National Media Coverage
When members of the Working Lands Alliance sat down for lunch recently at the state capitol, the potato leek soup on the menu had ingredients grown by students in Bloomfield High's Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Easton school board may ‘go green’ with school lunches by Laura Modlin Easton Courier Published 11/20/2008
The Easton Board of Education have set in motion two new projects that could help make the town’s schools healthier and greener. At their meeting Tuesday evening, first up on their agenda was the farm to school initiative, an effort spearheaded by Victor Alfandre, a parent of students at Samuel Staples Elementary School. · Read the entire article.
Halton program brings produce to local school by Tim Whitnell Burlington Post Published 11/19/2008
Halton Region wants to bring fresh, locally-grown produce into the area’s elementary schools, and it plans to do so through the Farm to School Committee. · Read the entire article.
Teach (and Feed) Your Children Well by Trista Scheuerlein Flavor Published 11/17/2008
Local food and public schools don't have to be strangers. · Read the entire article.
Healthy school lunches on the menu by Margaret Stafford San Mateo Daily Journal Published 11/17/2008
Schools — particularly public schools — face several obstacles before starting a farm-to-school program, advocates say. Many schools do not have the kitchen facilities or skilled labor needed to provide more than heat-and-serve meals. “Schools often don’t see food or cafeterias as a major investment,” said Anupama Joshi, co-director of the national Farm To School network. “It’s really sad because research has shown that the food we serve our kids can help them facilitate learning and is tied to performance.” · Read the entire article.
Good people doing great things Daily Democrat Published 11/16/2008
Yolo Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization, hosted the Yolo County Philanthropy Day Awards last week at the Heidrick Ag History Center. Ten Yolo County Nonprofits participated. Thirty-seven awards were given. · Read the entire article.
North Jersey gets local into schools’ lunch rooms by Tamara Scully American Farm Published 11/15/2008
Here in New Jersey, putting “local” on the menu of school lunches has launched lunch into fashion, as thousands of children in schools in the northern regions of the Garden State now eat locally-grown food as a regular part of every lunch. Recent school lunch nutrition efforts have focused on establishing healthy eating habits and putting those lessons to practice in school lunch lines. · Read the entire article.
What I'm Into: Katharine Monstream: Artist, mother, soccer fan by Myra Mathis-Flynn Burlington Free Press Published 11/14/2008
We are also supporting Farm to School where local farmers bring local food to our cafeterias. So we will be raffling off original paintings to support them. · Read the entire article.
Improve School Lunches with Locally Grown Food by Laura Weldon Natural News Published 11/14/2008
Connecting school lunch programs directly to local farms is good for everyone. Schools save money, farmers find nearby buyers and student health improves. · Read the entire article.
Ashland starts Farm to School program by Andrea Pettes KDRV Published 11/13/2008
The Ashland School District has partnered with the Ashland Food Co-op to teach the young kids about locally grown products. Beginning Thursday, the Farm to School Program will allow kids at Ashland schools to enjoy the same locally grown foods as Co-op customers. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School Program launches new website by Chris Kirby High Plains Journal Published 11/13/2008
The state agriculture department has created an Oklahoma Farm to School website to give schools, agricultural producers and others an inside look at its program designed to put Oklahoma foods in our school lunch programs. Located at www.okfarmtoschool.com, the website offers Oklahomans a chance to become involved with the program and learn about efforts to help schools connect with local farmers and provide children with fresh, locally grown foods. · Read the entire article.
School Garden Teach Kids by Kathryn Nichols School Garden Weekly Published 11/13/2008
New school gardens are blooming in California’s Monterey County with almost every year. Teachers and administrators are finding that the garden can be woven into just about every aspect of the curriculum, even history, cultural studies, foreign languages, and English. · Read the entire article.
Makeovers for school lunches by Doug Gruse PostStar Published 11/12/2008
Saratoga Springs and several other local schools have been working to incorporate fresh food into daily meals by seeking fruits and vegetables from local farmers. The schools are part of a growing Farm to Schools initiative nationwide. · Read the entire article.
Bistro Kids makes healthy eating main course at schools by Tammy Worth Kansas City Business Journal Published 11/12/2008
Pork enchiladas, honey mustard turkey breast and bison tacos are not typical school lunch fare. But Bistro Kids is not a typical school lunch program. Run by Chef Kiersten Firquain, Bistro Kids is the first for-profit lunch program in the area that follows the Farm to School Program, a national organization that helps connect local farmers with area schools. · Read the entire article.
