farming, and living, in Sonoma. · Read the entire article.
New College Announces Seven 2009 Fulbright Scholars New College of Florida Published 05/18/2009
Fulbright Teaching Assistantship to Germany A double major in German studies and anthropology, Lee Ellen plans to further develop her abilities as a language teacher while also completing a collaborative photograph-centered project in a German Eco-School (Umweltschule). The goal of her project is to compare and contrast the German Umweltschule movement with the American Farm-to-School movement. Upon returning to the U.S, Lee Ellen plans to apply to a graduate school with a Ph.D. program in German culture and language, with an emphasis on alternative cultural movements. She hopes to teach all levels of German language classes at a small liberal arts college, integrating her specialty of alternative cultural movements. · Read the entire article.
Evening Meals at School Open House features new community resource Islands Weekly Published 05/17/2009
The menu and the mission of these community dinners are lessons themselves in the benefit of sustainable, local foods and the strength of a connected community. Inspired by the L.I.F.E. Farm-to-School program, which is designed to teach sustainability, ecology and real life skills, the dinners began two years ago with the goal of strengthening ties between the community and the school. · Read the entire article.
Conference Focuses on Local Food WCAX News Published 05/17/2009
A regional conference on locally-grown food is got under way in Burlington Sunday. The Farm to School program is the product of three nonprofits that have been promoting the use of local produce in schools and institutions. The conference brings representatives from all over New England and New York State. It includes workshops and panels, and runs through Monday at Champlain College. · Read the entire article.
Schools aim to make lunches healthy, tasty by Amy Hetzner Journal Sentinel Published 05/16/2009
Like a number of schools throughout the state, Oconomowoc High School is trying to tackle that seemingly intractable barrier in the fight to improve childhood nutrition: the school lunch. · Read the entire article.
Urban Agriculture: Reap What You Sow Buffalo Rising Published 05/16/2009
These days it's hard to find a neighborhood on the West Side that doesn't have some sort of gardening or farming initiative rooted. Whether it's a tree farm, garden cooperative, organic garden or anything else that revolves around the idea of reclamation through grassroots empowerment. · Read the entire article.
Chambliss, Harkin partake in polite food fight by Ken Edelstein Atlanta Unsheltered Published 05/15/2009
The point of the Agriculture Committee hearing was hard to argue with: "Benefits of Farm-to-School Projects, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for School Children." Real Mom and apple-pie stuff. Or at least, Mom and apple. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program at Mountain Bounty Farm by Carlyle Miller Yuba Net Published 05/15/2009
At Mountain Bounty Farm, the long rows of broccoli and tomatoes are loving the warm weather. But vegetables aren't the only thing sprouting up at Mountain Bounty. This spring, students at Grizzly Hill School will also be doing a lot of growing at Nevada County's oldest Community Supported Agriculture farm or "CSA." · Read the entire article.
Backers laud benefits of farm-to-school bill by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 05/14/2009
Farm-to-school backers brought out their big guns Tuesday, May 12, to testify in support of a bill backing local food purchases for school meals. At a hearing before a Ways and Means subcommittee, backers brought forward a true school-lunch expert - second-grader Zoe Kane. "I eat school lunch every day," Kane said, "so I am an expert in school lunch." · Read the entire article.
Community News Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 05/14/2009
Advocates for feeding local-grown food to schoolchildren can watch proceedings of the U.S. Senate's Agricultural Committee on Friday, when officials will hear testimony in DeKalb County about the benefits of "farm-to-school" projects. · Read the entire article.
May 2009 Conferences Vermont Biz Published 05/14/2009
The Northeast Region Farm to School Conference The Northeast Farm to School Conference will be held at Champlain College in Burlington on May 17 and 18, 2009. Vermont Feed Education Every Day (FEED), National Farm to School, and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture are hosting the conference entitled Cooking Up Connections. May 17th will consist of half day short courses on Farm to School coordination, evaluation and integration of farm and food education into curriculum as well as field trips to the Intervale, City Market and Burlington's Community Gardens. On Monday, May 18th, participants choose from 25 workshops and panel presentations from the Northeast's Farm to School leaders. Registration is now open online at www.shelburnefarms.org · Read the entire article.
Localvor agriculture leads to wave of entrepreneurs by Art Edelstein Vermont Biz Published 05/14/2009
Vermont's newest business startups are coming from a surprising sector of the economy not related to technology, manufacturing or tourism. The state, which boasts the highest percentage of people who buy locally grown food, is seeing a surge in small farmers. They say the growing cost of food shipped from California and elsewhere, coupled with concern about America's use of gasoline and an overall concern for food safety is spurring local agriculture. · Read the entire article.
NY First Lady Urges Nutrition Program The Gouverneur Times Published 05/14/2009
The Governor also proposed the Healthy Food/Healthy Communities Initiative, which the legislature passed this year. It offers a new revolving loan fund to increase the number of healthy food markets in underserved communities. Additionally, the New York State Departments of Health and Agriculture & Markets have worked with schools, communities and farmers to develop and expand the Farm to School program. They worked to obtain procurement exemptions that would promote the use of local fruits and vegetables in schools, and to support edible school gardens. · Read the entire article.
Schools try local, fresher food by Stefanie Knowlton Statesman Journal Published 05/12/2009
Workers at Happy Harvest Farm gathered heads of romaine lettuce and strawberries from the greenhouse about 8 a.m. By noon, the produce dotted trays at Gervais High School 6 miles away. · Read the entire article.
The "Process" of Rebuilding a Local Food Economy by Peter Metcalf New West Missoula Published 05/12/2009
Despite soaring demand for locally grown food, it remains primarily available only fresh, raw and in season, such as the delicious piles of salad greens, snap peas and summer squash that will soon fill the stalls of the region's Farmer's Markets, or as baked goods and jams, products allowed under state regulations to be made without a certified commercial kitchen. But many people would also like to purchase salad dressings for those raw vegetables, sauerkraut to pile on their elk sausage, or frozen Bitterroot Macs to make an apple pie in the winter, all made from locally grown ingredients. · Read the entire article.
Senators Chambliss & Harkin To Hold "Farm to School" Hearing at CDC Decatur Metro Published 05/12/2009
In April, the school board officially approved a Farm to School initiative for the CSD school system. The program strives to put fresh and local foods " from city and school gardens and local farms " on the lunch plates of CSD students. · Read the entire article.
Recovery Act designates $2.5 million to promote healthy eating in Michigan schools by Eartha Jane Melzer Michigan Messenger Published 05/11/2009
Michigan schools have until May 29th to apply to the state Department of Education for federal Recovery Act funds for equipment to improve school lunch service. Many school cafeterias lack equipment needed to prepare meals from scratch and can only heat and serve prepared food. · Read the entire article.
Get fat, sugar out of schools The Post and Courier Published 05/11/2009
What's not to like about banning high-fat, high-sugar foods from school cafeterias and vending machines? It's good for children's health, and it's a good way to teach nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Farm-Fresh Fare Comes to St. Vrain Cafeterias by Barbara Hey The Denver Newspaper Published 05/08/2009
Starting this summer, students in the St. Vrain Valley School District will have farm-fresh, locally grown produce in their lunches. The farm-to-school program kicks off June 2, the pilot phase of what Shelly Allen, Director of Nutrition and Warehouse Services for the district, said will be a year-round plan to serve students fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farms. · Read the entire article.
Around the Valley Montana's News Station Published 05/08/2009
· Read the entire article.
Baltimore's Geraci Grows a Hands-On Program by Jane Black Washington Post Published 05/06/2009
Nationwide, there have been years of discussion about how to improve school lunches; this summer, the debate heats up again as Congress takes up the reauthorization of child nutrition programs that President Obama has made a centerpiece of his domestic agenda. Over the years, Congress has mandated federal nutrition standards, funded fresh fruit and vegetable programs and debated, but never acted on, banning various "junk foods" from schools. Sustainable-food advocates have called for schools to serve more local food, a tactic they say would not only improve flavor but also help support small farms and renew rural communities. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program brings organic beef to local students by Ken Odor The Goochland Gazette Published 05/06/2009
County students got another chance to sample locally produced food a few weeks ago as they dined on tacos made with organic beef from Brookview Farm. · Read the entire article.
School gardens planted in Northeast Kingdom Burlington Free Press Published 05/06/2009
Ten new school gardens will be planted in the Northeast Kingdom through the Green Mountain Farm-to-School program, a nonprofit based in Newport. · Read the entire article.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Beard by Kim Carlson Culinate Published 05/05/2009
Cory Schreiber, these days a farm-to-school administrator for the state of Oregon but also the chef who created Wildwood, appreciates Beard because "he drew on his Pacific Northwest childhood as a key foundation that developed American cuisine through his writings and teachings." · Read the entire article.
Local food offers taste of the good old days by Karen Utley Statesman Journal Published 05/05/2009
To make it easier for school lunch programs to connect with local economies, the Oregon Legislature in 2007 created the Farm to School program. More legislation, which would build on this program by allocating lottery money to schools to help them enrich their food programs with good locally grown food while supporting local economies, is under consideration. What a great idea! For the resulting better nutrition and stimulated economic growth cost? Seven cents per breakfast and 15 cents per lunch. Willamette Valley strawberries with Tillamook County cream on a school lunch tray? Priceless! · Read the entire article.
3 candidates unopposed in ASD school board race Daily Tidings Published 05/02/2009
Alexander, a writer and tutor, had previously decided not to run for reelection for position five, but she changed her mind after seeing that few locals were interested in running. During her tenure on the board, Alexander has been involved in the high school redesign process, second language committee and farm-to-school program. · Read the entire article.
State's first Farm-to-School conference filled to capacity by William Persson American Farm Published 05/01/2009
"Farm to School is a back-to-basics approach to help children make healthy choices and understand there are seasons for food," said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher of the New Jersey Farm-to-School Conference held at the Lawrenceville School on April 18. · Read the entire article.
In the Kitchen: Taking the lead on school nutrition by Pat Tanner Central Jersey Published 05/01/2009
When the first-ever statewide conference on bringing local, healthy food into our New Jersey schools was held recently at The Lawrenceville School, it became apparent to me and the other 200 attendees that the Princeton area is at the forefront of the movement. · Read the entire article.
Charter School Planning Proceeds, But Questions Still Remain by Dani Neuharth-Keusch Cornell Sun Published 04/30/2009
In 2005 the U.N. began the Decade for Education for Sustainable Development with the vision to "integrate the principles, values and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning," according to UNESCO.org. The New Roots School is meant to be an application of those ideas, expanding beyond the classroom and into the streets and natural areas of Ithaca. New Roots students will contribute to Ithaca's sustainability by restoring wetlands, researching agriculture in the context of climate change, bringing solar panels to low-income neighborhoods and creating green business networks, according to a press release. In the spirit of sustainability, the meal program at New Roots is a "Farm to School" initiative to support locally grown and organic products. · Read the entire article.
A Taste of old favorites, new dishes by Linda A. Thompson-Odum The Hippo Published 04/30/2009
The 20th anniversary of Manchester's Taste of the Nation will take place Wednesday, May 6, at the Radisson Center of New Hampshire (700 Elm St.). This event will benefit Share our Strength, whose goal is to end childhood hunger. The proceeds go to three local organizations - The NH Food Bank, Children's Alliance of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Farm to School Program - and the funds are perhaps more important this year than in any previous year, because the need is so great. · Read the entire article.
Ag department tightens its belt by Cookson Beecher Capital Press Published 04/30/2009
The Washington State Agriculture Department will receive $4 million less than it requested from the state general fund under the 2009-11 operating budget that legislators sent to Gov. Chris Gregoire on Sunday, April 26. Based on governor-directed reductions amounting to $2.2 million, the Farm-to-School program will be scaled back, and funding will be eliminated for the "From the Heart of Washington" marketing campaign and grants for market promotion, fighting trade barriers and the wine commission. · Read the entire article.
Organic Wednesdays start at valley schools Press Banner Published 04/30/2009
Carrots, cucumbers, lettuce and a host of other fresh organic vegetables from the Shumei Farm in Bonny Doon will be part of elementary school lunches on Wednesdays for the remainder of the school year in San Lorenzo Valley. · Read the entire article.
Organizers Work to Expand Food Program WEAU 13 News Published 04/29/2009
State agriculture workers are trying to expand a program that brings local produce to schools in Wisconsin. Nine communities are participating in the Farm to School program; including Eau Claire, Prairie du Chien and Viroqua. · Read the entire article.
Green is the new black by Catherine Traywick State Press Magazine Published 04/29/2009
Washington is going green. From Michelle Obama's White House vegetable patch to the organic "people's garden" that will soon span the lawn of the Department of Agriculture, our nation's capitol has jumped aboard the sustainability bandwagon and affirmed the onset of what is now being hailed as a "Sustainable Food Movement." · Read the entire article.
Organizers work to expand food program by Associated Press NBC 26 Published 04/29/2009
State agriculture officials are working to expand a program that brings local produce to schools in Wisconsin. · Read the entire article.
Organizers expand food programs by Associated Press Fox 11 Published 04/29/2009
Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Lora Klenke says her agency is working with the national service organization, Americorp, to add ten more communities to the program if funding is received. Americorps helps connect local growers with school food services. Klenke says Americorp also helps organize field trips so students can meet a farmer who's supplying the food and learn how it grows. · Read the entire article.
Strawberry Day To Be Held At The NC Farmers Market NBC 17 Published 04/29/2009
Fresh North Carolina strawberries will soon be on the menu in 47 school districts across the state, when the first flats shipped through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Farm to School program are delivered April 27. · Read the entire article.
Win tickets to Taste of the Nation The Telegraph Published 04/29/2009
Feast, along with NH.com, is giving away two pairs of tickets to the Taste of the Nation food and wine event that is taking place Wednesday, May 6, at the Radisson Center of New Hampshire in Manchester. Taste of the Nation will feature more than 45 restaurants, as well as an auction, all to benefit Share Our Strength, an organization that raises money through culinary events to be put toward making sure no child goes hungry. Local beneficiaries include the New Hampshire Food Bank, Children's Alliance of New Hampshire and New Hampshire Farm to School. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School applications open until May 25 by Danielle Kaeding Wisconsin Public Radio Published 04/28/2009
One state agency is working with national service organization Americorps to help communities bring local foods to Wisconsin schools. Organizers hope to expand the service. Nine Wisconsin communities joined the Farm to School program last year, including Eau Claire, Prairie du Chien and Viroqua. · Read the entire article.
Forsyth School is part of a national trend by Georgina Gustin ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Published 04/27/2009
Forsyth, on Wydown Boulevard near Forest Park, is among the first schools in the state to launch such a farm-to-school lunch program - part of a national movement to bring fresher food into school cafeterias by tapping regional farmers and boosting rural economies at the same time. · Read the entire article.
There's a race in the Whitehall school board election White Lake Beacon Published 04/27/2009
Challenging them for the two four-year seats on the board is Kimon Kotos, who was the Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District in 2004 and 2006. Kotos has been deeply involved in farmers unions nationally and in Michigan, has been active in the Democratic Party in California and has been involved in the Muskegon Area Sustainability Coalition and the Muskegon Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Study of wetland pastures launched on Lopez Island Islands Weekly Published 04/27/2009
Students in the Lopez Farm-to-School program will visit field stations and learn about the study as well. · Read the entire article.
Reconnecting Schools to Real Food by Tom French YES! Magazine Published 04/27/2009
Chef Tom French, director of the Experience Food Project, has a broad vision of a new school food system that provides students with healthy food, reconnects them with the source of their meals, and builds bridges between the classroom and the kitchen. · Read the entire article.
Session's focus: Locally based economy by Eric Gaertner Muskegon Chronicle Published 04/25/2009
"Coming Home: E.F. Schumacher & the Reinvention of the Local Economy," a film by Montague filmmaker Chris Bedford, takes a look at the strategies designed by the E.F. Schumacher Society for communities to reinvest in themselves. Bedford is president of a local organic foods market, an organizer of the local group involved in the local farm-to-school program and runs the Center for Economic Security. · Read the entire article.
From Field to Plate: Farm to School Programs Take Root by Tim Weldon State News - The Council of State Governments Published 04/24/2009
Farm to School article in State News, a publication of The Council of State Governments, Vol. 52, No.4, April 2009 · Read the entire article.
Spring crops up at South Burlington development by Joel Banner Baird Burlington Free Press Published 04/24/2009
A young veteran of the Intervale Center Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and coordinator of Burlington's farm-to-school produce program, Young said developments such as South Village might offer more young Vermonters a chance to dig in. He's already signed up 23 of 30 subscribers needed for the South Village CSA this season. Does he think there's a future in farm-bound communities? "The best way to bring people to the table is food," he said. · Read the entire article.
Snipes Farm gives students a taste of farming by Steve Gengler The Intelligencer Published 04/24/2009
Third grade students from George Washington Elementary School in Levittown visit Snipes Farm in Morrisville as part of the farm's new "Farm-to-School" program in which they teach students about growing food. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School: hands-on education about food KMTR News Published 04/24/2009
Oregon's farm to school program working with 10 local farmers highlighted by local news. · Read the entire article.
WWD host 'Farm to School' event Dexter Leader Published 04/23/2009
The Western Washtenaw Democrats are sponsoring a symposium on Michigan "Farm to School" initiatives on Thursday, April 30 in the McKune Room at the Chelsea District Library. The National Farm to School program teaches students about the path from farm to fork, and instills healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. Use of local produce in school meals and educational activities provide a new direct market for farmers in the area and mitigates environmental impacts of transporting food long distances. · Read the entire article.
Farm fresh: Nourishing a farm-to-school network by John Dunphy The Princeton Packet Published 04/22/2009
Given the option, would parents rather have their children's school lunches come from the farmer a few miles away or from the other side of the country? Newly appointed New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher posed that question to an audience of about 200 Saturday morning at The Lawrenceville School, where the New Jersey Farm-to-School Network was holding its inaugural conference. · Read the entire article.
Cooking Up Connections - The Northeast Region Farm to School Conference Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Published 04/20/2009
The Northeast Farm to School Conference will be held at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont on May 17 and 18, 2009. Vermont Feed Education Every Day (FEED), National Farm to School, and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture are hosting the conference entitled Cooking Up Connections! · Read the entire article.
Harwood wins farm to school grant by Celia Cadwell The Valley Reporter Published 04/16/2009
In place of junk food, a large emphasis has been placed on selling local products and lunches. Starting in the 2007-2008 school year, once a month there was a localvore day, where the hot lunch being served consisted entirely of local produce. This past summer, the cafeteria itself was repainted, creating a more comfortable environment for students and teachers alike. · Read the entire article.
Edible Change is Enticing at 4th Annual Food Policy Summit by Lynn Peemoeller Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Published 04/16/2009
In its fourth year the summit Edible Change! Building Networks for Policy Action, hosted by the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council (CFPAC) reached full capacity bringing together over 250 people from the Chicago area and around the region with amazing diversity of geography, ethnicity, and age to talk, learn, and share stories about food. And who doesn't like to talk about food? · Read the entire article.
Deb Eschmeyer trying to get locally grown food into school cafeterias by Nancy Allen The Daily Standard Published 04/14/2009
Eschmeyer explains how the time is ripe to restore the connections between children, food, land, and community. · Read the entire article.
Schools cut budget by $600K by Hannah Guzik Ashland Daily Tidings Published 04/14/2009
Ashland school board members slashed $600,000 from the district's budget for next year but voted to preserve popular sports programs and an auto shop class at their Monday night meeting. The board also decided not to outsource all cafeteria operations next year, and instead chose to keep the existing structure, which uses outside managers and district workers. Board members hope that by the fall of 2010, the district can completely run its own food service program. If the district were to run its own food service program, it would likely be able to make better use of Ashland's Farm to School Program, she said. The state-sponsored program allows students to eat locally grown food in district cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School hopes to make grade by Susan Morse Seacoast Online Published 04/12/2009
Farm to School, a program to serve fresh local vegetables in student cafeterias, seems like such a no-brainer of an idea it's a wonder the practice hasn't been widespread for years. · Read the entire article.
Food for Everyone :: Resource Guide by Anna Stern World Change Cafe Published 04/11/2009
People across the country and throughout the world are realizing that to confront the climate crisis and create secure and healthy communities, we'll need vibrant regional food systems. National Farm to School Network brings healthy food from local farms to school children nationwide. Learn more about programs in your state at http://www.farmtoschool.org/ · Read the entire article.
LaDuke, son talk to lawmakers on farm-to-school program DL-Online Published 04/10/2009
Gwekaanimad Gasco, a third grader at the Pine Point School, testified at the state capital on March 27. The state legislature is considering support for community based agriculture initiatives, local foods and farm to school programs in a bill sponsored by Karen Clark and forwarded to the full omnibus finance bill for addition. Gasco is one of 75 children at the Pine Point School, which has one of the first farm-to-school programs in the country, and is becoming a regional model of community innovation. · Read the entire article.
