Farm to school initiatives help strengthen the connection communities have with the local food system. Farm to school assists families in making positive food choices, supports the local economy, and contributes to vibrant communities. Programs may differ by location but generally include one more more activites in the following areas:
- Cafeteria: Local foods are purchased, promoted, and served in the cafeteria, as a snack, or as classroom taste-test.
- Classroom: Students participate in standards-based education activities related to agriculture, science, health, or nutrition.
- Community: Schools are purchasing from local growers, developing school gardens, engaging in community events, and educating staff, students, and parents on the benefits of local food support.
Local Resources
Local Foods, Lucas County- Farm to School Toolkit:
- Getting Started with Farm to School
- Farm to School in the Classroom
- Farm to School: Procuring Local Foods
- Farm to School: Serving Local Foods
- Farm to School: For Farmers & Producers
- Farm to School: Grants and Funding
- School Gardens
- Farm to School Month
Resources from the Northwest Ohio Farm to School Conference, Friday October 14 2016
Follow OSU Extension Lucas County on Facebook for updates.
State Resources
Farm to School, Ohio State University Extension
National Farm to School Network, Ohio
Ohio Farm to School on Facebook
2015 National Farm to School Census Results including Find Your Ohio School District
- How Extension professionals can summarize county information from the USDA Farm to School Census
National Resources
USDA Farm to School Program - Food and Nutrition Service
USDA Farm to School Factsheets:
- Research Shows Farm to School Works
- School Gardens: Using Gardens to Grow Healthy Habits in Cafeterias, Classrooms, and Communities
- Integrating Local Foods Into Child Nutrition Programs
- Bringing Tribal Foods and Traditions into Cafeterias, Classrooms, and Gardens
- Farm to Preschool: Local Food and Learning in Early Childcare and Education Settings
- Farm to Summer: Why Summer Meal Programs are Ripe for Local Foods and Agriculture Based Activities
- Decision Tree: How Will You Bring Local Foods into the Cafeteria with Your Next School Food Purchase?
- Geographic Preference: What It Is and How To Use It
- USDA Farm to School Grant Program
- 10 Facts About Local Food in School Cafeterias
- USDA Foods: A Resource for Buying Local
- Selling Local Food to Schools: A Resource for Producers
- Using DoD Fresh to Buy Local
- Local Meat in Schools: Increasing Opportunities for Small and Mid-Sized Livestock Ranchers and Fishermen
- How Cooperative Extension Professionals Can Support Farm to School Programs
- USDA Grants and Loans that Support Farm to School Activities
National Farm to School Network