OU’s use of local foods rises by Sharon Dowell News OK Published 11/11/2008
Local products make up 15 percent of all products used in the University of Oklahoma’s food service operations, and an official said that percentage is growing. "We’re moving more and more every day, going for a certain percentage,” said Dot Flowers, general manager for marketing and nutritional analysis for housing and food services at OU. "We’re hoping to reach 30 percent of what we purchase being local.” · Read the entire article.
Local, healthy eating program launches for lunch by Steve Arstad Keremeos Review Published 11/11/2008
The Public Health Association of BC launched the “Farm to School Salad Bar” initiative last Tuesday in a two day celebration. · Read the entire article.
Oklahoma Education Briefs NewsOK Published 11/10/2008
The state Department of Agriculture has created an Oklahoma Farm to School Web site to give schools, agricultural producers and others an inside look at its program designed to put Oklahoma foods in our school lunch programs. The Web site, www.okfarmtoschool.com, offers Oklahomans a chance to become involved and learn about efforts to help schools connect with local farmers and provide the state’s children with fresh, locally grown foods. · Read the entire article.
An apple a day by Matthew Wilde WCF Courier Published 11/10/2008
Many of the youngsters ignored their bologna sandwiches, crackers and soup, and stuffed their faces with the fruit first. Some even said candy bars would play second fiddle to apples. That's music to Sue Burrack's ears. Starmont's food service coordinator said that means the district's healthy eating initiative is working, and the state's "A" is for Apple Initiative, part of the Farm to School Program, is a big part of it. · Read the entire article.
School menus freshen up by Stephen J. Hedges and Jo Napolitano Chicago Tribune Published 11/09/2008
Once the province of tater tots, reheated burgers and chocolate milk, school lunches are increasingly featuring local produce and healthy foods as administrators battle rising food prices and expanding student waistlines. A movement that began a decade ago by putting fresh produce into a few California schools is now active in 2,000 school districts in 39 states, according to the National Farm to School project. · Read the entire article.
Springport students celebrate locally grown food by Shepker Jackson Citizen Patriot Published 11/08/2008
Springport students know the sources of their food, from the grain fields that dot the rural landscape to the poultry and livestock they raise in the schoolyard. · Read the entire article.
Eastonites farm ideas for fresh food by Joel C. Thompson Connecticut Post Published 11/08/2008
Plans for a greenhouse and large vegetable garden at Staples Elementary School are on a menu of ideas being considered as ways to provide fresh produce for the school lunch program and to enrich the curriculum. · Read the entire article.
Ojai film series focuses on food, agriculture and environmental issues by Lisa McKinnon Ventura County Star Published 11/06/2008
Organized by Food for Thought Ojai, a nonprofit group devoted to implementing farm-to-school salad bars and other health-related programs, the series includes documentaries and short films that focus on food, agriculture and the environment. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown helpings by Lauren M. Whaley Jackson Hole News & Guide Published 11/05/2008
The best response to an increasingly dire financial crisis is to take a deep breath and return to our communities, says the founder of Slow Food in the Tetons. · Read the entire article.
Cultivating Minds: Food-Related Curricula Take Root Nationwide by Bernice Yeung Edutopia Published 11/05/2008
Rochester Roots is one of many public school programs nationwide that uses food as a pathway to learning. The concept, popularized by chef Alice Waters's Edible Schoolyard and the Community Food Security Coalition's Farm to School programs, has been quietly gaining momentum over the past decade. As Americans sharpen their focus on education, health, and climate change, more states and school districts are embracing food-related curricula to teach topics as varied as chemistry, nutrition, and environmentalism. Many believe the vegetable's time as a teaching tool has finally come. · Read the entire article.
This week at the State House by Sheryl Julian The Boston Globe Published 11/04/2008
Fifth grade children from the Williamsburg (Mass.) Elementary School formed a partnership with Fertile Ground initiative to create a farm-to-school program. State Rep Stephen Kulik is hosting an exhibit in the State House's Doric Hall that records the childrens' perspective in a new methodology called PhotoVoice. · Read the entire article.
Area project kicks off anti-obesity push by Scott Nicholson The Watauga Democrat Published 11/04/2008
The Watauga County Childhood Obesity Prevention Project officially launched Oct. 29 at Watauga Medical Center, with planning already under way for a sustained program to promote healthy behaviors among the young and enhance physical fitness and nutrition. Farm-to-school programs will help children understand the connection between meals and local produce, and high school students will be surveyed about their health behaviors. · Read the entire article.
