General Information on farm to school programs

Farm To School ProgramMr. Nassiveras Summer Economics Class

General InformationGeneral Information on farm to school programsFarm to school is a program through which schools buy and feature locally produced, farm-fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, eggs , honey , meat, and beans on their menus.Farm to school also is a nationwide movement that connects local farmers who can provide fresh, seasonal produce with school food services for healthier school lunches.It would help boost the local economy, keeping money in the community.

Health InformationEvidence from numerous studies points to the critical role diet plays in Chronic Disease Risk. Treatment costs for diet-related diseases are mounting: $147 billion for obesity, $116 billion for diabetes & hundreds of billions to treat cardiovascular disease & certain cancersMost of these issues could be avoided by choosing healthy eating and exercising.Healthier habits may lead to lower health care costs

Participating SchoolsHaving healthy food in schools gives kids the chance to make healthy choices.It teaches kids about being environmentally friendly and teaches them about agriculture

Farm to school is in over 400 school districts across 23 states.

Some of these local schools include : Saratoga Springs City School, Averill Park Central School and Bridgehampton School District

The number of schools that participate in Farm to School programs is below desired standards.

10 Positive Things tastes and looks bettersupports local familiesbuilds trustbuilds communitypreserves open spacekeeps taxes downbenefits the environment & wildlifemakes a lighter carbon footprintpreserves genetic diversityinvestment in our future

Logistics and costGetting startedThe best place to start is by building a trusting relationship between buyers and sellers. To build this trust, it also helps to start small (i.e., one school or one cafeteria, or even one type of food/produce, such as a salad bar)Starting small not only helps build trust, it also reduces initial costs and makes the program more manageable and feasible.

Grants GaloreThere are plenty of grants available to schools looking to implement farm to school programs.Captain Planet Foundation $250 - $2,500 GrantsPlum $500 Youth GrantsOperation Green Plant - Free Seed GrantsThe Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's Fruit Tree Orchard Grant Farm to School Grant Program

Things to bear in mindCurrent contract agreements our school has with food service companiesLack of knowledge of food service staff in how to store and prepare fresh farm products and meet mandated portion requirements(we need real cooks!) Lack of availability of many fresh farm products during certain times of the year

Distribution Plan Schools or institutions purchase produce at a local farmers' market. To ensure that our school gets the type and quantity of produce they desire, orders are placed in advance with specific vendors. A coordinator is required to order, pick up, and deliver produce from the market to the schools.

Examples of successVentura Unified School District has salad bars operating at three elementary schools and has expanded nutrition services, healthy meal options, and nutrition education at 24 schools through its Child Nutrition Services Program.The start up cost of the salad bar program was approximately $6,800, paid for with grant funds, but now with more experience, school salad bars start up costs have dropped to about $3,400.

Education

General Farm Schooling Education IdeasAside from Home Economics and Food Science classes, students could partake in classes where they grow their own organic produce The classes will teach the students how to plant, take care of, and eventually make meals out of their very own organically grown food

RecipesFruit Smoothie1 cup red/black raspberries cup strawberries cup blueberries 1 cup of ice2 splashes of fat free skim milk

Vegetable wrap (tomato, spinach, wheat) green bell pepper cucumber sliced in strips Finely chopped cilantroThin layer of guacamole2 tomato slices cup chopped, fresh lettuce

Recipes ContStir Fry 1 cups snowshoe peas1 zucchini 1 Cup chopped asparagus2 cups cubed chicken cup evoo 1 Tsp of finely minced garlic

Turkey Burger1/2 ground turkey 1 Dash of salt and pepper 1/4 cup chopped onions

To prepare:Place Turkey burger on whole wheat bun, topped with fresh vegetables of students choice

Workshops and PresentationsThe Program is organizing workshops and presentations across the United States . To inform locals about farm to school projectsThis work shop brings together farmers, school food service directors, parents, and community organizers.

ContactsWashington County Farms415 Lower Main St. Hudson Falls, NY- Paula Schafer 746-2560

Row to Hoe Farm28 Thomas Ave.Hudson Falls, NY- Carl Deppe 747-9492Contacts ContMack Brook Farm312 McEachron Hill Rd.Argyle, NY-Kevin Jaclonski 638-6187Wild At Heart Farm75 Burt Rd.Gansvoort, NY-Donna Mullen 793-2032Contacts ContSheldon Farms4363 Rt. 22Salem, NY-Pat and Albert Sheldon 854-7847Hicks Orchard18 Hicks Rd.Granville, NY-Susan Knapp 642-1788Questions to Ask Are you big enough to supply a school?What can you supply?Do you have problems withLiability insurance?Access to processing, packaging, storage and transporting?