Food for thought by Cindy Ross The Baltimore Sun Published 04/10/2009
I once read a startling account in Barbara Kingsolver's book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, about a youngster who was intrigued with his neighbor's harvest. As he dug in the garden, the neighbor asked, "Which vegetable, other than a carrot, would be considered a root vegetable?" The kid answered, "Spaghetti?" As startling as this answer is, I know of another child who thought that milk was cow's urine. It is disturbing to realize how ignorant some children are about their food. The Farm to School program, a promising nationwide program with participants in our region, wants to change that. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Crunch by Sarah Mirk Portland Mercury Published 04/09/2009
At a sustainable chili factory on the outskirts of Salem, several dozen school lunch ladies and local food activists are witnessing the creation of what they hope will be the cafeteria food of the future. Forget meatloaf trucked in from 1,000 miles away. That state investment of roughly $20 million over two years will create over $108 million in economic activity for Oregon's farms and 477 jobs. · Read the entire article.
Meeting seeks to bring local farm-fresh produce to York schools by Susan Morse Seacoast Online Published 04/08/2009
Four local farmers attended a meeting Monday to find out how to get their produce into York and Kittery schools. Doris Demers, the nutrition director for the schools, held the meeting before an estimated half dozen people in the York Middle School cafeteria. Demers wants to get more fresh local vegetables into school lunches. Local farmers want to sell more produce. · Read the entire article.
House committee sees farm to school bill as a priority The Hillsboro Argus Published 04/07/2009
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Local Food presentation and Rescue Party performance during ASC EARTH Week Adams State College Published 04/07/2009
"Heart and Soil" was voted one of the top ten favorite films in Santa Fe. "The film takes us on a journey into the rich landscape and lives of farmers in the southwest and into the bustling energy of farmer's markets and farm to school programs. · Read the entire article.
Using local produce a healthy alternative for students, farmers Greeley Tribune Published 04/07/2009
Weld County is one of the biggest agriculture producers in the nation. That's why it makes sense to us that some of that locally grown produce ends up on lunch trays at our schools. We are happy District 6 has taken a lead on the Farm-to-School program, and we hope more local producers will participate. It's good for kids, it's good for business and it's certainly good for Weld County. · Read the entire article.
Schools reap fruits of vegetable labor by Bill Jackson Greeley Tribune Published 04/05/2009
Come next August, students in Greeley-Evans schools will likely have a little more home-grown goodness in their school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school programs connect school meals with local agriculture Packet Online Published 04/03/2009
A network of some 30 groups from around New Jersey, including chefs, food service professionals, parents, teachers, farmers, food access advocates, the state Department of Agriculture and Rutgers Cooperative Extension, are teaming up to present the state's first-ever New Jersey Farm-to-School Conference on Saturday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Lawrenceville School in Lawrence. · Read the entire article.
Oregon farmers' markets find a new customer: schools Bend Weekly Published 04/03/2009
The farmers' market has proven to be a great place to find and purchase fresh, local food. For the same reason, it offers a connection between Oregon schools and local growers who can supply food that may eventually reach kids throughout the state. With the start of this year's farmers' market season, some school districts are looking to locate local food items this spring and the farms that produce them. · Read the entire article.
Buy Locally, Eat At School by Dennis Newman Natural Oregon Published 04/02/2009
With all the healthy food grown on Oregon farms, why doesn't more of it go to feed Oregon school kids? After all, locally grown food is usually fresher, more nutritious, and farmers could use the extra business. Putting those two goals together is the idea behind House Bill 2800, which expands Oregon's Farm-To-School program. The bill adds another $22 million into the pot of money schools can spend on lunch programs. That comes to about 15 cents a meal more for lunches, 7 cents more for a breakfast. · Read the entire article.
Task force calls for a slimmer Oregon by Brad Cain KVAL Published 03/31/2009
A state task force is calling for spending $3.5 million to restore daily physical education in Oregon schools to combat "alarming" rates of obesity. · Read the entire article.
Rhode Island: Healthy Youth For Healthy Future Emax Health Published 03/31/2009
Kids First is helping to improve the nutritional and physical well being of children through educational workshops for teachers and parents and after-school programs for kids. Through its Rhode Island Farm to School project, Kids First is also helping school districts buy locally grown foods to serve in school meals. · Read the entire article.
Rural Leaders Accomplishments Recognized by the Department of Commerce by Associated Press Midlands Connect Published 03/31/2009
The Individual Initiative Award recognizes an individual or individuals who have demonstrated a pioneering spirit, creativity and resourceful solutions that have challenged his or her community. This year's recipient is Brandon Grace, manager of the Anderson County Farmers Market and current president of the S.C. Farmers Market Association. Grace has used his passion to promote sustainable agriculture/best practices programs across the state. Grace has also been instrumental in developing and promoting "Farm to School" programs in order to educate young people about the cultivation of locally grown produce and their nutritional value, as well as economic impact on the local economy. · Read the entire article.
Study: Farm-to-school money boosts economy by Mateusz Perkowski Capital Press Published 03/26/2009
An analysis by proponents of farm-to-school lunch programs indicates that money spent on local food has positive implications beyond the cafeteria. Preliminary results show that each dollar of the $66,200 invested so far actually amounted to about $1.87 in economic activity. · Read the entire article.
Healthful Food by Diane Rehm The Diane Rehm Show Published 03/26/2009
Baltimore schools nutrition director Tony Geraci was on The Diane Rehm Show as part of a panel on sustainable food and Michelle Obama's vegetable garden. He talked about the city schools' 33-acre organic farm, where schools can have their own gardens, as well as plans for "farm to fork" vocational programs and three kid-run cafes. He said more than 1,000 Maryland farmers responded to an RFP to serve locally grown produce in city schools, and the city is trying to identify plots of land for urban agriculture projects. · Read the entire article.
A shorter food chain has many benefits by Meredith Ford Goldman Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 03/26/2009
After attending an upbeat, informative session on starting a farm-to-school program and a brilliant lecture by writer Dan Imnoff on the state of the U.S. food system, I realized we still have a war effort when it comes to the foods we eat. · Read the entire article.
Locally Grown Benefit Concert 2009 by Tyler Suchman The Ojai Post Published 03/26/2009
As in years past, proceeds benefit Food for Thought's farm-to-school program, which educates children about healthy food choices, where their food comes from, and the importance of good environmental stewardship. Food For Thought's programs are in six of the seven schools of the Ojai Unified School District. · Read the entire article.
Study: Local Purchasing Pays Dividends Food Management Published 03/26/2009
A recent economic impact analysis indicates that Oregon's investment in purchasing locally produced foods for school lunchrooms fortifies the state's economy with dollars previously spent elsewhere. The study by Ecotrust examines the impact of investing school food dollars in the local food economy and was released as part of a review of the local buying practices currently underway in two public school districts in Oregon, Gervais and Portland. · Read the entire article.
Where Policy Grows by Jane Black Washington Post Published 03/25/2009
Take the school lunch program, which Congress will review this year. Food activists have long argued that more fruits and vegetables from local producers should be included to help improve childhood nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Programs Promoted as Economically Beneficial by Isabel Cowles Finding Dulcinea Published 03/25/2009
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Agriculture Week brings Va. food to Goochland schools by Ken Odor The Goochland Gazette Published 03/25/2009
What can you do with five bushels of sweet potatoes? Well, you can feed them to 2,400 county public students, that's what. Of course, there were other items on the menu for lunch last Wednesday, but one item at all county schools was sweet potatoes grown right here in Virginia. The lunch was the kick-off for Goochland's participation in VDACS Farm to School program. The goal of Farm to School is to bring nutritious fresh food from local farms to schools, including K-12, colleges and universities. · Read the entire article.
Halton Region to host Food Forum by Anna Larson Halton News Published 03/25/2009
The Halton Region Health Department will host a Food Forum on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Country Heritage Park to begin a community discussion around food issues and community food security in Halton Region. · Read the entire article.
Rural agricultural forum tackles local buying by Shannon Sollinger Loudoun Times Published 03/24/2009
Matt Benson, with the Virginia Cooperative Extension in Warrenton, talked about opportunities for local farmers through the Farm to School Program. The program aims to to get local food into public and private school cafeterias from kindergarten through college. Farm to school delivery, Benson said, gets more nutritious food to the students, and it's good for the farmers. · Read the entire article.
Gardening Grows More than Flowers and Food by Dr. Nedley Nedley Health Report Published 03/23/2009
Getting youngsters to eat what they grow is only one of the benefits attributed to the gardening programs springing up around the country. Leaders of programs such as the "Edible Schoolyard" in California and "National Farm-to-School Program" report positive benefit in a wide range of characteristics among youth, including improved environmental attitudes, community spirit, social skills, self-confidence, leadership skills, volunteerism, motor skills, scholastic achievement, and nutritional attitudes. · Read the entire article.
Rep. Clem to receive farm-to-school honor Statesman Journal Published 03/20/2009
Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, will receive an award for his leadership in moving local food to schools in Oregon at the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Portland on Thursday. · Read the entire article.
Rep. Clem to receive farm-to-school honor by Beth Casper Statesman Journal Published 03/20/2009
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Local Lunch by Radio program with guests Cory Schreiber, Rep. Brian Clem, Kristy Obbink, and Guy Jaeger Oregon Public Broadcasting, Think Out Loud Published 03/20/2009
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Local Gardeners Praise White House Kitchen Garden by Lynne Terry Oregonian Published 03/20/2009
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Rural ag forum tackles local buying by Shannon Sollinger Fauquier Weekend Published 03/20/2009
Farmers are growing crops. Ranchers are raising beef and lamb. Shoppers are buying food. But they are not buying locally in great numbers. The fifth annual Forum for Rural Innovation, held March 13 in Winchester, focused on how to get the local buyer and the local farmer together. · Read the entire article.
Best of Monterey County '09 Monterey County Weekly Published 03/19/2009
When the Otter Bay Café opened on campus in the mid-1990s, it was similar to most institutional dining halls - the veggies were overcooked and, despite our unsurpassable local agricultural credentials, there was not a single local piece of produce on the menu. But today, thanks in large part to the Café's association with the Monterey County Farm to School Partnership, the Sodexo-run Otter Bay Café has a lunchtime organic salad bar buffet featuring a wide-range of local veggies from Earthbound Farm, all for $5.25. · Read the entire article.
Match Made On Earth by Dale Rodebaugh Durango Herald Published 03/19/2009
The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado has become a matchmaker of sorts. These aren't liaisons of the heart, but the introduction of owners of fallow but tillable land and growers who want to practice agriculture but don't have acreage. "One of the obstacles that we face as we try to rebuild our local food system is that we sometimes don't have enough local production to meet demand," said Jim Dyer, a SASCO board member and director of its Farm to School program, one goal of which is to provide salads for school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Obama Stimulus Targets Fresh, Local Food by Diane Conners Great Lakes Bulletin News Service Published 03/19/2009
The Obama administration's stimulus package has good news for schools that need new kitchen equipment but can't afford it: They might get some federal money to buy some of that equipment, as long as they are quick on the draw. · Read the entire article.
Eagle Rock's 'Action Research Institute by Jeremy Rosenberg KCET Local Published 03/19/2009
One of UEPI's many Centers & Projects is the Center for Food & Justice. Some of those projects include: Farm to School, Farm to Hospital, and the Healthy School Food Coalition -- each as straightforwardly named as Eagle Rock itself. · Read the entire article.
Farm to Cafeteria KUOW 94.9FM Published 03/18/2009
School lunch. Can you smell the chicken nuggets, sloppy joes, and ambrosia salad? What if school lunch was healthy, fresh, and local instead? Straight from the farms to your kids. The "Local Farms - Healthy Kids" bill passed the state legislature last year, but it's been hard to implement. Many schools don't even have kitchens. Today we'll check up on how the farm to school initiative is going in Washington State. · Read the entire article.
Growing knowledge: School gardens take root in Atlanta by Besha Rodell Creative Loafing Published 03/18/2009
In Ms. Wiggins' fifth-grade class at Cascade Elementary in Atlanta's West End, it's coming up on state testing time. The kids are weary and antsy, having spent the past few weeks enduring lessons on facts and figures to prepare for the tests that will determine, among other things, the school's level of funding. But at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, it's time for a different kind of lesson. On this particular Tuesday, using veggies they've grown themselves in the school's courtyard garden, the kids will be making soup. · Read the entire article.
Portland Public Schools students learn how to be seasonal and regional eaters by Maureen Mackey Examiner Published 03/16/2009
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The future of food by Lois Heyman The Food Chain Published 03/16/2009
Two TV segments are available that deal with food issues. If you missed 60 Minutes profile on CBS of Alice Waters' involvement with the Slow Food movement, here it is below. Her Edible Schoolyard is a prototype for all the work being carried forward by the Farm to School Network, and that is being discussed at the NJ conference April 18. · Read the entire article.
Small, Green And Good by Catherine Tumber Counter Currents Published 03/14/2009
One of MLUI's highly successful programs is Farm to School, which is part of a growing nationwide movement that connects local farm products with school cafeterias. MLUI links the program to a larger state initiative based on a study showing that helping farmers sell to local supermarkets and farmer's markets could increase net farm income in Michigan by nearly 16 percent and generate up to 1,889 new jobs. · Read the entire article.
Local produce will fill Granville students' plates by Josh Jarman The Columbus Dispatch Published 03/14/2009
Granville could soon join a handful of schools across the country in bringing more farm-fresh food into its cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Oklahoma Sustainability Network Conference by Lisa Sharp Green Together Published 03/14/2009
The Oklahoma Sustainability Network is a group of people working to make Oklahoma a more sustainable place to live. They have chapters all over Oklahoma and are still growing. · Read the entire article.
Minnesota School Food Survey by Sam Hurst Gourmet.com Published 03/13/2009
A new commitment to childhood nutrition, coupled with the re-authorization of the School Lunch Program this year, will increase the opportunity to implement a little-known provision in the Farm Bill that encourages schools to use "local preference" to purchase fresh food from local farmers rather than relying on huge national commodity-distribution companies. It seems like a win-win proposition. What could be healthier for students or more economically sensible for farmers than connecting farmers directly to local schools? · Read the entire article.
Doom in the lunchroom by Matt Petryni Daily Emerald Published 03/12/2009
It's time to think about how schools can practice in the lunchroom what they preach in the classroom, to envision a school lunch program that is both healthy and ecologically sustainable. · Read the entire article.
Schools give N.C. sweet potato sticks a try In the Field Published 03/10/2009
Sweet potato sticks, a new item offered to schools through our Farm to School program, recently debuted in 27 school systems across the state. Wayne E. Bailey Produce in Chadbourn supplies the sweet potato sticks, which can be eaten raw with dip or prepared like French fries. · Read the entire article.
Healthier eating for the body - and the budget by Jon Baker Pawtucket Times Published 03/07/2009
During the first of several free "Eating Healthy on a Budget" workshops for parents and students at the Nathanael Greene Elementary School in Pawtucket, sponsored and conducted by Kids First, Inc., the Pawtucket School District's Wellness Committee and Sodexo Food Services through a grant by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island - was designed to provide parents an interactive, hand-on demonstration as to how to shop for and prepare more healthy meals with Rhode Island-grown vegetables and fruits. · Read the entire article.
Yolo County women honored at annual luncheon by Crystal Lee Daily Democrat Published 03/06/2009
Six Yolo County women were honored Thursday for "Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet," the theme of the 22nd Annual Women's History Month Luncheon. · Read the entire article.
Columbia Forum discovers you are what you eat by Deeda Shroeder The Daily Astorian Published 03/05/2009
Schreiber is an award-winning chef, managing the Oregon Department of Education's Farm to School program. At his ground-breaking Portland restaurant Wildwood, Schreiber helped define what's now widely understood to be Northwest regional cuisine. After opening the restaurant 13 years ago, he established relationships with farmers to keep his larders full of fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs, a practice that's much more common today. Schreiber left Wildwood in 2007, and for the last 15 months has been focusing his effort on bringing that farm-direct approach of food purchasing to the kitchens and cafeterias of Oregon's public school system. · Read the entire article.
Parents wonder whether Madison's school lunches are healthy for kids by Mary Ellen Gabriel The Capital Times Published 03/04/2009
The "hot lunch" line snakes out the door of the multipurpose room at Franklin Elementary School. Kids dressed in snow boots and parkas file past a table where a staff member is handing out plastic-wrapped containers of hot dogs and fries, canned peaches and a cookie. Forget trays or plates. · Read the entire article.
South Carolina Debates Farm to School Measure Post and Courier Published 03/03/2009
The South Carolina legislature is debating a bill that would help schools purchase and serve produce from local farms, the Charleston Post and Courier reports. The proposed Farm to School Act would encourage schools to purchase produce from local growers, helping to ensure that the food served to students is nutritious and minimally processed and bolstering the local and regional farming economy. · Read the entire article.
Feed students S.C. fresh The Post and Courier Published 03/03/2009
Pick a vegetable for your child's lunch: a squirt of catsup on his french fries or fresh, locally grown broccoli. The Legislature is considering a bill that likely would appeal to those of us who chose broccoli. The Farm to School Act would encourage school districts to purchase locally and regionally produced foods in order to improve nutrition and strengthen local and regional farm economies. · Read the entire article.
Aubertine, Gillibrand Write Letter To Vilsack To Change USDA Ruling by Robert Harding The Albany Project Published 03/02/2009
One of the items I discussed with Sen. Darrel Aubertine during my interview with him on Friday was his joint effort with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to write a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack asking him to change a USDA ruling that would allow fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally to be allowed into local schools. · Read the entire article.
School Garden Raising: A school looks beyond funding to realize their dream by Suzanne Welander Natural Awakenings Published 03/01/2009
Read how one school with no financial resources created an edible garden with the help of their community. · Read the entire article.
Former HCC café manager to represent school at conference Haywood County News Published 02/27/2009
The conference, "Going the Distance and Shortening it, From Farm to Cafeteria," will explore the challenges and opportunities that come with the success of the movement and explore growers' efforts to increase the supply of farm products to meet increasing demand. Farm to Cafeteria has gone the distance in the last decade, with the number of farm to school programs exploding from a handful of programs in the late 1990s to more than 2,000 today. There are 40 states with operational programs. · Read the entire article.
Farmers want school customers Education Report Published 02/27/2009
Farmers in southeast Michigan are looking for ways to sell their food to local schools, prisons and hospitals, according to The (Adrian) Daily Telegram, with some turning for help to a five-county government program called the Food System Economic Partnership. · Read the entire article.
Crabtree Farms Workshop Educates New Community Garden Groups Chattanoogan Published 02/27/2009
Crabtree Farms held a community garden start-up workshop entitled "From the Ground Up" this month, training seven new community garden groups on how to start and run a successful community garden. · Read the entire article.
Aubertine, Gillibrand Fighting for New York Farmers NewzJunky Published 02/27/2009
The 2008 Farm Bill through the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program authorizes schools to buy local produce that has not been processed for students to eat outside of school cafeteria programs. For convenience, the program operates best when this local produce has been washed, sliced and bagged, since it is eaten outside of the lunchroom. · Read the entire article.
Local food program draws national interest by Oka Hutchins Mount Desert Islander Published 02/27/2009
The concept of school "hot lunch" does not usually bring to mind images of creative, flavorful food made with fresh local produce. Take a trip to the Mustang Café at the Mount Desert Elementary School in Northeast Harbor, however, and that's exactly what you'll find. · Read the entire article.
Food, farm jobs filled Mount Desert Islander Published 02/27/2009
College of the Atlantic recently hired Heather Albert-Knopp and Alyssa Mack to support its commitment to local and global studies in food systems and organic agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Advocates brief Congress on food program by Ben Goad The Press Enterprise Published 02/26/2009
Rodney Taylor traveled thousands of miles this week so that the fruits and veggies headed to school cafeterias around the country wouldn't have to. Taylor, nutrition services director for the Riverside Unified School District, helped pioneer a national program that supports the use of produce from local farms on school menus. On Thursday, he and other advocates of the Farm to School Network gave a congressional briefing in Washington in hopes of finding federal funds to expand the program. · Read the entire article.
Senator Aubertine Appointed Chair of Legislative Commission on Rural Resources News LI Published 02/25/2009
Farm to Fork: This Commission will promote programs which build bridges between our state's farmers and organizations, such as schools, colleges, nursing homes and correctional facilities. This opens up new markets for our state's agriculture industry and provides healthy, local food for these organizations. · Read the entire article.
'The Amazing Food Detective' sends kids a fun message about healthy eating by Marty Hughley The Oregonian Published 02/24/2009
Meanwhile, Farm to School, another national program administered here through Portland Public Schools, aims to increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables served in school meals. · Read the entire article.
Five-county partnership works to get local crops into local markets by Erik Gable The Daily Telegram Published 02/24/2009
A partnership between government and industry leaders in five counties is trying to find new markets for southeast Michigan crops by making connections between local farmers and local customers such as restaurants and school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Small, Green and Good: The role of neglected cities in a sustainable future by Catherine Tumber Post Carbon Cities Published 02/23/2009
One of MLUI's highly successful programs is Farm to School, which is part of a growing nationwide movement that connects local farm products with school cafeterias. MLUI links the program to a larger state initiative based on a study showing that helping farmers sell to local supermarkets and farmer's markets could increase net farm income in Michigan by nearly 16 percent and generate up to 1,889 new jobs. · Read the entire article.
Property tax relief battle begins Plattsmouth Journal Published 02/23/2009
LB 130 (Dubas) - Creates the Farm to School Program Task Force. Awaiting action by the Agriculture Committee. Support. · Read the entire article.