Schools cafeterias opt for local produce by Ashley Wilson Citizen-Times Published 11/03/2008
The local food movement has made its way into school cafeterias across Western North Carolina. With an increased emphasis on healthier cafeteria food and changes to the farm bill, more area school districts, including Buncombe County and Asheville City, are turning to local farms to get fresh produce for school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Greg Clark Q and A Addison Independent Published 11/03/2008
The Vermont-made label means something in many parts of the world so I’m supportive of the marketing of Vermont farm products. I will continue to support the current use program, the farm viability program, the buy locally and farm to school programs. · Read the entire article.
Woodland Heights to receive funding from USDA The Citizen of Laconia Published 10/31/2008
The Laconia School District announced that the Woodland Heights Elementary School is a recipient of funding under the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. · Read the entire article.
Oregon schools embrace local produce programs by Don Schrack The Packer Published 10/31/2008
It was a simple, yet challenging concept: a healthful environment and community can exist amidst a robust economy. A Portland, Ore.-based non-profit organization, with assistance from growers, food processors and retailers — and a nearly $300,000 grant from the Kaiser-Permanente Community Fund — is taking its message of a healthful environment and community into Portland Public Schools. · Read the entire article.
Michigan Farm to School Web site NBC25 Published 10/31/2008
A new state Web site is helping match schools up with local food producers to help boost Michigan's economy and encourage students to eat healthier. · Read the entire article.
Michigan Farm to School Web site TV 7 Published 10/31/2008
The idea of the Michigan Farm to School Web site is to create an easy resource for schools to plan local agriculture related projects. Projects like helping schools get local food for school meals programs, designing fundraisers that involve local agricultural products, and creating things like school gardens, planning farmer visits to school classrooms and cafeterias, and school field trips to local farms. · Read the entire article.
Stewardship conference in Anderson targets sustainable agriculture by James Rubinstein Independent-Mail Published 10/31/2008
Sustainable agriculture is about a system of agriculture that takes into account the triple bottom line: environmental, social and economic concerns and by taking into account all three of these things agriculture can be a part of everyone’s life, say agriculture experts. · Read the entire article.
The Farm-to-Schools Movement: Schools across the state serve up change by Rebecca Mayer The Lake Oswego Review Published 10/30/2008
Corn dogs and tator tots are being voted out of school cafeterias across the country. Unless of course they’re made from scratch with local, all-natural ingredients. Lunch ladies (and gents) are pioneering a food movement from coast to coast that encompasses a variety of more healthful options: from farm-to-schools programs and scratch kitchens to organic, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options. The National Farm-to-School Network dates back to a 2000 project funded by the USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems. The aim is to not only put local food on the table for schoolkids but to help students to understand where food comes from and how food choices affect our bodies and the environment · Read the entire article.
Fresh concept goes to school by Laura Diamond The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 10/30/2008
The school changed its food ordering practices this year to use more farm-fresh and seasonal items from the region. At the same time, the school is reducing its reliance on frozen fruits and vegetables as well as produce from far-flung areas. The change is part of the school’s long-standing sustainability efforts and reflects a national trend to buy local. · Read the entire article.
Who has what it takes? by Harmony Groves The Lumber Jack Published 10/29/2008
Susan Ornelas is a long-time community leader and a firm advocate for sustainable agriculture and local food. I am very impressed by her work establishing our local Farm-to-School program to improve the health of local children and the viability of local farms. · Read the entire article.
Damariscotta River Grill Prepares for an Exciting November with Fourth Annual Harvest Dinner and Com Maine Business Published 10/29/2008
The FARMS project promotes farm-to-school activities throughout Maine by connecting classrooms, cafeterias, local farms and communities through its goal of educating students on good nutrition and the role that local farms play in promoting healthy communities. · Read the entire article.
School to open salad bar Terrace Standard Published 10/28/2008
Mom may have told you to eat your vegetables at mealtimes and even maybe served fruit for dessert to raise healthy children. Now mom’s advice is moving into the classroom for lunch. · Read the entire article.
A+ Lunch: New Haven gives children, more healthful, locally-grown choices by Elizabeth Benton New Haven Register Published 10/26/2008
Kindergartner Khaliyah Kelly tried a red pepper this week. Khaliyah's intrepid venture is something the school district hopes to make routine through its recently overhauled school lunch program, which aims to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables and more healthful fare. · Read the entire article.
Let’s do lunch by Faye Whitbeck The Daily Journal Published 10/24/2008
Regulations aside, the experts say student lunches are currently loaded with high-fat, nutrient-poor cheeseburgers and hotdogs, chips and other foods which don’t promote good health. The negative indications of health findings in children have likely started a national trend to start paying attention to what foods are available to kids. Schools across the country are becoming more focused on adding fruits, vegetables, salads and healthier options to menus. · Read the entire article.
