Farm to school programs are transformative.

They bring fresh, local food into cafeterias, connect students to hands-on learning, and support local economies. But the presence of a dedicated Farm to School Coordinator is what makes these programs sustainable and far-reaching.

To better understand the role and impact of these coordinators, National Farm to School Network partnered with Colorado State University’s Institute for Research in the Social Sciences. Researchers conducted interviews, focus groups, and a nationwide survey of over 150 individuals responsible for farm to school coordination, providing both qualitative and quantitative insight into current practices and outcomes. This summary highlights the key findings from that study: who these coordinators are, what they do, and how they drive results.