New School Chef Touts Farm Fresh Menu by Melody Simmons WYPR Published 02/23/2009
hen city schools open next week, there will be a fresh peach waiting for each of Baltimore's 82-thousand students. The fruit will be trucked in from a rural farm in Carroll County. It will usher in a new culinary era in the public schools that will highlight a move to fresh, local specialties, including crab soup. · Read the entire article.
PTA Council Seeks Support For Healthy School Initiatives by Victoria Scott Evanston Round Table Published 02/18/2009
Farm-to-school programs - where schools receive locally grown produce to use in preparing their meals - could reduce the cost of school lunches as well as improve nutrition, said JLTF chair Bob Heuer. He added that State representative Julie Hamos plans to propose legislation later this month that would make locally-sourced fruits and vegetables and other food products more readily available for institutional markets like school-meal programs. Illinois consumers spend $48 billion a year on food. Even though Illinois is an agricultural state, 95 percent of its food comes from outside the state's borders, traveling an average of 1,500 miles to get here. According to the draft resolution, there are already 2,016 farm-to-school programs nationwide. · Read the entire article.
Bearing fruit by Michael Hohenbrink, Independence Bulletin Journal Published 02/17/2009
A unique program in the Independence Community School District is bearing fruit. Literally. "Joe [Olsen] and I both have started our Independence Area Chapter of Farm to School," explained Kelly Duritsa, Food Service Director. "So far, we have 13 official members, five of those are teachers, three are growers, one is our superintendent, and the rest are enthusiastic community members." · Read the entire article.
Plasticulture gives crops protection, cultivation Midwest Agnet Published 02/17/2009
This year the department is increasing its efforts to get plasticulture participants to sell directly to school systems. The department's Farm-to-School Coordinator Chris Kirby confirmed that increased demand for local foods has increased opportunities for small producers. Last year, the program attracted about 45 participants. This year the list already has more than 70 people. · Read the entire article.
The School Lunch Revolution by Kristen DeLeo Health News Published 02/16/2009
By spending so much time on elementary and middle school campuses, I'm privy to the world of school lunches. Yes, tater tots are still being served. Ketchup is still deemed a vegetable at some schools. Change is good - but there needs to be a revolution. · Read the entire article.
Making sense of fat tax' concept by Carole Estabrook The Citizen Published 02/15/2009
If the state is to have any influence on future generations, it should closely monitor and investigate the food that the state supplies for school lunches. And what items are available for purchase with food stamps. I know what I used to eat in school, and I can say that tremendous strides have been made in the last decade to promote farm to school programs, nutrition education and to encourage healthier choices. · Read the entire article.
Food activists weigh in with a wish list for Obama News-Press Published 02/14/2009
As the White House welcomes our first foodie president and a first lady who has publicly talked about buying organic produce and clearing high fructose corn syrup out of her cabinets, the Chicago culinary community is filled with hope. · Read the entire article.
Questions raised about ag consultant contract in Anderson County by Mike Ellis Independent Mail Published 02/12/2009
Baskets of strawberries await buyers at Hardy Berry Farms in Anderson in 2008. Anderson School District 5 will receive a shipment of strawberries from the farm as part of the Farm to School Program. · Read the entire article.
New Roots board members defend idea of charter school by Liz Lawyer Ithaca Journal Published 02/10/2009
Hamilton also announced that the school has received an additional $150,000 in federal grant money, approved by the SUNY board. The grant will go toward the school's Farm to School program, materials for community-based sustainability projects, co-sponsorship of a Talking Circle on Race through the Multicultural Resource Center, and renovations to make its building ADA compliant. · Read the entire article.
Web site aims to help Florida growers, schools by Ashley Bentley The Packer Published 02/10/2009
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched a Web site Feb. 2 meant to help connect school administrators with the state's growers. Called the Farm to School program, the program's goal is to get more Florida-grown produce into Florida schools by facilitating communication between the parties. · Read the entire article.
Nitty-gritty: How local food production and consumption work The Spooner Online Published 02/09/2009
The "Building Our Local Food Economy: Nourishing Northern Wisconsin" seminar featured presentations by several in the local food system and their efforts to buy and produce food for local consumption. Diann Parker of the Spooner School District talked about the district's Farm to School program, one of 10 programs of its kind to receive state funding. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School: A Conversation with Marion Kalb-part 3 Cooking Up A Story Published 02/09/2009
In this final segment, Marion Kalb, director of the Farm To School program, suggests practical ways to work with food service directors, and others, to bring fresh, locally produced foods, into the school cafeteria lunchroom. Kalb shares success stories of schools in different areas of the country that have offered kids fresh vegetables and fruits, demonstrating that they will develop wider tastes for these foods when given a proper chance. · Read the entire article.
"Real Food Is"? Video Contest Open for Youth Entries PA Farm News Published 02/08/2009
Students in kindergarten through college can enter the National Farm to School Program "Real Food is"? video contest through Feb. 8. The contest is intended to inform, inspire and encourage student advocacy to connect community, food, land and physical environment through Farm-to-Cafeteria programs. The winning videos will be prominently posted on YouTube.com in the spring and the winning directors will receive $1,000 for their cafeteria projects. · Read the entire article.
A call for Obama to change school lunch policy by China Millman Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Published 02/08/2009
For now, as part of the national Farm-To-School Network, Grow Pittsburgh is lobbying for grants that would be used to renovate or bring in new equipment that would allow local food into the school system. · Read the entire article.
Local news in brief by Chronicle Staff Bozeman Daily Chronicle Published 02/08/2009
Kyle Unland will talk about "Accessing Healthy Foods" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Bozeman Public Library's conference room. Unland is director of Washington's nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention program. His presentation will cover farm-to-school programs, restaurant nutrient labeling, bringing produce to rural areas, and food environments and how they impact community, school and worksite health. The program is free and open to the public. For information call Ninia Baehr, director of Montana nutrition and physical activity program, at 994-5686. · Read the entire article.
Dover school wins state grant by Howard Weiss Brattleboro Reformer Published 02/07/2009
The garden program at the Dover Elementary School is going to grow this year thanks to a Farm to School grant that was given out recently. The Dover school was one of 11 in the state to win the grant, which is awarded through a joint partnership of the Agency of Agriculture, the health and education departments and Vermont Food Education Every Day. · Read the entire article.
Local Greens Go to Local Schools by Heather Biance WCTV Published 02/06/2009
They say you are what you eat and in order to make sure students in Florida are getting a healthier start while at school, there's a new initiative that's linking local farmers with school districts. Organizers say the "Farm to School program is a win-win for everyone. · Read the entire article.
Darts & Laurels by The Alligator Editorial Board The Independent Florida Alligator Published 02/06/2009
As students in cafeterias statewide continue to devour sugar laden sweets, one man has emerged with a plan to clean up their diets. Under the "Farm to School" program, school districts will have the opportunity to incorporate locally grown produce onto their current lunch menus. For helping farmers and downsizing waistlines, the Department of Darts & Laurels proudly extends a say goodbye to cookies and chips LAUREL to Florida agricultural commissioner Charles Bronson. · Read the entire article.
School cafeterias to buy local The Gainesville Sun Published 02/05/2009
Florida's agriculture commissioner has stepped in as a matchmaker. Charles Bronson has come up with a plan to hook up school district food service programs with farmers and ranchers in their areas. · Read the entire article.
A foodie wish list for President Obama by Monica Eng Chicago Tribune Published 02/04/2009
Rochelle Davis, founding executive director of the Healthy Schools Campaign: Adequately fund school food programs "This includes increasing the federal reimbursement rate to $3.50 for lunch [it currently is $2.59], providing grants to schools for kitchen facilities that allow the preparation of healthful meals, grants for training of school-food workers, a commodity food program that supports health and support for farm-to-school programs that bring the freshest, healthiest produce to schools." · Read the entire article.
Program helps future farmers find land by Rob Chaney Missoulian Published 02/04/2009
Think of it as an agricultural dating service. Still productive, older farm acreage seeks young, vigorous farmer for long- or short-term relationship. Must enjoy outdoors, dirty fingernails and fresh food. That's the hope for Land Link Montana, a new service connecting landowners seeking land workers and vice versa. Founder Paul Hubbard said the seven-county program may preserve western Montana's agricultural heritage while boosting its local food production. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program Santa Rosa's Press Gazette Published 02/04/2009
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today unveiled a new program to increase the amount of locally grown produce available to Florida schools. The "Farm to School" program is designed to help Florida school district food service officials locate local farmers who want to sell fresh produce directly to schools. · Read the entire article.
State sees schools as farm customers by Ed Duggan South Florida Business Journal Published 02/04/2009
The state has unveiled a new Farm to School program, which not only will increase the amount of locally grown produce available to Florida schools, but also is intended to keep more of the food dollars spent within the state. · Read the entire article.
Just say local by Diane Dryden Washburn County Register Published 02/04/2009
This Spooner School is one of the 10 pilot schools that were chosen for this project and funded through the Farm to School grant from the state. Due to the grant, both McNutly and Anderson are paid for their part-time work from the AmeriCorps Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School: A Conversation with Marion Kalb 2 Cooking Up A Story Published 02/04/2009
Marion Kalb continues the conversation around the Farm To School program, acknowledging that added costs for fresh foods are a challenge, but also explaining practical ways to overcome some of those obstacles. Pointing out, in some cases, the cost of fresh, locally supplied foods are less expensive than their out of state counterparts. · Read the entire article.
Florida "Farm to School" Program Foster Folly News Published 02/03/2009
Every year, Florida schools spend millions of dollars for fresh produce. The Farm to School program is intended to open the door for more of those dollars to stay within Florida. · Read the entire article.
New Push for Local Produce in School Cafeterias First Coast News Published 02/02/2009
There's a new statewide effort to get home-grown foods into school cafeterias. Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson introduced the "Farm to School" program Monday morning. It's set up to allow local school districts to do business with local farmers who want to sell fresh produce directly to schools. · Read the entire article.
Santa Rosa farmers may get school contract by Carmen Paige Pensacola News Journal Published 02/02/2009
Santa Rosa County farmers may find their products on school cafeteria tables. School Board members want farmers to supply fresh produce as much as possible. So, they may re-establish the Farm To School Program · Read the entire article.
Souper Bowl of Caring this weekend Washburn County Register Published 02/02/2009
The fundraiser is held the weekend before the Super Bowl game as a food drive and fundraiser to help eradicate hunger in the community it serves. Those working on Spooner's event are: Americorps workers Dawn Wacek and Jamie Talbert, Farm to School Americorps workers Amber Anderson and Janine McNulty, and VISTA/Americorps worker Michelle Traxel. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School: A Conversation with Marion Kalb Cooking Up A Story Published 02/02/2009
Marion Kalb, director of the Farm to School program, part of the Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC), talks about the benefits to school kids, farmers, and rural communities when fresh, and local food is brought into the school lunch program for K-12 kids. · Read the entire article.
Turning tables on school lunches by Sharon Hong Times Union Published 02/01/2009
Frank Gillen and Briana Zeck, high school students on the youth panel, said people may think teenagers prefer junk food or fast food, but that isn't always the case. "In my history class half of the kids refuse to eat school lunch," said Zeck, a junior at Cobleskill-Richmondville. "They don't eat it because they don't know where it came from or what it went through." Zeck and Gillen said there aren't enough healthy options at school. · Read the entire article.
Conservation Hotlist by C.V.S.C. Columbia City Paper Published 01/31/2009
Farm to School Act (H.3179, Rep. Dan Cooper) PRIORITY This bill worked its way through the House and Senate without opposition last year, but failed to become law when the Senate ran out of time to vote on it at the end of session. Rep. Dan Cooper's bill, which encourages school districts to purchase locally and regionally produced foods in order to improve child nutrition and strengthen local farm economies, will have its first hearing this year in the House Agriculture Subcommittee. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Awareness Day Celebrated Vermont Agency of Agriculture Published 01/29/2009
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Food Education Every Day (VT FEED), in partnership with the Department of Health, and the Department of Education, recently announced the recipients of the 2009 Farm to School grants at a special ceremony at the Statehouse cafeteria. This year, grants were awarded to eleven schools. · Read the entire article.
More schools will feast on fresh food The Herald Published 01/29/2009
The recipients of the 2009 Farm to School grants were announced at a special ceremony at the Statehouse cafeteria. · Read the entire article.
Students plot local action by Alex Paul Gazette-Times Published 01/29/2009
Don't be surprised if you soon see locally grown food carrying a label created by students in Peg Cornell's AP Environmental Science class at Crescent Valley High School. One of the year-long projects is called Farm to School, and it is part of a nationwide program through which school districts buy produce from local farmers. · Read the entire article.
A Department of All Kinds of Agriculture by Deborah J. Kane Salem-News Published 01/28/2009
As the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack will have many proverbial rows to hoe. At his recent senate confirmation hearing, he got a small taste of just how many. · Read the entire article.
ASAP plans to launch kid-friendly version of local food guide and more by Jason Sanford Mountain Xpress Published 01/28/2009
In spring 2010, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) will launch new kid’s versions of its popular materials: the Local Food Guide and Local Food -Thousands of Miles Fresher bumper sticker. The sticker will be scaled down for a bike, and the kid sized guide will feature special contents and activities. “We want to give kids positive experiences with local food so they’ll form healthy eating habits,” says Emily Jackson of ASAP. “These fun materials—designed just for kids—make good choices appealing.” Publication of the local food bumper sticker and Local Food Guide for kids is made possible by funding from the Community Benefits Program of Mission Hospital. · Read the entire article.
Two school board members will not return by Julie French Ashland Daily Tidings Published 01/27/2009
Alexander currently serves on the farm-to-school and second language committees. She would like to continue to work on both of those projects after her term expires, she said. · Read the entire article.
Thornhill Elementary "shining" example of program's success Terrace Standard Published 01/27/2009
Joanne Bays, the provincial coordinator for the Farm to School initiative undertaken by the Public Health Association of BC, visited with school staff and others involved in the program as part of her road trip to the three Northwest schools with salad bars this week. · Read the entire article.
Frederick hosts Future Harvest-CASA conference by Caryl Velisek American Farm Published 01/27/2009
The 10th annual Conference of Future Harvest-CASA (Chesapeake Alliance For Sustainable Agriculture), was held Jan. 16-17 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center on what turned out to be two of the coldest days of the season so far. Also included in the two-day event were sessions on farm to school food production and producing food for hospitals, sustainable fruit, flower and vegetable production, finishing lambs on grass. grass-based pasture management and profitable grain and hay production. · Read the entire article.
Expanding local agriculture for health, healthy economy by Eva Clayton Winston-Salem Journal Published 01/25/2009
I write to ask Gov.-elect Bev Purdue and the General Assembly to take note. Building a local sustainable food economy in North Carolina can yield statewide economic development, create jobs and stop money from leaking out of the state in this time of recession. · Read the entire article.
A Department of All Kinds of Agriculture by Deborah J. Kane Oregon Live Published 01/23/2009
This year, legislators in Salem are considering a bill that would bring more Oregon-grown, -processed and -manufactured products into the public school lunchroom. Known as the "farm to school" bill, some have already assumed the legislation is intended to help small family farmers load up pickup trucks and head to schools with lovingly harvested organic broccoli. It is. The bill is also intended to support production agriculture in our state by making the school cafeteria a viable marketplace for all of Oregon agriculture. · Read the entire article.
From Farm to Fork: Building a sustainable food economy in North Carolina by Eva Clayton The Outer Banks Sentinel Published 01/23/2009
Farm-to-school programming and urban gardening is one approach to addressing obesity in children while simultaneously building a community-oriented food system. These programs utilize a wide variety of strategies geared toward increasing children's consumption of fresh, local foods while expanding market opportunities for local farmers. Win:Win. · Read the entire article.
Off Topic & Political by Sarah Hey Stand Firm Published 01/22/2009
Do you agree with the list of potential bills including: establish a Farm to School program that would foster greater use of locally grown food in schools. · Read the entire article.
Obesity Prevention Proposals Outlined The Pilot Published 01/22/2009
FirstHealth of the Carolinas has teamed up with community leaders, school personnel and medical professionals to make a difference for children in the mid-Carolinas. A Moore County proposal to pilot a farm-to-school fresh produce program to provide produce purchased directly from local farmers for three targeted schools and a day care center. Through the program, children will have access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Project planners hope that the project will highlight the value of providing locally grown foods in school cafeterias and encourage additional farm-to-school efforts. · Read the entire article.
Local food system development conference to be held in Spooner Washburn County Register Published 01/21/2009
Farmers, food system entrepreneurs and local business and government leaders are encouraged to attend Building Our Local Food Economy: Nourishing Northern Wisconsin, a local food system development conference aimed at bringing community members together to explore the increasing demand for local and organic food and the opportunities for Sustainable Community Development in Northern Wisconsin. · Read the entire article.
Farm program may sprout in Easton by Joel C. Thompson Connecticut Post Published 01/19/2009
The Board of Selectmen is evaluating the plan to return a portion of the town's Morehouse Road tract to farming activity that could include garden plots for children as well as a source of vegetables for the lunch program at town schools. "Land would be leased to interested growers, a small portion would be set aside as a student garden and an area would be designated for farm-to-school production," Tressler said. · Read the entire article.
Changing Ways by Mara Zepeda Philadelphia Weekly Published 01/19/2009
Name: Tegan Hagy Position: Mid-Atlantic Farm to School Coordinator, Food Trust Resolution: Rethink school lunches This spring Congress will reauthorize the Childhood Nutrition Act, which subsidizes school lunch programs. As it stands, each school receives $2.57 per student per lunch. About $.70 is used on food. The rest goes to salaries, benefits, cleaning fees and paper goods. And the food, Hagy explains, comes from "the cheapest, most highly processed foods agricultural surplus." Hagy is out to encourage Sen. Bob Casey and his colleagues to rewrite the bill, increasing reimbursement and inserting language that indicates a preference for locally sourced food. These improvements will support underserved children and local family farmers, and put "locavore" in the mouths of legislators. · Read the entire article.
From Farm-to-Fork: Building a sustainable food economy in N.C. by Eva Clayton Virgina/North Carolina News Published 01/19/2009
I write to ask Governor Purdue and the General Assembly to take note: Building a local sustainable food economy in North Carolina can yield statewide economic development, create jobs and stop money from leaking out of the state in this time of recession. And it comes with many additional benefits as well. · Read the entire article.
Group acts to improve life in Washington County by Steve Colhoun Bangor Daily News Published 01/16/2009
Other topics included a call for emphasis on proper nutrition, with childhood obesity cited as a major problem in Washington County, and concern over the high cancer rate. The farm-to-school program that has been implemented in some districts was noted as a valuable program. · Read the entire article.
Embrace new food rules Traverse City Record-Eagle Published 01/16/2009
Gov. Jennifer Granholm recently signed three new state laws intended to reduce complications for districts interested in buying local. The new farm-to-school initiatives removed bidding restrictions and require the state to help schools start their own programs. · Read the entire article.
Program connects farms, school by Oka Hutchins Mount Desert Islander Published 01/16/2009
Something's cooking in the kitchen of the Mount Desert Elementary School. Students here are excited by the culinary arts and the fresh, local produce that has become the cornerstone of the school's food service program. That excitement has led the school's administrators to pursue a dynamic food service program that includes increased education and interaction with food and the local growers who produce it. The program fosters the connection between local growers and the student population of about 160 kids. The farm-to-school program has even landed the elementary school recognition on the "Martha Stewart Show." · Read the entire article.
Farm to School in Minnesota by Jean Ronnie and JoAnne Berkenkamp WCCO Radio Published 01/10/2009
Tune in for a great interview with JoAnne Berkenkamp, Program Director, Local Foods at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and Jean Ronnie, head of St. Paul nutrition services. · Read the entire article.
Mount Desert Farm to School Program by Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Published 01/09/2009
Martha Stewart takes us to Northeast Harbor, Maine, for a look at the inspiring "farm to school" lunch program of Mount Desert Elementary. · Read the entire article.
How to fight America's obesity epidemic by Richard A. Daynard and Mark Gottlieb The Boston Globe Published 01/08/2009
Public health, unlike the banking, insurance, or automobile industries, cannot be rescued or bailed out. Prevention is the only viable option. A sophisticated and aggressive federal approach to obesity is needed. Promote and fund innovative farm-to-schools and farm-to-community programs to support local farmers and increase access to locally grown food. · Read the entire article.
Farming study aims to aid ag industry by Ingrid Stegemoeller Tri-city Herald Published 01/07/2009
Food and agriculture were worth $42 billion in Washington in 2007, making them among the state's largest employers. · Read the entire article.
Buy Local Workshops Offered for Farmers, Local Foods Supporters Wisconsin Ag Connection Published 01/07/2009
Farmers, restaurant owners, food retailers, educators and others interested in supporting the growth of local foods are invited to attend one of four Buy Local workshops being held around the state. · Read the entire article.
Montana Food Efforts a Good Model for Hard Times by Rose Hayden-Smith Huffington Post Published 01/06/2009
Local food systems -- including farm-to-institution programs -- can mean real money for local farmers, local food processors and local/state economies. And the state of Montana has an excellent model for this. · Read the entire article.
Nourishing N.C.'s economy by Eva Clayton The News & Observer Published 01/05/2009
overnor-elect Beverly Purdue and the General Assembly take note: Building a local sustainable food economy in North Carolina can yield statewide economic development, create jobs and stop money from leaking out of the state in this time of recession. And it comes with many additional benefits as well. · Read the entire article.
