Overview
Agriculture continues to be a major contributor to the vitality of our local economy. The farming sector is diverse not only in terms of products but also in terms of farm size and marketing channels. Our goal for Farm to School is to foster the environmental, economic and social vitality of our community by increasing the connections between consumers and farmers.
Local Farmers and food producers within the Mohawk Valley understand the importance of keeping sales local, focusing on a the common goal of creating a stronger local food system.
Get Involved...
How can local farmers and food producers get involved?
- Learn more about incorporating your farm products into school lunches
- Offer to be involved in school fundraiser
- Assist in establishing school gardens
- Offer shadowing and field trip opportunities to students
- Participate in school assembles or guest speaking opportunities
Resources:
What the program does...
- Increased diversification and new opportunities with selling to local school districts
- Farm to School empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to our local community
- School lunch funding is complex, but put simply it is based on the demographics of the district and the number of meals served
- The food cost for an average school lunch is around $1.65 and increased costs cannot be passed on to the customer like in other restaurants
- Small budget and procurement restrictions (bidding) have traditionally precluded local food producers, but the volume of such purchases will be financially beneficial for all involved through our program