New York Profile

Progress in making farm-school connections in New York has come through university and community efforts as well as government support. The New York State School Food Association-NY Farms! Farm to School Task Force, a statewide coalition of school food service directors, farmers, health professionals, and others interested in increasing use of local foods in schools has been instrumental in gaining support and involvement among food service directors. This group surveyed directors about local produce, foraged links between farms and schools, and played a key role in developing and pushing forward New York's Farm to School Legislation, which passed in 2002. The legislation charges the Departments of Education and of Agriculture and Markets with working together to facilitate the purchase of New York farm products by schools, universities, and other educational institutions. The legislation also formalized the establishment of a New York Harvest for New York Kids Week to promote New York farm products.