Consumer Wellness Center Announces $1000 Nutritional Grant Award for Corvallis "Farm to School" Pr by Mike Adams Natural News Published 01/05/2009
Our second well-deserved Consumer Wellness Nutritional Grant Award is awarded to The Corvallis Environmental Center for their "Farm to School Program." "We are thrilled to support the CEC's efforts to teach schoolchildren about real food," said Mike Adams, the Executive Director of the Consumer Wellness Center and the creator of the Nutrition Grant Program. "This is the kind of activity that's needed throughout modern society to reconnect children with food and health. I hope this becomes a model of food education that's replicated throughout the nation." · Read the entire article.
Bill calls for school districts to give equal treatment to charter schools by Ron Barnett The Greenville News Published 01/04/2009
A Greenville County legislator has pre-filed a bill that would require school districts to "not deny" a charter school "anything that is otherwise available to a public school." Other education-related measures that have been pre-filed would: * establish a Farm to School program that would foster greater use of locally grown food in schools. · Read the entire article.
Gardening: Neighbors can help grow healthy living by Molly Day Muskogee Phoenix Published 12/31/2008
A neighborhood can put its resources together to grow a bountiful garden of salad vegetables, flavorful melons, zucchini and winter squash to serve family and friends. · Read the entire article.
Aramark's Cool*Caf draws kids to healthy eating by Ashley Bentley The Packer Published 12/30/2008
A new cafeteria format designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and encourage healthy choices by children is set to be introduced in hundreds of schools in 2009. · Read the entire article.
OSU taste tests grain-fed vs. grass-fed beef in Portland schools by Oregon State University Extension Service Oregon Natural Resource Report Published 12/30/2008
Children can tell the difference between grass- and grain-fed beef, but when it comes to preference, they're evenly split, according to taste tests that Oregon State University conducted at two grade schools in Portland. Portland Public Schools asked OSU to conduct the surveys as part of its effort to serve more locally produced food. The district had been considering serving hamburger patties made from local grass-fed cattle instead of the grain-fed beef that it now serves and whose origin is unknown to the district. · Read the entire article.
Reaping the fruits of his labor by Peter Frost Daily Press Published 12/27/2008
Public schools, colleges and health care facilities also have become big customers in the last two decades, as those institutions began to demand more fresh products through initiatives like Virginia's Farm-to-School Program. · Read the entire article.
Lansing Passes a Farm-to-School Test by Diane Conners Great Lakes Bulletin News Service Published 12/26/2008
Michigan's lawmakers and the governor just gave school children, farmers, and the state's economy a tasty end-of-year holiday present: Legislation that supports schools' expanding efforts to buy healthy, locally grown food for cafeteria meals and snacks. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Project High Country Press Published 12/25/2008
The goal is for the community and school personnel to enthusiastically support continuing to purchase the high quality produce from local growers, and for children to enjoy produce that they may not otherwise have a chance to. · Read the entire article.
State ready to slash budget by Cookson Beecher Capital Press Published 12/24/2008
The Agriculture Department, which would have a $129.6 million budget, would see a 12 percent cut in the money coming from the state's General Fund. The proposed cuts include: - One of the 2.5 positions in the new farm-to-school program. · Read the entire article.
What's on Santa's Plate? by Diane Gale Andreassi Ann Arbor News Published 12/24/2008
Sara Aeschbach, Ann Arbor School District director of community education and recreation, will treat Santa to locally grown foods. The district has a Farm to School program that helps teach kids about the food system by nudging them to ponder where food comes from; promote healthy eating and encourage them to try new foods. · Read the entire article.
Hilltop School students give healthy snacks rave reviews by Jennifer Keefe Foster's Daily Democrat Published 12/23/2008
If the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," is true, the students at Hilltop School just might put the medical industry out of business. The fresh fruits and vegetables program, or FFVP, is a new opportunity awarded through a $10,000 grant from the N.H. Department of Education Division of Program Support, Bureau on Nutrition Programs and Services. The program offers students the opportunity to try one new healthy snack each day. · Read the entire article.
Bill to add $22M to school lunches by Erin Mills The East Oregonian Published 12/20/2008
Farm to School initiative aiming to put Oregon food in Oregon schools. Known so far as the 2009 Farm to School bill, it asks the legislature to spend $22 million to supplement school lunch programs. The bill would add 15 cents toward every lunch and 7 cents toward every breakfast that is served in Oregon public schools. The catch is that schools who wish to participate in the program must use the money to purchase Oregon-produced food. Furthermore, in order to qualify for the extra 15 or 7 cents, schools must prove they are spending an equal amount of national school food program funds on Oregon foods. · Read the entire article.
Tri-district school boards create committee to review, improve school lunches by Laura Modlin Easton Courier Published 12/19/2008
The tri-district board of education has created an ad hoc committee to review and improve the quality of the lunches served in Easton and Redding schools, as well as to seek ways to incorporate more locally grown foods into those meals. The committee was created in response to parental concerns about where the food their children eat in school comes from, and how that can affect a school meal's overall quality and nutritional value. · Read the entire article.
Senator Whipple's Richmond Report by Mary Margaret Whipple Falls Church News-Press Published 12/18/2008
Farm-to-school programs that provide locally-grown fruits and vegetables for school lunches; healthy snacks, juices and water in vending machines; nutrition classes in the community; menu labeling; and more were suggested. And we can each do our part. · Read the entire article.
Let by Sierra Club Santa Lucia Chapter New Times Published 12/18/2008
According to Frances Moore Lappe, author of Diet for a Small Planet, "A study of 57 countries with about 13 million farmers has shown 50 to 100 percent increases in yields where farmers are using local resources and organic sustainable methods." Sounds good to us. Let's put the policies in place that will give us that kind of food security. · Read the entire article.
Mr. Diabetes(R) Completes 10,000+ Mile Walk of U.S. Perimeter by Defeat Diabetes Foundation The Earth Times Published 12/18/2008
Programs that focus on diabetes, nutrition and obesity are critical. Access to healthy food through farmer's markets, community and school gardens, farm-to-school programs and food cooperatives are just a few of the components to reducing the rates of diabetes. · Read the entire article.
Locavore: A Word to Live By by Gwen Roland Mother Earth News Published 12/18/2008
I don't know what the word of the year will be for 2008, but for those of us who know the satisfaction of eating food grown within hollering distance of our kitchens, locavore is good enough to live by for another year. · Read the entire article.
H.G. Hill Middle School benefits from food grant funding by Lea Ann Overstreet Allen The Tennessean Published 12/17/2008
Several local schools and community groups recently received $2,650 in grant funding from Food Security Partners of Middle Tennessee to increase the amount of healthy food available to them. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school lunch organizer sees benefits for all by Eric Gaertner Muskegon Chronicle Published 12/15/2008
If we could actually have a food system that had fresh, healthy, local food here grown by local farmers for our kids, it would result in many, many positives. The first of which, all that money that was spent on those 417,000 lunches could go to local farmers and local food providers. · Read the entire article.
Easton studying farm-fresh school menus by Joel C. Thompson Connecticut Post Published 12/15/2008
A new committee, established to oversee the bidding process for a lunch provider in the Easton and Redding schools, also will explore whether fresh foods from some of the region's farms can be added to school lunch menus. The Easton, Redding and Region 9 school boards at their annual joint meeting last week agreed to set up the committee both to manage the bidding process for the lunch contract and to address the "farm-to-school" issue that has arisen among parents in both towns. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School: Students eating fresh produce grown locally by Autumn Grooms LaCrosse Tribune Published 12/14/2008
The Viroqua School District has developed a program that channels locally grown fruits and vegetables into the cafeterias. Farm to School started this year in Viroqua and is part of a rising trend nationwide. Some districts dabble with school gardens and orchards, while others partner with local farmers or ranchers for food. The Wisconsin State AmeriCorps, meanwhile, awarded Vernon and Crawford counties resources to start Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
Blue Cross Foundation Awards $660,000 in Grants to Improve Community Health Market Watch Published 12/12/2008
White Earth Land Recovery Project, Callaway, Minn., $60,000 for the Farm to School project on the White Earth Reservation, protecting the health of children by addressing pesticide contamination issues, promoting reservation-wide strategies to reduce environmental pollution, increasing the consumption of fresh locally grown and organic foods, and strengthening the local economy. · Read the entire article.
A reach for local foods by Michael White The News-Review Published 12/11/2008
Farmers, state officials, food distributors and school food directors huddled last week in U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer's Long Island offices to craft a plan for offering locally grown produce in New York schools. · Read the entire article.
What's for lunch? Less junk by Christian Gaston Pamplin Media Group Published 12/11/2008
Grant helps Portland Public Schools feed kids more local food. Kristy Obbink, director of nutrition services at PPS, says that the district's Harvest of the Month and Local Lunch programs, which put farm-fresh produce on cafeteria plates twice a month, has her questioning the assumption that kids won't eat healthy foods. It turns out students kind of like parsnips. · Read the entire article.
Weak economy puts more kids in line for free meals, report says CNN Published 12/11/2008
The sagging economy is taking a bite out of federal school-meal subsidies as more students take advantage of free or low-price breakfasts and lunches, nutritionists say in a report released Thursday. About 425,000 more students are participating in the National School Lunch Program, a group reports. The School Nutrition Association surveyed more than 130 school nutrition directors from 38 states to produce its report, "Saved by the Lunch Bell: As Economy Sinks, School Nutrition Program Participation Rises." · Read the entire article.
New broccoli fans keen for green by Matt Neznanski Gazette-Times Published 12/10/2008
How do you know you've got great broccoli? Elementary school children come back for seconds. Or thirds. Wednesday's effort was the third tasting table set up by the Corvallis Environmental Center's Farm to School program, designed to increase the amount of locally grown foods served in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Haywood Community College Serves Student-Grown Produce by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project Haywood Published 12/10/2008
This spring, the greens served in Haywood Community College's cafeteria couldn't have been more local-they were grown at the college. · Read the entire article.
Schools take part in Farm to School fundraiser Montana's News Station Published 12/09/2008
Rather than pedaling cookies and candy to friends and family, students from two area schools are trying to raise money by selling healthy, Montana-made food products. The Farm to School fundraiser is a pilot program sponsored by Montana Team Nutrition Program of MSU as a way to support schools in implementing their school wellness policy and support Farm to School Programs. · Read the entire article.
WSDA's Farm-to-school workshop Thursday by Ingrid Stegemoeller Tri-City Herald Published 12/09/2008
A day-long workshop Thursday, Dec.11, will launch the Washington State Department of Agriculture's new Farm-to-School program and aims to build connections between growers and schools. The free workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Puyallup, with video conferencing available at Washington State University Extension offices, including Kennewick. · Read the entire article.
Willmar Model brings kids local foods Minn Post Published 12/08/2008
Youngsters in the Willmar, Minn., school district are like kids everywhere: they love sweet corn and slices of apples and don't care so much for squash. The difference for these students is that the corn, apples, squash and even fresh bison comes from farms and orchards in Kandiyohi County and the surrounding areas. The Willmar Model, as it is called, is an ambitious attempt at a farm-to-school program in Minnesota, part of a national movement to get children to eat healthy, locally grown foods while helping nearby producers find new markets. · Read the entire article.
New Law Will Increase Fresh, Local Foods in Schools Michigan House Democrats Published 12/08/2008
State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) praised a bipartisan plan signed into law today that creates farm-to-school initiatives to help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
WSDA Farm-to-School workshop will improve kids' access to healthy Washington foods by Jason Kelly Washington State Department of Agriculture Published 12/08/2008
Washington State Department of Agriculture's (WSDA) new Farm-to-School Program launches this week with a free, all-day workshop on building successful farm-to-school connections in local communities. · Read the entire article.
Farm income seen holding steady by Ted Shelsby The Baltimore Sun Published 12/07/2008
The 2009 conference of Future Harvest-CASA, considered one of the more comprehensive annual sustainable agriculture discussions in the Mid-Atlantic region, will be held Jan. 16 -17. · Read the entire article.
New guide links farms, schools by Richard Roth The Independent Published 12/06/2008
A Farm to School Guide and Directory for the Hudson-Mohawk area is now available online from Cornell Cooperative Extension. The guide offers assistance to school food service directors interested in buying local food, and to farmers who want to expand local markets. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school workshops slated by Cookson Beecher Capital Press Published 12/05/2008
Washington state Extension agents and other ag professionals are invited to attend a workshop about farm-to-school connections. The workshop will provide information about how to help growers expand their local markets and provide access to more fresh foods for school children. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at the D.F. Allmendinger Center at the Washington State University research center in Puyallup. · Read the entire article.
Choices 4 Health at work to promote healthy living Oakville Beaver Published 12/05/2008
These will include a Farm to School program to promote eating more local fresh fruit and vegetables · Read the entire article.
What's for lunch? by Chloe Johnson The Wire Published 12/04/2008
One Seacoast middle school lunch menu lists hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets and, once a week, pizza. While these entrees are sometimes supplemented with celery sticks or peas and carrots, some parents and educators want to see more healthy food delivered to schools fresh from local farms. · Read the entire article.
Schumer wants local farms' produce in school cafeterias by Jennifer Sinco Kelleher News Day Published 12/04/2008
Dismayed that Long Island schools are serving students mostly processed food, Sen. Charles Schumer said yesterday he wants to see more products from local farms in New York cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
PURS to fold under limited budget by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 12/04/2008
Recently added positions the governor proposed to fund include the department's farm-to-school and renewable energy positions - two positions at risk because of their short tenures. · Read the entire article.
Test Kitchen by Sarah Lemon Mail Tribune Published 12/03/2008
Farm-to-school program gets a tryout in Ashland School District; 'It's 'great to try something new' · Read the entire article.
OK-Farm to School programs promote proper nutrition in schools by Candice Adson Oklahoma Insider Published 12/01/2008
A program that intends to provide students with healthy foods while increasing their knowledge of nutrition and agriculture is being developed in many states, including Oklahoma. Farm to School programs allow a school to purchase fresh produce from local farmers and often incorporate nutrition lessons in the classrooms. The program is supported by both farmers looking for new markets and school advocates of health and nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Plow on The Frederick News Post Published 11/30/2008
We have a part to play, too -- by nurturing an agri-centric economy. This entails doing things like continuing to buy locally and supporting the ongoing development of initiatives like Maryland's new Farm to School program. Signed into law in May, the program helps procure local Maryland produce for school menus and promotes the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week to support Maryland agriculture through school meal and classroom programs and interaction between students and local farmers. · Read the entire article.
Memorial held for woman who promoted agriculture Ventura County Star Published 11/26/2008
Sheri Rudd Klittich was involved in the Farm to School program, which connects local growers with the school lunch program, and the Ag Futures Alliance, where she worked to advance sustainable agriculture in the county. · Read the entire article.
Lopez Principal to retire and embark on new journey by Colleen Armstrong Islands Weekly Published 11/25/2008
Some of the major events during MacNichol's tenure include the secondary school converting to block scheduling; developing the alternative high school program; bringing the graduation rate up to 98 percent, and the college-bound rate to 95 percent; organizing an annual middle school fall retreat at Camp Nor'Wester; helping the Farm to School program take off; and fostering a relationship with the Lopez Island Family Resource Center through the Readiness to Learn grant. · Read the entire article.
Oregon House Democrats release "Job Creation and Family Support Plan" by Carla Axtman Blue Oregon Published 11/25/2008
In a Salem press conference today, House Speaker-Designee Dave Hunt and Majority Leader Mary Nolan rolled out the Dems initial plan for job creation and family support including an increase of farm to school programs. · Read the entire article.
Seeds of change by Jill Rosen The Baltimore Sun Published 11/24/2008
Organic farm will give city school students a chance to get their hands dirty while learning about nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Harvest Festival Brings the Country To Children with Developmental Disabilities by Brooklyn Eagle Brooklyn Daily Eagle Published 11/21/2008
The sights, sounds, tastes and smells of autumn in the country were recently enjoyed by a group of students from John Bowne High School's agriculture department and the special needs children attending Block Institute at its' 2008 Harvest Festival. · Read the entire article.
Legislation seeks to make it easier for Michigan farmers to supply school cafeterias by Beth Loechler The Grand Rapids Press Published 11/21/2008
In an effort to get more Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables onto school lunch trays, legislators have sponsored a package of bills that would make it easier for local farmers to sell to schools. · Read the entire article.
Bloomfield High students prepare menu for capitol meeting by Nancy Davis Bloomfield Journal Published 11/20/2008
When members of the Working Lands Alliance sat down for lunch recently at the state capitol, the potato leek soup on the menu had ingredients grown by students in Bloomfield High's Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Easton school board may "go green" with school lunches by Laura Modlin Easton Courier Published 11/20/2008
The Easton Board of Education have set in motion two new projects that could help make the town's schools healthier and greener. At their meeting Tuesday evening, first up on their agenda was the farm to school initiative, an effort spearheaded by Victor Alfandre, a parent of students at Samuel Staples Elementary School. · Read the entire article.
Local foods help schools improve diet by Dorothy Brayley The Newport Daily News Published 11/20/2008
Sodexo Inc., the company that provides lunches and breakfasts to the city's public schools, agreed to support the "Rhode Island Farm to School" program and serve homegrown Rhode Island produce, including apples, potatoes, broccoli, carrots and string beans. The company also agreed to work through a local produce company, Community Fruit, to expand the program whenever possible. · Read the entire article.
School Health Success Stories-Nevitt Forest Elementary School by South Carolina Educational Television SC ETV Published 11/20/2008
In an effort to improve student nutrition, Nevitt Forest Elementary School in Anderson, SC partners with Palmetto Agriculture Consultants, the Anderson County Farmers Market, Clemson University, and local farmers. This segment highlights the "Grow With Me" program, which includes the use of school gardens and integration of fresh fruits and vegetables and nutrition education throughout the academic curriculum. · Read the entire article.
Halton program brings produce to local school by Tim Whitnell Burlington Post Published 11/19/2008
Halton Region wants to bring fresh, locally-grown produce into the area's elementary schools, and it plans to do so through the Farm to School Committee. · Read the entire article.
Teach (and Feed) Your Children Well by Trista Scheuerlein Flavor Published 11/17/2008
Local food and public schools don't have to be strangers. · Read the entire article.
Healthy school lunches on the menu by Margaret Stafford San Mateo Daily Journal Published 11/17/2008
Schools - particularly public schools - face several obstacles before starting a farm-to-school program, advocates say. Many schools do not have the kitchen facilities or skilled labor needed to provide more than heat-and-serve meals. "Schools often don't see food or cafeterias as a major investment," said Anupama Joshi, co-director of the national Farm To School network. "It's really sad because research has shown that the food we serve our kids can help them facilitate learning and is tied to performance." · Read the entire article.
Good people doing great things Daily Democrat Published 11/16/2008
Yolo Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization, hosted the Yolo County Philanthropy Day Awards last week at the Heidrick Ag History Center. Ten Yolo County Nonprofits participated. Thirty-seven awards were given. · Read the entire article.
North Jersey gets local into schools' lunch rooms by Tamara Scully American Farm Published 11/15/2008
Here in New Jersey, putting "local" on the menu of school lunches has launched lunch into fashion, as thousands of children in schools in the northern regions of the Garden State now eat locally-grown food as a regular part of every lunch. Recent school lunch nutrition efforts have focused on establishing healthy eating habits and putting those lessons to practice in school lunch lines. · Read the entire article.
What I'm Into: Katharine Monstream: Artist, mother, soccer fan by Myra Mathis-Flynn Burlington Free Press Published 11/14/2008
We are also supporting Farm to School where local farmers bring local food to our cafeterias. So we will be raffling off original paintings to support them. · Read the entire article.
Improve School Lunches with Locally Grown Food by Laura Weldon Natural News Published 11/14/2008
Connecting school lunch programs directly to local farms is good for everyone. Schools save money, farmers find nearby buyers and student health improves. · Read the entire article.
Ashland starts Farm to School program by Andrea Pettes KDRV Published 11/13/2008
The Ashland School District has partnered with the Ashland Food Co-op to teach the young kids about locally grown products. Beginning Thursday, the Farm to School Program will allow kids at Ashland schools to enjoy the same locally grown foods as Co-op customers. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School Program launches new website by Chris Kirby High Plains Journal Published 11/13/2008
The state agriculture department has created an Oklahoma Farm to School website to give schools, agricultural producers and others an inside look at its program designed to put Oklahoma foods in our school lunch programs. Located at www.okfarmtoschool.com, the website offers Oklahomans a chance to become involved with the program and learn about efforts to help schools connect with local farmers and provide children with fresh, locally grown foods. · Read the entire article.
School Garden Teach Kids by Kathryn Nichols School Garden Weekly Published 11/13/2008
New school gardens are blooming in California's Monterey County with almost every year. Teachers and administrators are finding that the garden can be woven into just about every aspect of the curriculum, even history, cultural studies, foreign languages, and English. · Read the entire article.
Makeovers for school lunches by Doug Gruse PostStar Published 11/12/2008
Saratoga Springs and several other local schools have been working to incorporate fresh food into daily meals by seeking fruits and vegetables from local farmers. The schools are part of a growing Farm to Schools initiative nationwide. · Read the entire article.
