Overview
Farm to School Programs are a great way to get students excited about healthy eating.
Farm to School programs not only benefits students, but parents of school aged children (K-12) and community members. In the Mohawk Valley region we have the opportunity to promote the importance of Farm to School and how our school lunch program works. Along with sharing the health benefits and nutrition behind our program, and the economic impact of school districts adopting a FTS program provides our local community.
Get Involved...
Every school district varies. Most often, parents can form a group (inside/outside of their existing PTA) to assist in Farm to School activities (cafeteria sampling is a great first step) and can advocate to their school board or administrators on behalf of the program.
Learn more about Making the Connection For Healthy Kids and Healthy Farms through a toolkit for Community Leaders.
What the program does...
- Aims to incorporating local farm products into school meals
- Reinforces positive nutrition choices and allows students opportunities for trying new foods
- Increases student participation in meals at home
- Increases interest and participation in farming and gardening activities
- Increases student’s physical activity and reduces screen time
- Aims to improve both grades and test scores
- Facilitates hands-on learning through field trips, classroom, and cafeteria activities
- Promotes community engagement and allows children to be at the heart of the program
- Empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to our local community