Tsongas pays area a visit by Brad Petrishan Wicked Local Published 10/23/2008
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas talked Washington apples rather than Washington politics Friday, as she visited a number of orchards and farms across the fifth congressional district to get a better idea of the challenges facing its 535 farm owners. “What started my whole reconsideration of the farm bill … was hearing that one of three children in my district go hungry,” she said, adding that she believes local produce can help alleviate the problem through programs such as the Farm to School Program. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Program by Barbara Howard The Recipe Box Published 10/23/2008
Interview segment from Blog Action Day broadcast featuring Anupama Joshi of the National Farm to School Network. Their programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime, and supporting local small farmers. · Read the entire article.
Healthy Fuel: GTACS program provides kids with nutritious snacks by Carol South Traverse City - Record Eagle Published 10/21/2008
Determined to instill life lessons, the Life Balance Initiative has been branching out. The Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools program was launched a year ago to bring healthy hot lunches to the four schools in the system. Processed, high sodium, high fat and packaged food gave way to made-from-scratch offerings that included local produce, meat and milk. · Read the entire article.
Two farm-to-school efforts receive awards Burlington Free Press Published 10/21/2008
Two Vermont initiatives are among 25 nationally to receive Victory Against Hunger Awards from Congressional Hunger Center, Victory Wholesale Group and National Farm to School Network. Hartland's Farm to School program and Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day) will receive national recognition and $1,000 awards. · Read the entire article.
KBOO Food Show KBOO-FM Published 10/20/2008
· Read the entire article.
Farm-To-School Programs Grow Students' Appreciation for Locally Grown Food by Diane Raymond Natural News Published 10/20/2008
As farmers struggle to mitigate the increasing cost of transporting produce from farm to store and schools face smaller budgets and increasing concerns over the nutritional content of school lunches, some schools opt to bring the farm to the lunch table. There is more good news: The National Farm to School program, a national network of community-based food systems that assist farmers and improve student health, estimates that more than 2,000 Farm to School Programs are currently underway in the U.S., with more than 8,700 schools actively participating. · Read the entire article.
Meadors ‘gets’ environmental issues by Julia Romo Independent Mail Published 10/19/2008
Farming has long been a mainstay in Anderson County. More needs to be done to support our local farmers and protect their livelihood. Marshall supports sustainable farming with programs like “Farm to School,” which brings healthy, locally grown food to our children. · Read the entire article.
Learn how to get fresh fruits and vegetables in local schools Register-Pajaronian Published 10/18/2008
The event, for both adults and kids, will provide information on how to get more fresh local produce on school menus and teach kids about local agriculture. While adults are attending workshops, the children can have fun with farm and food activities. · Read the entire article.
Tsongas tours district's finest farms by Brad Petrishen The MetroWest Daily News Published 10/18/2008
Established about five years ago, the nonprofit Farm to School Program helps match public schools with local farmers who provide them with fresh produce. · Read the entire article.
Striving for nutrition, appeal and affordability by Scott Blackburn Delmarva Now Published 10/16/2008
Nutrition, appeal and affordability continue to be primary focuses for school food and nutrition service programs in our state. This year, the focus on providing students with fresh fruits and vegetables has expanded with the Farm to School initiative. Not only does this program encourage our children to enjoy the benefits (taste and nutrition) of fresh produce, it also enables school systems to partner with local farmers, supporting this vital industry. · Read the entire article.
Students and Lunch – Both Connecticut Grown by Marianne Sullivan Shore Publishing Published 10/16/2008
Last week the region’s three elementary schools celebrated “Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids,” a farm-to-school lunchtime event. The goal was to educate students about the local foods grown or made locally and about good nutrition. · Read the entire article.
Getting back to Easton’s roots by Laura Modlin Easton Courier Published 10/16/2008
A group of local parents feels that not only are the town’s farms an important part of Easton’s culture, but they also provide an ideal way to help nourish children as they learn and grow.“It’s a great way to teach our children to take better care of themselves, the town and their planet.” · Read the entire article.
Educators Hungry for Farm-to-School Programs by Isabel Cowles Finding Dulcinea Published 10/15/2008
Rising food costs and increasing requests by parents have encouraged many schools across the country to adopt farm-to-school programs so that kids can get fresh, local produce, and see how it is grown and prepared. · Read the entire article.
Growing lunch by Leslie Cole The Oregonian Published 10/14/2008
Mention school lunches, and it's hard to find someone who's not hungry for change. Maybe you can't see, smell or taste it just yet, but the shape of public school meals is shifting, in the Portland area and beyond. Despite other hurdles -- and there are many -- school food service directors are buying fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farmers when they can, with little or no additional federal or state money in their pockets. · Read the entire article.