Bistro Kids makes healthy eating main course at schools by Tammy Worth Kansas City Business Journal Published 11/12/2008
Pork enchiladas, honey mustard turkey breast and bison tacos are not typical school lunch fare. But Bistro Kids is not a typical school lunch program. Run by Chef Kiersten Firquain, Bistro Kids is the first for-profit lunch program in the area that follows the Farm to School Program, a national organization that helps connect local farmers with area schools. · Read the entire article.
OU's use of local foods rises by Sharon Dowell News OK Published 11/11/2008
Local products make up 15 percent of all products used in the University of Oklahoma's food service operations, and an official said that percentage is growing. "We're moving more and more every day, going for a certain percentage," said Dot Flowers, general manager for marketing and nutritional analysis for housing and food services at OU. "We're hoping to reach 30 percent of what we purchase being local." · Read the entire article.
Local, healthy eating program launches for lunch by Steve Arstad Keremeos Review Published 11/11/2008
The Public Health Association of BC launched the "Farm to School Salad Bar" initiative last Tuesday in a two day celebration. · Read the entire article.
Oklahoma Education Briefs NewsOK Published 11/10/2008
The state Department of Agriculture has created an Oklahoma Farm to School Web site to give schools, agricultural producers and others an inside look at its program designed to put Oklahoma foods in our school lunch programs. The Web site, www.okfarmtoschool.com, offers Oklahomans a chance to become involved and learn about efforts to help schools connect with local farmers and provide the state's children with fresh, locally grown foods. · Read the entire article.
An apple a day by Matthew Wilde WCF Courier Published 11/10/2008
Many of the youngsters ignored their bologna sandwiches, crackers and soup, and stuffed their faces with the fruit first. Some even said candy bars would play second fiddle to apples. That's music to Sue Burrack's ears. Starmont's food service coordinator said that means the district's healthy eating initiative is working, and the state's "A" is for Apple Initiative, part of the Farm to School Program, is a big part of it. · Read the entire article.
School menus freshen up by Stephen J. Hedges and Jo Napolitano Chicago Tribune Published 11/09/2008
Once the province of tater tots, reheated burgers and chocolate milk, school lunches are increasingly featuring local produce and healthy foods as administrators battle rising food prices and expanding student waistlines. A movement that began a decade ago by putting fresh produce into a few California schools is now active in 2,000 school districts in 39 states, according to the National Farm to School project. · Read the entire article.
Springport students celebrate locally grown food by Shepker Jackson Citizen Patriot Published 11/08/2008
Springport students know the sources of their food, from the grain fields that dot the rural landscape to the poultry and livestock they raise in the schoolyard. · Read the entire article.
Eastonites farm ideas for fresh food by Joel C. Thompson Connecticut Post Published 11/08/2008
Plans for a greenhouse and large vegetable garden at Staples Elementary School are on a menu of ideas being considered as ways to provide fresh produce for the school lunch program and to enrich the curriculum. · Read the entire article.
Ojai film series focuses on food, agriculture and environmental issues by Lisa McKinnon Ventura County Star Published 11/06/2008
Organized by Food for Thought Ojai, a nonprofit group devoted to implementing farm-to-school salad bars and other health-related programs, the series includes documentaries and short films that focus on food, agriculture and the environment. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown helpings by Lauren M. Whaley Jackson Hole News & Guide Published 11/05/2008
The best response to an increasingly dire financial crisis is to take a deep breath and return to our communities, says the founder of Slow Food in the Tetons. · Read the entire article.
Cultivating Minds: Food-Related Curricula Take Root Nationwide by Bernice Yeung Edutopia Published 11/05/2008
Rochester Roots is one of many public school programs nationwide that uses food as a pathway to learning. The concept, popularized by chef Alice Waters's Edible Schoolyard and the Community Food Security Coalition's Farm to School programs, has been quietly gaining momentum over the past decade. As Americans sharpen their focus on education, health, and climate change, more states and school districts are embracing food-related curricula to teach topics as varied as chemistry, nutrition, and environmentalism. Many believe the vegetable's time as a teaching tool has finally come. · Read the entire article.
Area project kicks off anti-obesity push by Scott Nicholson The Watauga Democrat Published 11/04/2008
The Watauga County Childhood Obesity Prevention Project officially launched Oct. 29 at Watauga Medical Center, with planning already under way for a sustained program to promote healthy behaviors among the young and enhance physical fitness and nutrition. Farm-to-school programs will help children understand the connection between meals and local produce, and high school students will be surveyed about their health behaviors. · Read the entire article.
Schools cafeterias opt for local produce by Ashley Wilson Citizen-Times Published 11/03/2008
The local food movement has made its way into school cafeterias across Western North Carolina. With an increased emphasis on healthier cafeteria food and changes to the farm bill, more area school districts, including Buncombe County and Asheville City, are turning to local farms to get fresh produce for school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Greg Clark Q and A Addison Independent Published 11/03/2008
The Vermont-made label means something in many parts of the world so I'm supportive of the marketing of Vermont farm products. I will continue to support the current use program, the farm viability program, the buy locally and farm to school programs. · Read the entire article.
Woodland Heights to receive funding from USDA The Citizen of Laconia Published 10/31/2008
The Laconia School District announced that the Woodland Heights Elementary School is a recipient of funding under the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. · Read the entire article.
Oregon schools embrace local produce programs by Don Schrack The Packer Published 10/31/2008
It was a simple, yet challenging concept: a healthful environment and community can exist amidst a robust economy. A Portland, Ore.-based non-profit organization, with assistance from growers, food processors and retailers - and a nearly $300,000 grant from the Kaiser-Permanente Community Fund - is taking its message of a healthful environment and community into Portland Public Schools. · Read the entire article.
Michigan Farm to School Web site NBC25 Published 10/31/2008
A new state Web site is helping match schools up with local food producers to help boost Michigan's economy and encourage students to eat healthier. · Read the entire article.
Michigan Farm to School Web site TV 7 Published 10/31/2008
The idea of the Michigan Farm to School Web site is to create an easy resource for schools to plan local agriculture related projects. Projects like helping schools get local food for school meals programs, designing fundraisers that involve local agricultural products, and creating things like school gardens, planning farmer visits to school classrooms and cafeterias, and school field trips to local farms. · Read the entire article.
Stewardship conference in Anderson targets sustainable agriculture by James Rubinstein Independent-Mail Published 10/31/2008
Sustainable agriculture is about a system of agriculture that takes into account the triple bottom line: environmental, social and economic concerns and by taking into account all three of these things agriculture can be a part of everyone's life, say agriculture experts. · Read the entire article.
The Farm-to-Schools Movement: Schools across the state serve up change by Rebecca Mayer The Lake Oswego Review Published 10/30/2008
Corn dogs and tator tots are being voted out of school cafeterias across the country. Unless of course they're made from scratch with local, all-natural ingredients. Lunch ladies (and gents) are pioneering a food movement from coast to coast that encompasses a variety of more healthful options: from farm-to-schools programs and scratch kitchens to organic, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. The National Farm-to-School Network dates back to a 2000 project funded by the USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems. The aim is to not only put local food on the table for schoolkids but to help students to understand where food comes from and how food choices affect our bodies and the environment · Read the entire article.
Fresh concept goes to school by Laura Diamond The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 10/30/2008
The school changed its food ordering practices this year to use more farm-fresh and seasonal items from the region. At the same time, the school is reducing its reliance on frozen fruits and vegetables as well as produce from far-flung areas. The change is part of the school's long-standing sustainability efforts and reflects a national trend to buy local. · Read the entire article.
Who has what it takes? by Harmony Groves The Lumber Jack Published 10/29/2008
Susan Ornelas is a long-time community leader and a firm advocate for sustainable agriculture and local food. I am very impressed by her work establishing our local Farm-to-School program to improve the health of local children and the viability of local farms. · Read the entire article.
Damariscotta River Grill Prepares for an Exciting November with Fourth Annual Harvest Dinner and Com Maine Business Published 10/29/2008
The FARMS project promotes farm-to-school activities throughout Maine by connecting classrooms, cafeterias, local farms and communities through its goal of educating students on good nutrition and the role that local farms play in promoting healthy communities. · Read the entire article.
School to open salad bar Terrace Standard Published 10/28/2008
Mom may have told you to eat your vegetables at mealtimes and even maybe served fruit for dessert to raise healthy children. Now mom's advice is moving into the classroom for lunch. · Read the entire article.
Vision Award Winners Announced by Karen Bengstron Nemours Enterprise Published 10/28/2008
Nemours Health and Prevention Services, a division of Nemours, announced two winners of their Vision Awards, designed to recognize exemplary programs in child health promotion. The recipients are Delaware Farms to Delaware Schools, a program of the Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware, and WISE SNAC Building Healthy Schools and Communities, a program of the Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania. · Read the entire article.
A+ Lunch: New Haven gives children, more healthful, locally-grown choices by Elizabeth Benton New Haven Register Published 10/26/2008
Kindergartner Khaliyah Kelly tried a red pepper this week. Khaliyah's intrepid venture is something the school district hopes to make routine through its recently overhauled school lunch program, which aims to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables and more healthful fare. · Read the entire article.
Let's Do Lunch by Faye Whitbeck The Daily Journal Published 10/24/2008
Regulations aside, the experts say student lunches are currently loaded with high-fat, nutrient-poor cheeseburgers and hotdogs, chips and other foods which don't promote good health. The negative indications of health findings in children have likely started a national trend to start paying attention to what foods are available to kids. Schools across the country are becoming more focused on adding fruits, vegetables, salads and healthier options to menus. · Read the entire article.
Tsongas pays area a visit by Brad Petrishan Wicked Local Published 10/23/2008
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas talked Washington apples rather than Washington politics Friday, as she visited a number of orchards and farms across the fifth congressional district to get a better idea of the challenges facing its 535 farm owners. "What started my whole reconsideration of the farm bill ? was hearing that one of three children in my district go hungry," she said, adding that she believes local produce can help alleviate the problem through programs such as the Farm to School Program. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program by Barbara Howard The Recipe Box Published 10/23/2008
Interview segment from Blog Action Day broadcast featuring Anupama Joshi of the National Farm to School Network. Their programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime, and supporting local small farmers. · Read the entire article.
Healthy Fuel: GTACS program provides kids with nutritious snacks by Carol South Traverse City - Record Eagle Published 10/21/2008
Determined to instill life lessons, the Life Balance Initiative has been branching out. The Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools program was launched a year ago to bring healthy hot lunches to the four schools in the system. Processed, high sodium, high fat and packaged food gave way to made-from-scratch offerings that included local produce, meat and milk. · Read the entire article.
Two farm-to-school efforts receive awards Burlington Free Press Published 10/21/2008
Two Vermont initiatives are among 25 nationally to receive Victory Against Hunger Awards from Congressional Hunger Center, Victory Wholesale Group and National Farm to School Network. Hartland's Farm to School program and Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day) will receive national recognition and $1,000 awards. · Read the entire article.
KBOO Food Show KBOO-FM Published 10/20/2008
· Read the entire article.
Farm-To-School Programs Grow Students' Appreciation for Locally Grown Food by Diane Raymond Natural News Published 10/20/2008
As farmers struggle to mitigate the increasing cost of transporting produce from farm to store and schools face smaller budgets and increasing concerns over the nutritional content of school lunches, some schools opt to bring the farm to the lunch table. There is more good news: The National Farm to School program, a national network of community-based food systems that assist farmers and improve student health, estimates that more than 2,000 Farm to School Programs are currently underway in the U.S., with more than 8,700 schools actively participating. · Read the entire article.
Meadors "gets" environmental issues by Julia Romo Independent Mail Published 10/19/2008
Farming has long been a mainstay in Anderson County. More needs to be done to support our local farmers and protect their livelihood. Marshall supports sustainable farming with programs like "Farm to School," which brings healthy, locally grown food to our children. · Read the entire article.
Learn how to get fresh fruits and vegetables in local schools Register-Pajaronian Published 10/18/2008
The event, for both adults and kids, will provide information on how to get more fresh local produce on school menus and teach kids about local agriculture. While adults are attending workshops, the children can have fun with farm and food activities. · Read the entire article.
Tsongas tours district's finest farms by Brad Petrishen The MetroWest Daily News Published 10/18/2008
Established about five years ago, the nonprofit Farm to School Program helps match public schools with local farmers who provide them with fresh produce. · Read the entire article.
Striving for nutrition, appeal and affordability by Scott Blackburn Delmarva Now Published 10/16/2008
Nutrition, appeal and affordability continue to be primary focuses for school food and nutrition service programs in our state. This year, the focus on providing students with fresh fruits and vegetables has expanded with the Farm to School initiative. Not only does this program encourage our children to enjoy the benefits (taste and nutrition) of fresh produce, it also enables school systems to partner with local farmers, supporting this vital industry. · Read the entire article.
Students and Lunch - Both Connecticut Grown by Marianne Sullivan Shore Publishing Published 10/16/2008
Last week the region's three elementary schools celebrated "Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids," a farm-to-school lunchtime event. The goal was to educate students about the local foods grown or made locally and about good nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Getting back to Easton's roots by Laura Modlin Easton Courier Published 10/16/2008
A group of local parents feels that not only are the town's farms an important part of Easton's culture, but they also provide an ideal way to help nourish children as they learn and grow."It's a great way to teach our children to take better care of themselves, the town and their planet." · Read the entire article.
Local School Lunches Make a Million Local Eaters by Roger Richardson and Nancy S. Grasmick BayWeekly.com Published 10/16/2008
Statewide, the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Program has been an overwhelming success and shows great promise for the future. Almost every county in Maryland is participating, as are more than 30 different Maryland farms. It is a true example of a successful federal, state, local and private collaboration that is working. · Read the entire article.
Educators Hungry for Farm-to-School Programs by Isabel Cowles Finding Dulcinea Published 10/15/2008
Rising food costs and increasing requests by parents have encouraged many schools across the country to adopt farm-to-school programs so that kids can get fresh, local produce, and see how it is grown and prepared. · Read the entire article.
Growing lunch by Leslie Cole The Oregonian Published 10/14/2008
Mention school lunches, and it's hard to find someone who's not hungry for change. Maybe you can't see, smell or taste it just yet, but the shape of public school meals is shifting, in the Portland area and beyond. Despite other hurdles -- and there are many -- school food service directors are buying fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farmers when they can, with little or no additional federal or state money in their pockets. · Read the entire article.
Promoting Agriculture: Students flourish during Homegrown School Lunch Week by Laurie Savage Frederick News Post Published 10/13/2008
The Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week celebration kicked off recently at Takoma Park Middle School with the crunch of Montgomery County-grown apples. "Food doesn't grow in the supermarket, it grows in Maryland on farms," said Sen. Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County. Raskin was a lead sponsor, along with Del. Sheila Hixson, of Farm-to-School Program legislation. · Read the entire article.
Local produce on school menu is a winning offer by Roger Richardson and Nancy S. Grasmick Delmarva Now Published 10/13/2008
We thank The Daily Times for its coverage of the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School initiative and the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Program during the week of Sept. 22-26. This exciting new program, signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley this year, is designed to bring more Maryland-grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced and the benefits of a healthy diet. · Read the entire article.
State-Grown Food Program Takes Root In Norwich by Jenna Cho The Day Published 10/13/2008
Uncas was one of two schools in the state celebrating Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week last week. The effort is designed to encourage students to learn where their fresh produce comes from and the importance of eating healthy. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School KION 46 Published 10/13/2008
A non-profit program called Farm To School is promoting healthy eating habits in school. The program partners with local farms, parents and school cafeterias to make eating fruits and vegatable the norm in a child's diet. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School Fox 35 Published 10/13/2008
Farm To School has supported over 70 school garden programs and taught better eating habits to nearly 8,000 students. The Farm To School program is working on developing a workbook for interested parents to present to their Parent Teacher Association, to get the program to their school. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School initiative shows great promise by Roger Richardson Cumberland Times-News Published 10/12/2008
Thank you for your coverage of the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School initiative and the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Program (Sept. 22-26). This exciting new program, signed into law by Gov. (Martin) O'Malley this year, is designed to bring more Maryland-grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet. · Read the entire article.
Fresh Produce Programs Are Win-Winners by Editorial Board Kitsap Sun Published 10/12/2008
This spring, Washington lawmakers passed Local Farms-Healthy Kids legislation, with funding to connect schools with Washington farmers and produce distributors. Consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables is a lifestyle change that children may bring home to their families, and carry with them into adulthood - a significant step toward increasing health and reducing obesity in our society. · Read the entire article.
The sustainability campus: Green efforts continue to grow at UNH by Adam Leech Seacoast Online Published 10/12/2008
The Farm to School Program connects state farms and 258 K-12 schools and five colleges by facilitating the purchase of state grown and produced foods by New Hampshire schools. Its vision is to develop a healthy, community-based, community-supported school food system by integrating agricultural production, school food procurement and school curriculum. · Read the entire article.
Local Produce Gets More Prominent in the Lunch Line by Edie Lau Kitsap Sun Published 10/11/2008
Washington lawmakers this spring boosted the local angle by passing legislation dubbed Local Farms-Healthy Kids, which puts personnel and money toward connecting schools with Washington farmers and distributors. The first act of the new law was to offer $600,000 in grants to elementary schools with a high proportion of low-income students. · Read the entire article.
Kimberly replaces playground by Miranda C.R. White Redlands Daily Facts Published 10/09/2008
For the opening ceremony, Bob Knight of Farm to School, a program that provides local produce to schools, donated freshly picked apples. Knight also donated oranges from his Old Grove Orange farm for the volunteers on the build day to thank the Redlands Unified School District for buying local oranges and apples for their schools. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Program Promotes Healthy Eating by Associated Press Food Product Design Published 10/09/2008
Bistro Kids Farm 2 School Lunch Program operates in Kansas and Missouri and aims to promote farm-to-school ideals, a concept introduced in 2000 by the national Farm To School Network. · Read the entire article.
EHOVE lunch fresh from the farm The News-Messenger Published 10/07/2008
Lunchtime at EHOVE Career Center has taken on a fresh approach this year, with many of the fruits and vegetables served up on the trays less than 24 hours after picking. As one of two schools in Ohio participating in the Farm to School Program, students are offered fresh produce from a nearby source. · Read the entire article.
Lunches go organic in some schools by Associated Press CNN Published 10/07/2008
The Academy is one of three Kansas City-area private schools that participate in Bistro Kids' Farm 2 School program, which is committed to improving students' health by offering lunches from organic, natural, locally-grown food. "It's really, really good," said sixth-grader Peter Imel, while chomping away on pizza. "When I first heard about it, I thought, 'OK, maybe, maybe not.' But it's better than any restaurant I've been to." · Read the entire article.
Real Food: Coming to a School Near You by Natalie Rotunda Examiner Published 10/07/2008
Interestingly, the Farm to School Program marries two important issues of our day, both with dire consequences: the decline in farms---fewer than 2% of our population farm---and the high rate of obesity in our children. Farmers, parents, schools and some community groups found common ground and got behind the effort to make it happen and, voila! today, a little over 2,000 school districts, nearly 9,000 schools, in 39 states are involved. It's easy to see it's a win-win for everyone. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Day is Oct. 18 in Watsonville The Californian Published 10/06/2008
Learn how to get more fresh local produce on school menus and teach children about local agriculture at Farm to School Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Crystal Bay Farm, 70 Zils Road, Watsonville. · Read the entire article.
Local Matters receives a "Victory Aganist Hunger" The Columbus Underground Published 10/06/2008
Celebrating outstanding efforts in fighting hunger through promoting or creating innovative farm to school programs, Local Matters, a nonprofit organization in Columbus, Ohio, which plays a key leadership role in ensuring that the entire community of Central Ohio has easy access to local, nutritious foods, was recently awarded a Victory Against Hunger Awards by the Congressional Hunger Center (CHC), Victory Wholesale Group, and National Farm to School Network. · Read the entire article.
Class Notes The Monterey County Herald Published 10/05/2008
The Monterey County Partnership for Farm to School will host an information table about how connecting schools with local produce and start school gardens. The table will be at the Pacific Grove Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 6 p.m., Oct. 13 on Lighthouse Avenue between Forest Avenue and 17th Street in Pacific Grove. · Read the entire article.
From farms to the school cafeteria by Amanda Godfrey Sandusky Register Published 10/04/2008
Local school districts are planting the seeds of healthy eating. Through a collaboration with local farmers in the national Farm to School program, EHOVE and Sandusky Schools are among a handful of schools in Ohio serving up fresh, more nutritious meals. · Read the entire article.
Despite costs, healthy school lunches on the menu by Margaret Stafford The Hays Daily Published 10/03/2008
The buffet offers a variety of pizzas, with whole wheat crust, organic toppings and hormone-free cheese. The salad bar includes some greens and vegetables grown without pesticides in a nearby garden, perhaps topped with homemade croutons and organic dressing. And the chef even takes special requests from vegetarians, those wanting gluten-free food or even an extra slice of free-range meat. This isn't a restaurant in one of Kansas City's trendy neighborhoods, but a cramped room in the basement of the Kansas City Academy, a private school for 6th-12th graders in the city's Waldo district. The Academy is one of three Kansas City-area private schools that participate in Bistro Kids' Farm 2 School program, which is committed to improving students' health by offering lunches from organic, natural, locally-grown food. · Read the entire article.
School Menus Offer Locally Grown Food by Lori Aratani Washington Post Published 10/02/2008
State and local officials are hoping a new initiative will help schoolchildren across Maryland appreciate local farmers and the crops they grow. Last week, the state sponsored Homegrown School Lunch Week, an effort to teach children that the watermelon chunks and cucumber slices they see on their lunch trays come from nearby fields -- not the supermarket. Farmers and officials appeared at Maryland schools, where they set up displays of Maryland-grown produce. · Read the entire article.
Farm Lets Kids Have A Field Day by Don Robinson The Register -Guard Springfield Extra Published 10/02/2008
This recent Friday outing was the start of an official farm field trip under the Farm to School program guided by the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition. Megan Kemple, the coalition's Farm to School coordinator and one of its two full-time staff members, helped lead the tour. She also showed those who were not out in the fields how to trim onions with a scissors. Joining in were Bobbi Phillips, Springfield schools' new nutrition services director, and Joan Ottinger of Salem, coordinator of the state's new Farm to School program, authorized by the Legislature in a special session last February. The program aims to bring more locally grown food into school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Joint boards favor farm-to-school program by Dorothy Jasperson Westby Times Published 10/02/2008
The farm-to-school program was designed to bring healthy food from local farms to schoolchildren across the country and allow school districts the ability to purchase more local commodities for their food-service programs reducing the amount of travel time from harvest to ingestion providing students with healthier choices and fresher meals. · Read the entire article.
Center for Rural Studies Receives Funding for Community Projects University Communications Published 10/02/2008
Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day) Farm to School, a project of Shelburne Farms, Northeast Organic Farmers Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) and Foodworks, will receive $15,000 to help to provide sustained technical support to teachers, food service staff and farmers in a variety of areas. Activities include developing curriculum activities and integrated learning units with teachers, working with school food service directors and students in menu planning and taste testing using locally grown produce, and linking students, teachers and food service personnel directly with area farms to foster ongoing farm-to-school partnerships, including purchasing agreements with school breakfast and lunch programs. These trainings will benefit at least 12 Vermont public schools in the 2008-09 school year, affecting a minimum of 30 teachers, 500 students and 15 small family farms. · Read the entire article.
Fresh ideas in the lunchroom by Kristen Browning-Blas The Denver Post Published 10/01/2008
Whatever you think about school lunch, many agree it's time to rethink it. A convergence of issues - the obesity crisis, overly processed meals, the desire for more local, natural foods - forms the front wave of a sea change in how we feed our children. "We don't bash the school food," says agriculture activist Jim Dyer, who is all for reform but knows better than to make the lunch ladies mad. "We work with where it is." · Read the entire article.
Making the connection from farm to plate by Jesse Yeatman Southern Maryland Newspapers Published 10/01/2008
A new program aims to educate students on where their food comes from and make school lunch healthier in the process. "It's a very important connection for them to make - from the farm to the plate," said Susan McQuilkin, marketing executive for the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. She said many children do not know where the food they eat comes from or how food grows. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School a Hit with Students by Kendra Blevins GTR News Published 10/01/2008
This year Jenks Public Schools are seeing the fruits of the Farm-to-School Program. Farm-to-school encourages school districts to purchase locally and regionally produced foods in order to improve child nutrition and strengthen local and regional farm economies. · Read the entire article.
A look at new laws taking effect in Md. by Associated Press The Baltimore Sun Published 09/30/2008
FARM TO SCHOOL: Promotes the sale of farm products grown in Maryland to Maryland schools. · Read the entire article.
Students enjoy Homegrown School Lunch Week by Stephanie Jordan American Farm Published 09/30/2008
Schools across the state participated last week in Maryland's first Homegrown School Lunch Week. Talbot County was just one of many counties that eagerly participated in the event. "We're looking for more farmers to participate in this program," said Shannon Dill, Talbot County Extension agent. "We're hoping we can have more fresh fruits and vegetables for the children next year." · Read the entire article.
Learning About State's Growth Industry by Jenna Johnson and Lori Aratani Washington Post Published 09/28/2008
The farm-to-school program was created during the last legislative session to honor Jane Lawton, 63, a Maryland House of Delegates member from Montgomery County who died in November. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Raskin, (D-Montgomery) is called the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program and was signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) in May. In addition to incorporating Maryland produce into school lunches, the program teaches children about the state's agricultural heritage. In St. Mary's, local farmers are speaking at four schools. · Read the entire article.
Food Print by Carey Quan Gelernter The Seattle Times Published 09/28/2008
These programs connect schools with local farms with the goal of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition and supporting local small farmers. farmtoschool.org · Read the entire article.
Learning About State's Growth Industry by Jenna Johnson and Lori Aratani The Washington Post Published 09/28/2008
Teams of farmers and other agriculture workers visited several St. Mary's County schools last week to talk to students about where their food comes from and to attempt to correct some stereotypes. The events were part of Homegrown School Lunch Week, a new initiative to help schoolchildren across the state appreciate local farmers and what they grow. · Read the entire article.
Edmond schools use salad bars, Farm to School program to urge nutrition by Patty Miller The Edmund Sun Published 09/27/2008
With September named National Fruits and Veggies - More Matters Month, parents are urged to let their children have a more active role in deciding what they eat as parents help them choose more nutritious items for their meals. Edmond schools are doing their part as they incorporate the Farm to School program, said Amy Herrold, child nutrition assistant supervisor. · Read the entire article.
Eat your fruits and vegetables by Elisabeth Hulette Hometown Annapolis Published 09/27/2008
During their annual visit to Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center last week, Tydus and his classmates from Millersville Elementary School tried red and green bell peppers, spaghetti squash with garlic sauce and summer-squash-infused macaroni and cheese, as part of a weeklong push throughout the state to introduce students to fresh, local food. · Read the entire article.
Back to food's roots by Karen Goldberg The Washington Times Published 09/26/2008
In this age of soaring childhood obesity rates and eating bad food on the run, there is often a disconnect between food origins and the food on our plates. That's why Maryland created the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School Program. The initiative, named for the late state delegate, encourages using Maryland-grown products in public schools. The program also will help educate children about the origins of their food and how to incorporate healthy eating into their diets. · Read the entire article.
Whole Grains, Fresh Corn: School Menu on a Mission by Gerri Hirshey NY Times Published 09/26/2008
NEVER mind your Iron Chefs, your swashbuckling "Dinner: Impossible" TV cooks. Could any of those free-range stove jockeys turn out healthy and toothsome breakfasts and lunches for 20,000 spirited young food critics " every school day" "Five million meals a year. No problem," insists a smiling Timothy Cipriano, new executive director of food services for the New Haven public schools. · Read the entire article.
Ore. lawmakers seek local food for schools by Associated Press Oregon Live Published 09/25/2008
Two legislators want $22 million from the next session to use more local food for school breakfasts and lunches. Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, and Tina Kotek, D-Portland say they want to add 15 cents to each lunch and 7 cents to each breakfast for local food purchases. Schools have some new flexibility to buy local foods. But state officials say decisions now must rely on price. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school funding plan aired by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 09/25/2008
Reps. Brian Clem, D-Salem, and Tina Kotek, D-Portland, said Thursday, Sept. 18, they will seek $22 million in the next legislative session to put more local food on school breakfast and lunch plates. Clem and Kotek said at the Western Regional Assembly of the National Farm to School Network they want the state to put an extra 15 cents toward every lunch and 7 cents toward every breakfast to pay for local food purchases. · Read the entire article.
School leaders learn of healthy meal, PE standards to take effect in '09 by Matt Bower Warwick Beacon Published 09/25/2008
Hundreds of school officials converged on the Warwick Crowne Plaza Tuesday morning for the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition's annual "Breakfast for School Leaders." More than 300 superintendents, principals, school physicians, school committee members, school business managers, food service directors, community wellness partners and parent leaders attended, representing all 36 school districts in the state. · Read the entire article.
Program connects schools with farmers by Margarita Raycheva Gazette Published 09/25/2008
During the Homegrown School Lunch Week, schools highlight locally grown products and use them to teach students about healthy eating as well as the dynamics of local food production in their area. The initiative will expand in future. The Maryland State Department of Education is developing guidelines for teachers, so they can include nutrition and agriculture education in their classroom curriculum, said Stewart Eidel, who oversees school and community nutrition programs at the Maryland State Department of Education. · Read the entire article.
Lansing Moving on Farm-to-School? by Diane Conners Michigan Land Use Institute Published 09/25/2008
Farm-to-school legislation took a big step forward in Michigan earlier this month when the state House passed-by a nearly unanimous vote-a package of bills meant to make it easier for schools to buy and serve food grown by local farms. · Read the entire article.
Tasty lessons learned by Sonia Dasgupta Cecil Whig Published 09/25/2008
School lunch got a fresh spin this week as schools hosted Home Grown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Lunch program connects farmers to schools by Jeremy Arias The Gazette Published 09/24/2008
Students, county and state representatives joined area farmers Tuesday at Takoma Park Middle School to kick off the statewide Homegrown School Lunch Week, part of the Jane Lawton Farm to School program. The aim of the program, named after former state Del. Jane E. Lawton (D-Dist. 18) of Chevy Chase, is to connect the often overlooked Maryland farmers and agricultural community to state school cafeterias as a market. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) took the podium briefly to praise the benefits to both farmers and students. · Read the entire article.
UVM, Center for an Agricultural Economy Announce Partnership by Jeffrey R. Wakefield The University of Vermont Published 09/24/2008
The University of Vermont and the Center for an Agricultural Economy, a non-profit that seeks to promote a healthy food system through a network of food-based companies in the Hardwick, Vt. area, announced a formal partnership today, signaling an expansion of the university's commitment to investigating and advancing local food systems. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Days - It Takes a Lot of Food to Feed 17,000 Students a Day by Pete Hurrey The Bay Net Published 09/24/2008
Beginning on Monday, Sept. 22, St. Mary's County Public Schools embarked on a revolutionary nutrition program called Farm to School, in St. Mary's County. The program seeks to introduce locally grown farm products to children in St. Mary's County Schools. This first of its kind program will have children introduced to the concept of local produce and, as part of their normal school curriculum learn about farming and nutrition. · Read the entire article.
State urges residents: "Get fit, eat smart" by Patty Miller The Edmond Sun Published 09/24/2008
Anita Poole, co-chair of the Oklahoma Food Policy Council, said Oklahoma is leading the nation in the Farm to School program. "Getting local foods into the school system and teaching the students to eat healthy while they are young will carry through to adulthood," Poole said. "Buy fresh, buy local." · Read the entire article.
Fresh idea: Schools pair with Baugher's to provide local produce to students by Karen Kemp Carroll County Times Published 09/23/2008
Carroll County students will be helping to support local agriculture when they eat the fresh gala apples that come with their school lunches this week. The school system is partnering with Baugher's Orchard in Westminster to offer the newly picked fruits to 38 schools for the first Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, which started Monday. It is part of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program created during this year's session of the Maryland General Assembly in an effort to bring more locally grown products into schools. · Read the entire article.
Maryland Students Get a Taste of Locally Grown Produce by Megan A. Conlan Capital News Service Published 09/23/2008
The cafeteria tables in Takoma Park Middle School were lined with both adults and students enjoying locally grown produce during Tuesday's kick-off event for Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Apples on the Tree, Not on the Shelf National Public Radio Published 09/23/2008
A new non-profit group, Apple Seeds, is spending a year with an elementary school discussing nutrition, agriculture and food. The program began on the University of Arkansas farm. · Read the entire article.
Statewide Homegrown School Lunch Week Kicks-off with Educational Activities, Local Produce at Takoma Maryland Department of Agriculture Published 09/23/2008
To draw attention to the connection between healthy food and the local farms that grow it, Governor Martin O'Malley officially designated September 22-26, 2008 as Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Fresh produce goes from local farm to lunch tray by Lynn Olszowy WKYC TV Published 09/22/2008
Students in Sandusky City Schools are getting to enjoy the sweet tastes of summer at lunchtime. The school district partners with Mulvin's farm in Sandusky to get fresh fruits and vegetables into cafeterias throughout the city. Sandusky City Schools, along with one other district in Ohio, are planting the seeds of healthy eating as part of the Farm to School Program, a non-profit, nationwide program geared toward getting children eating produce from local farms. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Now Healthy And Locally Grown by Mike Webster WCHS 6 Published 09/19/2008
School lunch doesn't look like it used to -- not in the elementary schools of Union 74 in Lincoln County. Students are eating corn on the cob, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and broccoli and salad greens -- all locally grown by farmers in the county. · Read the entire article.
Apple Seeds polishes kids' food ideas by Evie Blad Arkansas Democrat Gazzette Published 09/19/2008
Students from Fayetteville's Leverett Elementary School went to the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station to learn how horticulturists research and develop new types of apples. The field trips were part of a project created by Apple Seeds, a nonprofit organization that aims to encourage students to eat healthy, locally produced foods through hands on activities and experiments. · Read the entire article.
Leverett field trip educates students on health by Brett Bennett Northwest Arkansas Times Published 09/19/2008
Students from Leverett Elementary School learned a fundamental health principle Thursday morning: Food can be healthy and taste good too. · Read the entire article.
National Farm To School Movement Cooking Up A Story Published 09/19/2008
If you're not familiar with the farm to school movement, it's all about getting fresh, clean, good food to our kids in school and help create new markets for local farmers. It started as a grassroots movement and has spread across the country. Get in on the conversation with Deb Eschmeyer of the National Farm to School Network, and hear just how far our food system has strayed. · Read the entire article.
Washington Co. schools to serve local produce by Erin Cunningham Herald-Mail Published 09/18/2008
Lunch provided at public schools could include an apple from as far away as Washington or fruit canned in Florida. However, next week, Washington County Public Schools will offer meals that include fresh fruit and vegetables grown, for the most part, within 45 miles. Washington County Homegrown School Lunch Week is derived from a Maryland Senate bill passed earlier this year that established the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School Program in the Department of Agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Bipartisan plan will boost local growers' sales, keep children healthy Michigan House Democrats Published 09/18/2008
State Representatives Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) and Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) voted to pass a bipartisan plan Wednesday to create farm-to-school initiatives that will help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Students Use Math To Learn About Nutrition At UA Farm by Rose Ann Pearce The Morning News Published 09/18/2008
The fifth-graders are from Leverett Elementary School where a pilot program was launched this year to teach students more about where their food comes from and more about making healthy food choices for meals and snacks. · Read the entire article.
Sept. 24 local harvest feast is breakfast, lunch and dinner Foster's Daily Democrat Published 09/17/2008
Since 2005, when the University of New Hampshire launched its inaugural annual Local Harvest Dinner, eating local has gained momentum throughout the nation. Farmer's markets and CSAs (community-supported agriculture) are thriving, neighbors are challenging each other to 100-mile diets, even the venerable Oxford English Dictionary designated "locavore" its word of the year in 2007. · Read the entire article.
Maryland Researchers Find Kids Will Eat Fruits and Vegetables at School Media Newswire Published 09/17/2008
How can you get children to eat more fruits and vegetables at school? University of Maryland researchers have released preliminary findings that show there are actually a number of ways to accomplish that. It's the first time Maryland school-based interventions have been shown to help kids eat a healthier diet. · Read the entire article.
House passes farm-to-school bill The Bay City Times Published 09/17/2008
The Michigan House on Tuesday passed a bipartisan plan co-sponsored by State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, to create farm-to-school initiatives that would help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Hansen effort links local farms to schools Michigan House Republicans Published 09/17/2008
Local school children will be able to eat healthy and learn where their food comes from, all while boosting the area economy if a package of bills approved Tuesday by the House becomes law, announced state Rep. Goeff Hansen. The House sent House Bill 6366 to the Senate, a measure sponsored by Hansen to expand the school bidding process so more local producers can provide food to area districts. The House also approved a Hansen resolution designating Sept. 18, 2008 as Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Select Michigan Day in support of the Farm-to-School package, which includes HBs 6365-68. · Read the entire article.
Soup's on for school lunch in Springfield by Mark Baker The Register-Guard Published 09/16/2008
Monday was the first day of adding soup to the menu of the district's 24 schools, part of a new plan created by nutrition services Director Bobbi Phillips. The district hired Phillips in June to create a more healthful menu lower in fat, with lots of fruits and vegetables from local farms. That's critical in a school district where more than half the 11,300 students qualify for free or reduced lunches as part of the federal National School Lunch Program, Phillips said. · Read the entire article.
Brown Votes for Plan to Increase Fresh, Locally Grown Food in Schools Michigan House Democrats Published 09/16/2008
House passes bipartisan initiatives to boost growers' sales, keep kids healthy State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today voted for a bipartisan plan to create farm-to-school initiatives that will help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Students walking their way to wellness Foster's Daily Democrat Published 09/15/2008
Nutrition and the importance of staying active will be encouraged and emphasized as an important part of student and staff wellness. Cafe Services, together with N.H. Farm to School and Fiddlehead Farms Marketplace in Dover, will be participating and assisting the students in tasting new fruits and vegetables throughout the school year. · Read the entire article.
Badly Needed: Seattle-Area School Food Programs by Alex Steffen World Changing Seattle Published 09/14/2008
Farm-to-classroom programs, schoolyard gardens and innovative educational programs like the Netherlands' Kinderkookkafé can not only provide better food than is often available now to even the wealthiest Seattle public school kids, but also teach life-skills in how to eat well. · Read the entire article.
UNH launching cutting-edge EcoGastronomy program by Rachel Forrest Seacoast Online Published 09/14/2008
If you've been to the farmer's market lately and purchased some locally grown heirloom tomatoes, dined on bacon made from pigs raised at a nearby farm, or can't stop talking about Michael Pollan's book, "Omnivore's Dilemma," you've participated in something the University of New Hampshire is making a part of its curriculum - EcoGastronomy. "The cumulative impact of things like the dual major in EcoGastronomy, the organic research dairy farm, the Local Harvest initiative with UNH Dining, and the New Hampshire Farm to School Program is that students at UNH experience and learn how to advance sustainability in very tangible ways," said Tom Kelly, UNH's chief sustainability officer. · Read the entire article.
Farms to schools are getting local food in cafeterias by Joe Orso Plenty Magazine Published 09/12/2008
Food service staff at the middle and high schools in Viroqua, Wisconsin, a city of 4,400 people in the bluffs east of the Mississippi River, were used to processed vegetables. Heat and serve, and they had a meal. So, when Monique Hooker, a French-born chef, stood with them in front of 500 pounds of raw, local produce in late August, the staff looked overwhelmed. But Hooker, who was embarking with the workers on the first effort of a new Farm to School program, showed them how to take one task at a time. And by the end of the day, they'd made 100 gallons of ratatouille, which they could freeze and use through the winter. · Read the entire article.
Maryland Schools Feature Local Food with New Farm to School Program by Maryland Department of Agriculture Published 09/11/2008
Students in many Maryland counties will find fresh, local apples, watermelon, coleslaw and more offered in their school cafeterias as part of the new Homegrown School Lunch Week, Sept. 22-26. · Read the entire article.
Nutrition program adjusts for budget by Caitlin Getchell Neighbor Newspapers Published 09/10/2008
With the rising costs of food, the Sand Springs school district began this year with some concern for child nutrition services' budget. Superintendent Lloyd Snow said he is no longer worried, however, thanks to some creative alterations the department made. Sherry Pearson, director of child nutrition, said that the department is participating in the Farm to School program this year, as well as altering some of the recipes to make them healthier and to use "commodity items" from the Department of Human Services. · Read the entire article.
School Foodservice: Get Smart - US Food Trends by Cheryl Sternman Rul Restaurants & Institutions Published 09/10/2008
As another academic year unfolds, school foodservice directors are bracing for what's in store: calls for more-healthful fare, climbing food costs and requests for more excitement and variety in the cafeteria. None of the challenges is new, but each is more acute this fall. Fortunately, many K-12 operators are now a step ahead of the game, having crafted strategies to both meet their young customers' evolving needs and cut costs without sacrificing nutrition or quality. · Read the entire article.
Getting Children to Eat Fruits and Vegetables at School by Gayle Trent Examiner Published 09/10/2008
Researchers at the University of Maryland have announced initial data that shows school-based intervention efforts help kids buck a national trend by increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables. To the researchers' knowledge, these results are the first for Maryland, and on the leading edge nationally and internationally. · Read the entire article.
A new field of thought by Todd Guild Register-Pajaronian Published 09/06/2008
Officially, the project is called the Community Alliance with Family Farmers' Farm to School program. Program coordinator Jenny Hansen, acknowledging that the name is a bit dry, let the students pick their own name. They chose "True Farm Invasion," and the name stuck. · Read the entire article.
School leaders look at putting fresher food on the table by Patty Mamula The Capital Press Published 09/05/2008
A recent conference titled "What Shall We Feed Our Children" highlighted positive changes and longstanding problems related to school lunches and other nutrition programs for children. Improved nutrition starts with education. "How do we get kids who have been raised on convenience foods to eat "good' food" Kristy Obbink, food services director for Portland Public Schools, said. Her district took the first step by eliminating the a la carte lunch items three years ago. · Read the entire article.
Re-Localizing Food by Tracy Sutton Lancaster Farming Published 09/05/2008
It wasn't that many generations ago that nearly all food was local food. In 1900, 40 percent of Americans farmed, down to a little over 1 percent today. Back in the day, eating close to the land wasn't a "locavore" ideal, it was a simple geographic necessity. It's an oft-cited statistic that food now travels an average of 1,500 miles to arrive at your plate. But the days of cheap fossil fuel that make reliance on transported food the cheaper economic choice are coming to an end, say experts. Coupled with climate change, depleted water resources, and an aging farmer population, the United States is looking at an agricultural revolution in the next 20 years. · Read the entire article.
Farms to Schools: Local Foods for Local Kids by Julia Steinberger World Changing Seattle Published 09/03/2008
Imagine a school cafeteria where kids line up at a salad bar that's brimming with fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables. Imagine that they know - and feel proud - that the milk in their milk carton comes from a Washington dairy. It's starting to happen in Washington State. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program kicks off with "Ratatouille" by Angela Cina Vernon Broadcaster Published 09/03/2008
Students and their parents had an opportunity to sample ratatouille and learn about the new Farm-to-School Program which will incorporate local foods in school lunches. Wisconsin State Ameri-Corps awarded Vernon and Crawford counties grants to start Farm to School programs with the goal of bringing more fresh, locally-grown foods to area schools. · Read the entire article.
Fundraiser fêtes fresh fare by Sharon Letts The Times-Standard Published 09/03/2008
The event is part of the monthlong celebration of "Local Food Month," declared as such by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26. The fundraiser will benefit the Community Alliance of Family Farmers' "Farm to School" program, which features farmers visiting local classrooms and talking about the foods they grow, bringing samples from their gardens. · Read the entire article.
Schools try to keep food cost low, quality high by Anne Williams The Register-Guard Published 09/02/2008
Rising food and fuel prices are putting the squeeze on school cafeteria budgets across the nation, but most local school districts won't be asking families to pick up much of the extra costs ? not yet, anyway. For instance, the district will be working with the Farm to School program to bring in more locally grown, organic produce, and every school will offer made-from-scratch soup daily. · Read the entire article.
Schools seek Va. produce by Kim Barto Martinsville Bulletin Published 09/01/2008
Local school divisions say they want to serve more Virginia-grown produce in their cafeterias through a new state program, but first they need to connect with local farmers who have crops to sell. The Farm to School program, a national program administered here by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), is meant to give students access to fresh, nutritious food choices and support local agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Some schools to start serving local, seasonal foods KATU Published 09/01/2008
Students in the Portland and Gervais school districts will have much healthier, and local, options for lunch this year. · Read the entire article.
Growing local know-how Muskogee Phoenix Published 08/31/2008
Starting a farm can be overwhelming, and even established farmers can benefit from learning a new trick or two of the trade. An upcoming workshop called "Growing for Local Markets" provides practical advice and hands-on demonstrations to help current, beginning and potential farmers operate more effectively and profitably. · Read the entire article.
Garden soiree at Redwood Roots Farm The Eureka Reporter Published 08/30/2008
The event will kick off Local Food Month and raise funds for CAFF's Farm-to-School Program. Farm-to-School hosts educational farm and farmers market tours for schoolchildren in our community, exposing them to the places and faces that feed them, as well as teaching the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. · Read the entire article.
Cheshire schools promote buying locally by Jesse Buchanan My Record Journal Published 08/29/2008
Madeleine Diker is introducing a new item to the lunch menu this year a "complex carbohydrate salad." It'll include whole grain pasta, tuna or chicken and vegetables, such as cucumbers, broccoli or peas. Diker isn't the owner of a new health-conscious restaurant she's the school district's food services director. The salad is one of several programs designed to improve the quality and appeal of school lunches, focusing on healthy, fresh and locally-grown food. · Read the entire article.
Quick-Freezing Crops by Darren Perron WCAX News Published 08/29/2008
Bushes loaded with blueberries are no match for kids from Jay-Westfield Joint School. Students hunted for the tastiest fruit on Blueberry Ridge in North Troy. Busloads of kids picked the berries to bring them back to their school's cafeteria as part of the Green Mountain Farm to School Program. Area schools and farms partner, and kids help harvest. Now local fruits and veggies will be served to the students all year long. · Read the entire article.
The New School Lunch Wisconsin Public Radio: Here on Earth Published 08/29/2008
It isn't just in France that chefs are working to create healthier and cheaper school lunches. Alice Waters has school kids growing their own vegetables. In Wisconsin chefs are passing out pizza with ratatouille and doing apple tastings with middle school kids. · Read the entire article.
Eat Up, Kids, This Spud's for You by Anne Marie Chaker Wall Street Journal Published 08/28/2008
With the dawn of the 2008-09 school year, districts across the country are signing on to the burgeoning "farm-to-school" movement. As a result, a number of school districts have cut back on fruits and vegetables purchased from large distributors in favor of working individually with local farmers. While that can be more expensive and may involve more work -- from procurement to preparation -- food directors say it pays dividends in fresher, better-tasting produce that more kids eat. · Read the entire article.
School meals meet USDA nutrition guidelines by Ashley Andyshak The Frederick News Post Published 08/28/2008
Schools are making an effort to get more fresh produce on to lunch trays, and students will get locally grown apples next month as part of the Farm to School initiative. · Read the entire article.
Grant from Kaiser Permanente Community Fund Puts Local Food on the Menu The Earth Times Published 08/27/2008
The first school assembly of the new academic year will take place today at 10 a.m., at Atkinson Elementary in South East Portland, where school food and education leaders will gather alongside farmers, food producers, grocery retailers and government officials to cheer a grant from the Kaiser Permanente Community Fund at the Northwest Health Foundation that will subsidize approximately 2,640,000 meals with the funds needed to serve more Oregon grown and processed foods in Portland Public Schools and Gervais School Districts. · Read the entire article.
AUSD prepares for new school year by Nancy Forrest Atascadero News Published 08/27/2008
State officials have commended AUSD for its quality food program, as well as its ongoing involvement in fresh produce and Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown school lunches to appear across Maryland by Stephanie Jordan American Farm Published 08/26/2008
The Maryland Farm to School program is picking up steam across the state, with 17 counties signed up to participate in Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, which will be held Sept. 22 to Sept. 26. · Read the entire article.
Local health officials say children's obesity is epidemic by Billie Dunn The Daily Mail Published 08/22/2008
Steps to a Healthier New York partners with schools because 95 percent of children attend schools. The partnership is comprised of four main components - "Rock on Cafe," which provides affordable and nutritious meals to students, "Farm to School," which connects schools with local farms to provide health and nutrition education, "Learning in Motion," which incorporates physical activity into academic lessons, and "Healthy Fundraising," which develops and implements healthy fundraising policies. · Read the entire article.
25 schools to get state fruits, vegetables by Jennifer Langston Seattle Post-Intelligencer Published 08/22/2008
Twenty-five schools statewide will be able to buy Washington-grown fruits and vegetables as snacks this year, thanks to new legislation. The Local Farms-Healthy Kids bill passed nearly unanimously in Olympia earlier this year aims to get nutritious food to schoolchildren and provide economic opportunities to state farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farm bill funds bulk up fruit and vegetable programs by Elizabeth Larsen Capital Press Published 08/22/2008
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that nearly $49 million will be provided in fresh fruits and vegetables for elementary school children during the school day this year, in addition to school lunch programs. The farm bill amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by adding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, according to the USDA. The program, launched in 2002, initially served 14 states, and now offers funds for fresh fruit and vegetables to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. · Read the entire article.
Public input: School lunches not good eating by Elizabeth Lee The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 08/21/2008
Pop-Tarts and doughnuts for breakfast for 2-year-olds. Rolls, chicken nuggets and French fries for school lunches. Brownies given the same nutritional value as a slice of whole-wheat bread. Federal nutrition programs are failing children and contributing to an epidemic of obesity and chronic illnesses in America, according to speakers who testified Wednesday at a U.S. Department of Agriculture listening session. · Read the entire article.
A growing program by Dale Rodebaugh Durango Herald Published 08/21/2008
A discussion three years ago among La Plata County residents who make their living off the land resulted in locally grown produce and meat in Durango 9-R School District breakfast and lunch menus. The Farm to School program, a coalition of area farmers and ranchers, begins its fourth school year this week. · Read the entire article.
School bells are ready to toll again by Linda Maness The Manchester Journal Published 08/21/2008
Schools ready to begin the 2008-2009 school year, including the farm to school program. · Read the entire article.
Taste of Place Garden Soiree kicks off Local Food Month Redwood Times Published 08/20/2008
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers announces Humboldt County's 2nd annual Local Food Month, a celebration of local farms, local food, and local abundance. · Read the entire article.
Whole Foods encourages local students to make healthy food choices by Crystal Yamasaki Honolulu Advertiser Published 08/19/2008
Wai'alae Elementary is one of ten schools participating in the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation's 'AINA (Actively Integrating Nutrition and Agriculture) In Schools program, a farm-to-school initiative dedicated to connecting students to a healthier future by teaching them the importance of healthy eating habits, as well as caring for the land. · Read the entire article.
Nemours rewards work to improve children's health in Del. by Carol Kinsley Americanfarm.com Published 08/19/2008
The coalition, a partnership of some 150 agencies and individuals, is a Nemours Health and Prevention Services initiative working to make Delaware's children the healthiest in the nation. · Read the entire article.
Putting food on the table by Julie Yates Pryor Daily Times Published 08/16/2008
Malynda Willis, Locust Grove Schools nutrition manager, said Locust Grove has raised their breakfast price to 75 cents. The noon meals for elementary, middle and high schools remain at the same prices as before. Willis said she uses a farm-to-school program and buys fresh foods from local people. She said they use the foods according to the quality and quantity of what they receive. · Read the entire article.
USDA Ready to Listen About School Lunch Earth Day Network Published 08/15/2008
The best way to ensure that kids get food that is safe, healthy, and economical is by expanding farm-to-school programs. Schools are linked with local farmers who provide food for meals and teach children how it is grown. Children learn to appreciate the joys of eating juicy apples and fresh, crisp green beans, developing a taste for healthy food that can last a healthy, vibrant lifetime. At the listening session, a farmer from Delaware pointed out that safety is guaranteed in farm-to-school programs because the farmers themselves usually have children or grandchildren in the school they serve. You know your food is safe when Grandma picked it fresh that morning. · Read the entire article.
Crawford and Vernon County Schools to Benefit from AmeriCorps "Farm to School" Award Westby Times Published 08/15/2008
Wisconsin State AmeriCorps has awarded Crawford and Vernon Counties resources to start Farm to School programs with the goal of bringing more fresh, locally grown foods to area schools. · Read the entire article.
Organic grower uses orchard as laboratory by Elizabeth Larson Capital Press Published 08/15/2008
Lars Crail of Kelseyville, Calif., isn't afraid to experiment with what he grows or how he farms in order to keep his farm both sustainable and profitable. · Read the entire article.
Keyport schools look to encourage healthier eating by Melissa L. Gaffney The Courier Published 08/14/2008
To offset the drudgery of school food, the borough of Keyport is looking to implement the "Farm-to-School" program in the school district, according to school board member Sheila Bishop. · Read the entire article.
The Art of Eating Locally by Kayt Lange The Melon Published 08/13/2008
This past legislative session in Olympia, I was thrilled to watch the "Farm to School" bill, sponsored by Rep. Eric Pettigrew, D-Seattle, pass both chambers with ease. This bill, in the top four priorities of our environmental community, attracted support from parents, public health employees, child advocates, state school nutritionists, and farmers alike. · Read the entire article.
School lunch program to start The Herald-Mail Published 08/12/2008
The Jane Lawton Farm to School Initiative was established during the 2008 session of the General Assembly to bring more Maryland grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced and the benefits of a healthy diet. · Read the entire article.
Heroes of Sustainability Nominations Denver Business News Published 08/11/2008
Ms. Blair founded and directs the Turtle Lake Refuge in Durango, whose mission is to celebrate the connection between personal health and wild lands. Through its Farm to School program, the organization provides locally grown organic greens to all public schools in Durango. With the help of student volunteers, the program also gathers excess from local harvests and feeds it back to the local community. The organization's booth at the Durango Farmers Market is bicycle operated - not just via the three wheelers they use to haul the produce, but also including a bicycle-powered blender and wheatgrass juicer! · Read the entire article.
Agriculture and education: a winning combination by Kelly Cormier California Farm Bureau Federation Published 08/06/2008
Successful farmers from Southern California stressed the important link between agriculture and education during this year's National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference that took place in late June. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Meeting at Lakeview Middle School by Brigette Leach Battle Creek Enquirer Published 08/05/2008
Come prepared to learn about how you can become involved in placing more Michigan grown food on school menus. We plan to make sure food service directors are aware of all the Michigan grown fruits and vegetables available to them and during what seasons, and help farmers learn how to get their products into local schools and what food service directors need. · Read the entire article.
Food safety symposium set for Aug. 19 Bladen Journal Published 08/04/2008
Dr. David Acheson, a central figure in the federal government's investigation of the recent national salmonella outbreak, will speak to more than 200 representatives of the agriculture and food industries at the fourth annual AgFIRST symposium Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is host of the event, which has the theme "Providing Safe Food for Healthy Families in a Global Economy." It will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Kerr Scott Building. Admission is free, and lunch will be provided, but registration is required. · Read the entire article.
Rural Health Network pushes locally grown veggies in schools by George Basler Press & Sun-Bulletin Published 08/01/2008
Jack Salo wants to encourage interest in serving locally grown fruits and vegetables in school cafeterias. The time is ripe to promote the effort, said the executive director of the Rural Health Network, which promotes health initiatives in Tioga, Delaware and rural Broome counties. Salo was at Whitney Point High School for a workshop sponsored by the network on Farm to School programs, started across the country to connect schools with local farms. · Read the entire article.
AmeriCorp Farm to School Program by Lora Klenke University of Wisconsin Published 07/31/2008
The Wisconsin Department of Agricultural, Trade and Consumer Protection is looking for candidates for the job of Program Manager "Farm to School Program. The individual who fills this grant-funded position will serve as the program area liaison responsible for program development, coordination, implementation and overall management of the AmeriCorp Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Promoting local produce in schools by Karen Lee News 10 Now Published 07/31/2008
Lunch is served at Whitney Point High School, but you won't find cheese steaks or tater tots here. The lunch you see is part of the Rural Health Network's Farm-to-School initiative. All the items on the menu are all from local farms. · Read the entire article.
Village Feast under the trees by Gloria Glyer Sacramento Bee Published 07/31/2008
The Davis Farm to School Connection will benefit from a slow food dinner, with proceeds providing for school gardens, farm visits for second-graders, school recycling programs, and seasonal produce in school lunch programs. · Read the entire article.
Schools, farmers benefit from push to 'buy local' by Jackie Smith The Dexter Leader Published 07/31/2008
The movement for consumers to buy produce from local farms has extended far into today's communities, feeding even the youngest of buyers in neighborhood schools.vThe Chelsea School District has been piloting a farm-to-school project over the past year with full anticipation of its continuation this fall, said Food Service Director Karen Carty. "We have found that utilizing local foods not only helps the food budget, but also provides us with fresher-tasting, more nutritious products overall," Carty said. "We are proud to support our local farmers and have this partnership to be very beneficial." · Read the entire article.
State food program reaps rewards by Susan Simpson NewsOK Published 07/30/2008
Students with an eye for the environment and a taste for garden-fresh produce are in for a treat this fall at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. USAO has signed up for the state's Farm to School program, joining the University of Oklahoma and about 50 school districts that buy fresh fruits and vegetables from state growers. · Read the entire article.
Kale is Cool by Eva Sollberger Seven Days Published 07/30/2008
When did kale become so cool? Down at Burlington's Intervale Center, the Healthy City kids are growing vegetables, becoming farmers, volunteering in their community, working a summer job and changing the world, weed by weed. · Read the entire article.
From Farm to School: Improving Small Farm Viability and School Meals by Stacy Kish USDA: CSREES Published 07/29/2008
Improving the nutritional value of school meals is a growing priority among school systems across the United States. In an effort to provide a solution for school administrators, the USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) funded a coalition of school districts and farmers from four states to participate in a new program called "From Farm to School: Improving Small Farm Viability and School Meals." · Read the entire article.
New website to link Virginia farmers and schools by Joel Turner The Franklin News Post Published 07/28/2008
A new website is being designed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (VDACS) to help match up school system buyers with Virginia farmers. It's the first step in an effort to expand the purchase and use of Virginia food products in the state's school systems. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School ABC 13 WLOS Published 07/23/2008
Great coverage of the Southeast Regional Meeting highlighting farmers, chefs, students and the community coming together to work as one. · Read the entire article.
Coordinator hired for food program by Mackenzie Ryan Statesman Journal Published 07/22/2008
Oregon Department of Education recently hired Joan Ottinger to coordinate the department's Farm-to-School and School Garden programs. · Read the entire article.
Research project studies local food by Blythe Wachter Leader-Telegram Published 07/22/2008
The UW-Eau Claire Chippewa Valley Center for Economic Research and Development, which supplies basic data to help foster regional economic development, and UW-Extension have joined to work on the Western Wisconsin Local Food Project. UW-Extension provided a $10,000 grant for the project, which is examining how much local food is purchased and consumed in western Wisconsin. The project also seeks to support existing efforts aimed at increasing local food purchases and consumption by providing data and research analysis and outreach. · Read the entire article.
Solutions from within Washington County by Judy East Bangor News Published 07/21/2008
A Farm To School initiative is also supporting local purchasing, healthful eating, and increasing nutrition curriculum in our school systems. · Read the entire article.
A Threat to the Local Food Movement by Alan Merrill West Yellowstone News Published 07/21/2008
According to numerous studies, these local food programs help improve children's nutrition while providing family farms with a reliable market. They also promote the local economy and environmentally sustainable agriculture as well as help children and parents re-connect with the providers of their food. · Read the entire article.
Educators gather to study food initiative by Ashley Wilson Asheville Citizan Times Published 07/18/2008
Local newspaper covers the Southeast Regional Farm to School meeting in Asheville, NC · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school liaison will provide guidance by Paris Achen Mail Tribune Published 07/17/2008
In a jab at childhood obesity, the Oregon Department of Education has hired a farm-to-school coordinator to work with the state agriculture department to help schools start their own farms and buy local fresh produce. · Read the entire article.
Village Feast by Don Guthrie Davis Real Estate Guide Published 07/17/2008
The Village Feast benefits the Davis Farm to School Connection, which supports programs within the Davis schools such as school gardens, second-grade farm visits, recycling programs and local produce in the school lunch program. · Read the entire article.
Using Our Kids to Destroy the Family Farm by Judith McGreary OpEd News Published 07/14/2008
Some school districts are taking action to provide better food for our kids. The rapidly-growing farm-to-school movement has been working to bring local, healthy, and sustainably-raised foods into the schools and reconnect children with the source of their food. As the evidence mounts about the nutrition and safety of grass-fed meats, some schools have started to integrate these animal products into their farm-to-school programs or source organic meats. · Read the entire article.
Farming regs 'housekeeping' by Vanessa Lynn Pinheiro The Litchfield Enquirer Published 07/11/2008
The current Litchfield Farm-Fresh Market is permitted as an accessory use to the school because of its Farm-to-School program. · Read the entire article.
Putting a face on home-grown produce by Jessica Klipa Bradenton Published 07/09/2008
John Matthews is a matchmaker of sorts. Through his newly established business, Suncoast Food Alliance, Matthews unites the two key players in delivering an exquisite meal to the dinner table: the chef and the local farmer. · Read the entire article.
School nutrition joins Virginia Department of Agriculture by Cathy Benson The Roanoke Times Published 07/09/2008
In order to get more locally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables into the diets of Virginia's school children, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has created a Farm-to-School program and Web site. · Read the entire article.
What's good for farmers by Anita Shelburne Daily Progress Published 07/09/2008
Richmond continues to try innovative ideas to support Virginia's farmers. The latest is a program to link farm produce to colleges and universities, public and private grade schools in an effort to provide fresh foods to students and at the same time expand markets for farmers. Plus, organizers hope, the Farm-to-School program will help schoolchildren - many of whom have never been on a farm - to understand where food comes from and the importance of maintaining agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Report Tracks Anti-Obesity Efforts Nurse Week Published 07/08/2008
Lawmakers in 16 states enacted legislation to increase farm-to-school programs or to improve the nutritional quality of school breakfasts, lunches, á la carte selections or vending machine offerings. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program will be topic Press Connects Published 07/07/2008
The Rural Health Network of South Central New York will host a free workshop on Farm-to-School programs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 31 at Whitney Point Senior High School. Farm to School is an initiative that facilitates connections between school districts and local farms to improve nutrition and health education among elementary, middle and high school students. · Read the entire article.
Teens pick strawberries for city schools by Connor Boals Burlington Free Press Published 07/05/2008
The farm provides local produce for the Burlington school district and all of the strawberries the teens picked will be sent straight to the schools they attend. · Read the entire article.
Chef Proves School Lunch Can Be Healthy, Cheap by Eleanor Beardsley National Public Radio Published 07/02/2008
At the school, he prepares meals for about 800 students, using all fresh, local ingredients. The introduction of healthy school lunch programs, like this one, is one major reason France has been able to curb childhood obesity rates after two decades on the rise, according to two recent studies. · Read the entire article.
Plenty to boast about here in the 'highlands' by Barbara Lucks Snowmass Sun Published 07/02/2008
Back here in Mesa County, a new FARM TO SCHOOL program is establishing guaranteed local markets for fruit and vegetable producers, increasing the quality of nutrition for our children, and minimizing shipping. If there are a few less Palisade peaches and apples at the Aspen Farmer's Market this fall, blame it on the school kids of Mesa County. They're munching a local lunch. · Read the entire article.
Catawba Valley schools Charlotte Observer Published 06/29/2008
Catawba Elementary School's Child Nutrition division won second place in the national "Farm to School Fruits and Vegetables" contest sponsored by the USDA. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school: It's what's for lunch by James Raia News Review Published 06/27/2008
Gail Feenstra can't get the embarrassingly small sum of 75 cents out of her mind. This is the amount spent on food per meal, per day for every child in federally funded school lunch programs. · Read the entire article.
Fresh off the Farm: Va. Program Connects Schools to Homegrown Food by Sandhya Somashekhar Washington Post Published 06/26/2008
State officials have launched a program designed to connect small Virginia farmers with schools in hopes of boosting the agricultural economy and encouraging children to eat organic, locally grown food. · Read the entire article.
Farmers take part in Farm to School Program by Ashley Hall KDRV News 12 Published 06/24/2008
Southern Oregon farmers are taking part in a program they hope will one day provide more locally grown food to area schools. The Farm To School Program would put local produce, flour, eggs, and other food products in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Schools are taking the mystery out of the meat they serve by DeeDee Correll Los Angeles Times Published 06/23/2008
The precooked beef patties with the fake charcoal lines won't be on the menu at Castle View High School this fall. Instead, students will dine on freshly grilled hamburgers from grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free cattle -- what is often described as natural or organic meat -- raised on the plains of eastern Colorado. · Read the entire article.
In search of food's 98 percent solution by Scott Exo The Oregonian Published 06/23/2008
The future for Oregon farmers and ranchers lies not in a futile race to grow and sell more and to do it more cheaply. Their success will be in growing and marketing high quality, highly differentiated, branded products with a credible sustainability story. · Read the entire article.
Eat local: State to deliver Va.-grown fruit, veggies to schools by Associated Press In Rich Published 06/19/2008
A new program has been launched by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to deliver locally grown fruit and vegetables to school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School program launched by Va. ag dept by Associated Press Daily Press Published 06/19/2008
The department's Farm-to-School program is a matchmaker for school food service directors who are seeking nutritious Virginia-grown farm products for their school menus. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program Launched by Associated Press NBC29 Published 06/19/2008
Virginia schools spend more than $6 million annually on fresh produce, and the program is intended to deliver some of those dollars to in-state growers. · Read the entire article.
Students connecting with their roots by Linda Maness The Times Argus Published 06/15/2008
Vermont's schools are growing green. "Growing" is the word being emphasized at school these days, as many are planting their own gardens or contributing to a community garden. Focusing on whole, natural foods - their production, harvest and preparation - is one way that Vermont schools are responding to the deterioration of the eating habits and growing obesity rates of its children. Enter the farm-to-school program. · Read the entire article.
Students plant seed for idea by Eric Gaertner The Muskegon Chronicle Published 06/15/2008
The high school students in Kyle Fiebig's agri-science projects class recently played the role of farmer in the proposed program, except on a much smaller scale. Over a few weeks near the end of the school year, the students grew a couple varieties of lettuce that were fed to staff and students for lunch. Grown in the school's greenhouse, the lettuce was offered to 2,000 to 3,000 students during six lunch sessions. "The overall response was they want it back," Fiebig said. "I like the idea that the lettuce traveled all of 600 feet." · Read the entire article.
Tainted tomatoes hit Vt. by Daniel Barlow Rutland Herald Published 06/14/2008
Many schools still purchase their produce wholesale from corporations in California and Mexico because it is cheaper, he added. Twinfield will be part of the state's farm to school food program starting in the fall, he said, which should put more local, fresh food on the plates of students. · Read the entire article.
East Hill Notes The Ithaca Journal Published 06/14/2008
Worth noting given the increasing costs of transportation: The Cornell Farm to School Program is continuing to help community leaders and extension educators develop and sustain connections between New York farms and cafeterias in schools, universities and other institutions. The program also offers assistance to anyone interested in developing farm-to-school connections. For more information, visit farmtoschool.cce.cornell.edu. · Read the entire article.
Food for thought by Eric Gaertner The Muskegon Chronicle Published 06/14/2008
The days of school lunch lines filled with imported food offerings and food loaded with trans fat could be numbered. A county wide proposal that is just beginning to be thoroughly evaluated would have local schools saying goodbye to well-traveled carrots and greasy fries and hello to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats that are most likely organic in nature. · Read the entire article.
Students grow lunches by Jennifer Moody Albany Democrat-Herald Published 06/14/2008
Salad greens grown at Seven Oak Middle School have already hit that cafeteria. Now, the greens will be served as part of the free lunches distributed every summer at various locations. Plenty of schools in the fertile Willamette Valley have gardens, but very few grow food to be consumed by students. That may change as food and transportation prices rise and schools look for new ways to motivate healthy choices. · Read the entire article.
District 81 Rep. candidates address conservation issues by Haley Hughes Aiken Standard Published 06/13/2008
S.C. House District 81 field questions: Would you support the S.C. Farm to School Act which, among other things, would encourage schools and farmers to work together to provide fresh produce for school snacks and meals? · Read the entire article.
"Strolling of the Heifers" Celebrates Dairy Farming by Tracy Sutton Lancaster Farming Published 06/13/2008
The epicenter of heifer funkiness - or the "cow-nter culture" if you will -was on exuberant, flower-draped display last Saturday at Brattleboro, Vermont's seventh annual "Strolling of the Heifers." The theme for the parade this year was "Live Green." School kids dressed as strawberries promoted their local farm to school program and held placards praising compost. · Read the entire article.
Tomatoes Join the List of School Inedible Edibles by Suzanne Guldimann Malibu Sufside News Published 06/12/2008
According to local farm advocates, the current salmonella outbreak, and other recent food scares that have led the U.S. Academy of Sciences this week to announce that vegetables and fruits are the "leading vehicles" of food-borne illness in the United States, highlights the need for locally grown produce, and local accountability, instead of reliance on imported produce that may not meet local criteria for health and safety. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program educates kids about local and healthy foods by Beth Beasley Blue Ridge Now Published 06/11/2008
'Thousands of Miles Fresher'- the local food slogan familiar to many in our area, now applies to food served in Henderson County schools. Growing Minds, the program that makes it possible, is a Farm to School Program of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), a non-profit organization based in Asheville. Cafeterias in all Henderson County Public Schools now receive foods such as apples, lettuce, spinach, watermelon, potatoes and tomatoes from as many as a dozen local and regional farms. · Read the entire article.
Grants available to state farmers Bladen Journal Published 06/09/2008
Farm to school grants available. · Read the entire article.
Keeping Up with the Jones, Tastefully by Diane Conners Great Lakes Bulletin News Service Published 06/09/2008
Thirty schools in northwest Lower Michigan now include locally grown fresh food in their menus and soaring sales indicate students are glad to avoid typical cafeteria fare. · Read the entire article.
Hundreds of new laws take affect in Washington state by Rachel La Corte The Seattle Times Published 06/08/2008
A wide ranging measure sets up a farm to school program in the Department of Agriculture, sets up a grant program for schools, and much more. · Read the entire article.
Field trip leaves schoolchildren ripe with knowledge by Gwen Schoen The Sacramento Bee Published 06/04/2008
They have seen produce in grocery stores, but never sold like this, out in the open by people who actually grow the food. It gives them a whole new perspective. · Read the entire article.
Café Services donation benefits local Farm to School program Reformer.com Published 06/02/2008
Café Services, the food service provider for the Brattleboro Town Schools, has made a donation of $1,200 to help fund the Farm to School Program at Academy, Green Street and Oak Grove schools. · Read the entire article.
NCDA&CS secures U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to support four programs for N.C. farmers The Leland Tribune Published 06/02/2008
The Farm to School initiative serves to increase the number of North Carolina schools purchasing locally grown produce. A new program will be implemented with the grant money to supply schools with N.C. food products. · Read the entire article.
Cook's Corner: Taste The Local Difference The Traverse City Record-Eagle Published 06/02/2008
The Taste the Local Difference Web site, www.localdifference.org, has also been updated with all the search options combined into one step; a local food exchange featuring "land wanted" or "farmer wanted" listings, farm to school plans, healthy eating and more. · Read the entire article.
Keep it in Vermont by Carol Tashie The Times Argus Published 06/01/2008
What could your town do with $5 million? Or $1 million? Picture more farm-to-school partnerships, where our children are fed healthy, whole foods straight from our neighboring farmers. · Read the entire article.
Many Ore. districts unaware of local food purchase options by Associated Press KTVZ Published 06/01/2008
A survey by the Oregon Department of Agriculture has found that nearly half of Oregon's school food purchasers don't know they can buy from local producers. The Oregon Department of Education is expected to fill a companion position to Schreiber's this summer, making Oregon the first state to have companion farm-to-school program positions in the state departments of education and agriculture. · Read the entire article.
School districts are benefiting from providing local produce by Tamara Scully American Farm Published 06/01/2008
A flyer advertising the Buy Fresh, Buy Local Northwest Jersey chapter led Joanne Untamo, director of operations for Maschio's Food Services, Inc., based in Flanders, to place a phone call that carried with it the potential to change the face of school lunches in northern New Jersey. The Foodshed Alliance, the non-profit that organizes the BFBL chapter, was more than ready to receive that call. · Read the entire article.
From Farm to Table in Portland Public Schools by Deborah Kane NW Kids Published 06/01/2008
Deborah Kane, Vice President of Ecotrust, talks about the wide scope of farm to school programs to create life-long healthy eaters, what programs exist in the Portland area, and how Portland Public Schools has begun incorporate these programs. · Read the entire article.
Let Them Eat Kale by Debra Lau Whelan School Library Journal Published 06/01/2008
Schools Get Serious about Nutrition: With America's kids in danger of becoming obese, a growing number of schools are thinking outside the lunchbox. · Read the entire article.
Talking farm and food politics with the candidate by Ari LeVaux The Northcoast Journal Published 05/29/2008
As president, I would implement USDA policies that promote local and regional food systems, including assisting states to develop programs aimed at community supported farms. I also support a national farm-to-school program and am pleased that the Farm Bill provides more than $1 billion to expand healthy snacks in our schools. · Read the entire article.
WHS students get their hands dirty in internship program by Eric Anderson Register-Pajaronian Published 05/28/2008
The Watsonville High Agricultural Academy internship program helps students learn basic agriculture skills and about jobs in the field, while getting an idea of what it's like to run a farm. · Read the entire article.
What we're doing for Maryland farmers by Roger Richardson The Herald-Mail Published 05/27/2008
These laws include the Chesapeake 2010 Trust Fund, which will provide about $12 million for cover crops and on-farm best management practices to help the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and the farm-to-school bill which may offer additional markets to our producers while bringing locally-grown products to school children. · Read the entire article.
Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom hands out 22 grants by Bob Meyer Brownfield Network Published 05/27/2008
The Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom program has announced more than $9,700 in grants to 22 educational programs in the state. The program awards up to $500 to groups who sponsor programs or projects that promote agricultural literacy. T · Read the entire article.
School Food Matters by Ranea al-Tikriti New Haven Independent Published 05/26/2008
The New Haven Food Policy Council released a "challenge" to government at all levels, in the form of a "primer" that discusses the obesity problem, the importance of school food in students' diets, and ideas for action. · Read the entire article.
Aging farmer nurtures younger generation with lease, lessons by Elizabeth Lee The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 05/25/2008
As farm groups and agriculture schools seek ways to encourage more young people to work the land, property is changing hands. Atlanta's suburbs are filled with subdivisions that once were pastures or crop land. · Read the entire article.
Districts quizzed on buying local food by Mitch Lies The Capital Press Published 05/23/2008
Nearly half of Oregon's school food purchasers don't know whether they even have the option of buying local food. That was one of the surprise answers to come from a survey the Oregon Department of Agriculture is conducting with Oregon school food buyers. · Read the entire article.
Meeting the acting surgeon general: the rewards of teaching by Elof Carlson Times Beacon Record Published 05/23/2008
The Surgeon General is looking around the country for good models. He suggested a good one for Long Island, a farm to school program that would introduce Long Island vegetables and fruits directly from farmers to the schools, benefiting both in a "win-win" approach. · Read the entire article.
Let's help local farms, school lunchrooms by Julia della Croce The Journal News Published 05/22/2008
Parents need to speak up to their school boards and elected officials to make healthy school food a requirement and support initiatives for farm-to-school programs. Fresh, nourishing food should be the right of everyone, not just the privileged, and its availability to our children should be a public goal. · Read the entire article.
Off the Aramark by Betsy Yagla New Haven Advocate Published 05/20/2008
In Connecticut, more than 80 school districts participate in the state's "farm-to-school" program, which encourages schools to buy local and provides suggestions for adding food and nutrition into the school curriculum. Nearly every district involved serves local apples, and some serve other fruits and vegetables too. · Read the entire article.
Economics, ecology meet in lunchroom by Aaron French Contra Costa Times Published 05/20/2008
Today's children, largely due to poor diet, are the first generation in U.S. history predicted to have shorter life spans than their parents. And while Americans spend less than 10 percent of their household budget on food, we spend more than 17 percent of our national budget on healthcare. Effecting change requires a two-pronged approach: 1) Change the food that is served, and 2) Educate children about where their food comes from. · Read the entire article.
The Rise of the 'Locavore' by Pallavi Gogoi Business Week Published 05/20/2008
As many as 1,200 school districts around the country, from Alabama to Iowa, have linked up with local farms to serve fresh vegetables and fruit to children. · Read the entire article.
Schools struggle to feed children by Ashley Wilson Citizen Times Published 05/19/2008
With drastic increases in food, gas and labor costs and little or no financial support from the state or their local school districts, child nutrition programs across Western North Carolina and the state are finding it harder to feed their students. · Read the entire article.
Bloomfield Schools Farm to School Program NBC30 Published 05/09/2008
Farm to School in Connecticut · Read the entire article.
Heifer grants keep it green by Bob Audette The Reformer Published 05/06/2008
Since its inception in 2001, the Heifer Educational Fund has awarded more than $125,000 to area schools for projects such as farm-to-school food initiatives, the creation of school gardens and greenhouses, soil conservation and forestry work. · Read the entire article.
Costs hard to swallow by Ryan McCarthy Appeal Democrat Published 05/06/2008
Food prices, increasing more than 4 percent in the Unites States last year, have hit schools here. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the food cost climb is the largest since 1990 and that a similar increase is expected this year. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School: Ecotrust Keeps It Local by Lizbeth M. Brown, Esq. Eco Times Published 05/05/2008
Michelle Markesteyn, Ph.D. is a major force at Food & Farms, as the Farm To School and School Garden Program Coordinator. Farm To School programs enable schools to provide students with healthy, locally-sourced meals, incorporate nutrition-based curriculum, and provide experiential learning through farm visits, gardening, and recycling. · Read the entire article.
School lunch feeling the crunch: Rising food and fuel costs mean higher meal prices by Jennifer Keefe Foster's Daily Democrat Published 05/04/2008
According to Peterson, one nationwide school food initiative that all districts adamantly said would not be compromised is healthy eating awareness; namely the Farm-to-School program. While Peterson said the rising costs of food and fuel are a concern to such programs, which include buying fresh goods and transporting food from farms to schools, "almost everyone is adamant that they won't go back on the changes they've made to school lunches. They're trying to not compromise the nutritional integrity of their programs." · Read the entire article.
Lawmakers Push For Better School Nutrition by Amy Winterfeld National Conference for State Legislatures Published 05/03/2008
Kids and local farmers all benefit when states support farm-to- school programs that make it easier to bring local produce to cafeteria tables. Making healthy food choices available to school kids is a priority for many lawmakers. You are what you eat, they say - and plenty of school kids are testing that theory every day. To keep kids healthy, legislators are taking a look at how to help them with nutritious choices at school. From 2005 through 2007, state lawmakers enacted about 46 bills related to school nutrition standards. · Read the entire article.
Young sprouts learn their garden lessons well by Deborah Donovan Daily Herald Published 05/03/2008
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Grant to promote local produce by John Arendt Summerland Review Published 05/01/2008
A local organization would like to see Summerland-grown produce served at the high school's salad bar. The Summerland Food Action Coalition is applying for a $20,000 grant for its proposed Farm to School Salad Bar Program. · Read the entire article.
D is for Dirt by Julie Flaherty Tufts Journal Published 05/01/2008
School gardens are springing up like daffodils. But will they make children enjoy science, respect the earth and occasionally eat their veggies? An overview of school garden programs around the country and the work of Tufts' graduates to further the school garden movement. · Read the entire article.
Be Fresh: Get a refresher on what sustainable agriculture really is by Brandon Grace Independent Mail Published 04/30/2008
The sustainable agriculture initiatives in this community seek to foster programs and systems aimed at helping our top-notch producers get their wares to the customers in this community. The programs can be as complex as "Grow with Me!" South Carolina's first farm to school program we are launching in August, or as simple as extending the Anderson County Farmer's Market season. · Read the entire article.
Teaming local food with area students by Natalie Ragus The Lompoc Record Published 04/30/2008
Small farmers and school districts along the Central Coast may soon team up in a partnership designed to help bring local produce directly from the family farm into school cafeterias. While logistics such as pricing and distribution have traditionally made "Farm to School" programs difficult to get off the ground, an innovative cooperative of local farmers and ranchers may help mitigate some of these issues. · Read the entire article.
Produce law just a start, educators say by Susan Gordon The News Tribune Published 04/27/2008
Public schools would be allowed to pay more for Washington produce as part of a new law promoted as a way to improve child nutrition while supporting Evergreen State farmers. The $1.5 million measure provides $570,000 in school nutrition grants beginning next fall. · Read the entire article.
Law brings state's harvest to lunchrooms by Valoria Loveland Yakima Herald-Republic Published 04/26/2008
This farm-to-school opportunity will help support the profitability of Washington farms and preserve those beautiful open spaces that we all love. And every parent knows that good habits start early. With Local Farms, Healthy Kids, we'll help young people make the right choices for a lifetime. · Read the entire article.
Struggling U.S. farm bill "not that simple" by Alice Bagley Whitman College Pioneer Published 04/24/2008
Title X of the bill even provides funding for purchasing from community garden projects and other locally based initiatives. This is a huge step forward towards "farm-to-school" programs, which have been advocated on the grassroots level in many communities, including Walla Walla. · Read the entire article.
Cow visits Bozeman school by Beth Saboe Montana's News Station Published 04/24/2008
Milk is something that most kids drink on a regular basis, but these days many youngsters may not realize where that glass of milk comes from. But one Bozeman school is working to educate students on the origin of their food, and on Wednesday students at Hawthorne Elementary school got a firsthand look at dairy cows and learned how to milk them. · Read the entire article.
'Farm to School Conference promotes buying school food localy by Melissa Mecija KSBY 6 Action News Published 04/24/2008
Agriculture leaders promote a program that aims to improve nutrition in schools, and help the local economy. Organizers held the first "Farm to School Conference" in San Luis Obispo Thursday afternoon. The program encourages healthy eating for students by encouraging schools to buy from local farmers and ranchers. · Read the entire article.
Schools struggle to dine locally by Kristen Wyatt The Washington Times Published 04/23/2008
A bill awaiting the governor's signature aims to change that. It's part of a national Farm to School movement that is headed to Maryland to encourage more local produce on cafeteria trays. The twin missions of boosting local farmers while trimming fuel costs for shipping food long distances received unanimous approval from Maryland legislators. · Read the entire article.
Home-grown school meals by Editorial Board The Baltimore Sun Published 04/22/2008
With justified concern about childhood obesity and the economic plight of some of Maryland's 12,000 farms, it's a shame that more local produce hasn't gotten to local schools. But a new program for the next school year rightly aims to help by adding more Maryland farm products to school meals. · Read the entire article.
Gonzales Proposes Plan to Bring Fresher Foods into Local Schools by Evan On Truth and Exploration Published 04/22/2008
State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township) today introduced House Bill 5967, a bill that would make it easier for school districts to purchase food from local farmers for school lunch programs, bringing more fresh fruits and vegetables into our cafeterias and boosting the local economy. Gonzales' plan would streamline the bidding process for school food administrators by increasing schools' small purchase threshold (SPT) for food procurement to $100,000, up from $19,650. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School movement comes to Md. by Kristen Wyatt The York Dispatch Published 04/22/2008
Maryland's bill would put educators in touch with state Department of Agriculture marketing officials to figure out how to put products like Hochmuth's berries in schools. Officials in other states have said schools and farms alike are enthusiastic about the idea of local food in cafeterias -- they just need a go-between. · Read the entire article.
Maryland joins effort to put local food in school cafeterias by Kristen Wyatt Associated Press Published 04/21/2008
The strawberries just turning red on one Eastern Shore field here could end up on plates almost anywhere - except on cafeteria trays just down the road. A bill awaiting the governor's signature aims to change that. It's part of a national Farm-To-School movement that's headed to Maryland to encourage more local produce on cafeteria trays. · Read the entire article.
Maryland's Governor Cites Ag Accomplishments American Agriculturalist Published 04/21/2008
HB 696 and SB 158 es