Promoting Agriculture: Students flourish during Homegrown School Lunch Week by Laurie Savage Frederick News Post Published 10/13/2008
The Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week celebration kicked off recently at Takoma Park Middle School with the crunch of Montgomery County-grown apples. "Food doesn't grow in the supermarket, it grows in Maryland on farms," said Sen. Jamie Raskin of Montgomery County. Raskin was a lead sponsor, along with Del. Sheila Hixson, of Farm-to-School Program legislation. · Read the entire article.
Local produce on school menu is a winning offer by Roger Richardson and Nancy S. Grasmick Delmarva Now Published 10/13/2008
We thank The Daily Times for its coverage of the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School initiative and the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Program during the week of Sept. 22-26. This exciting new program, signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley this year, is designed to bring more Maryland-grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced and the benefits of a healthy diet. · Read the entire article.
State-Grown Food Program Takes Root In Norwich by Jenna Cho The Day Published 10/13/2008
Uncas was one of two schools in the state celebrating Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Week last week. The effort is designed to encourage students to learn where their fresh produce comes from and the importance of eating healthy. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School KION 46 Published 10/13/2008
A non-profit program called Farm To School is promoting healthy eating habits in school. The program partners with local farms, parents and school cafeterias to make eating fruits and vegatable the norm in a child's diet. · Read the entire article.
Farm To School Fox 35 Published 10/13/2008
Farm To School has supported over 70 school garden programs and taught better eating habits to nearly 8,000 students. The Farm To School program is working on developing a workbook for interested parents to present to their Parent Teacher Association, to get the program to their school. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School initiative shows great promise by Roger Richardson Cumberland Times-News Published 10/12/2008
Thank you for your coverage of the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School initiative and the Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Program (Sept. 22-26). This exciting new program, signed into law by Gov. (Martin) O’Malley this year, is designed to bring more Maryland-grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced, and the benefits of a healthy diet. · Read the entire article.
Fresh Produce Programs Are Win-Winners by Editorial Board Kitsap Sun Published 10/12/2008
This spring, Washington lawmakers passed Local Farms-Healthy Kids legislation, with funding to connect schools with Washington farmers and produce distributors. Consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables is a lifestyle change that children may bring home to their families, and carry with them into adulthood — a significant step toward increasing health and reducing obesity in our society. · Read the entire article.
The sustainability campus: Green efforts continue to grow at UNH by Adam Leech Seacoast Online Published 10/12/2008
The Farm to School Program connects state farms and 258 K-12 schools and five colleges by facilitating the purchase of state grown and produced foods by New Hampshire schools. Its vision is to develop a healthy, community-based, community-supported school food system by integrating agricultural production, school food procurement and school curriculum. · Read the entire article.
Local Produce Gets More Prominent in the Lunch Line by Edie Lau Kitsap Sun Published 10/11/2008
Washington lawmakers this spring boosted the local angle by passing legislation dubbed Local Farms-Healthy Kids, which puts personnel and money toward connecting schools with Washington farmers and distributors. The first act of the new law was to offer $600,000 in grants to elementary schools with a high proportion of low-income students. · Read the entire article.
Kimberly replaces playground by Miranda C.R. White Redlands Daily Facts Published 10/09/2008
For the opening ceremony, Bob Knight of Farm to School, a program that provides local produce to schools, donated freshly picked apples. Knight also donated oranges from his Old Grove Orange farm for the volunteers on the build day to thank the Redlands Unified School District for buying local oranges and apples for their schools. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Program Promotes Healthy Eating by Associated Press Food Product Design Published 10/09/2008
Bistro Kids Farm 2 School Lunch Program operates in Kansas and Missouri and aims to promote farm-to-school ideals, a concept introduced in 2000 by the national Farm To School Network. · Read the entire article.
EHOVE lunch fresh from the farm The News-Messenger Published 10/07/2008
Lunchtime at EHOVE Career Center has taken on a fresh approach this year, with many of the fruits and vegetables served up on the trays less than 24 hours after picking. As one of two schools in Ohio participating in the Farm to School Program, students are offered fresh produce from a nearby source. · Read the entire article.
Lunches go organic in some schools by Associated Press CNN Published 10/07/2008
The Academy is one of three Kansas City-area private schools that participate in Bistro Kids' Farm 2 School program, which is committed to improving students' health by offering lunches from organic, natural, locally-grown food. "It's really, really good," said sixth-grader Peter Imel, while chomping away on pizza. "When I first heard about it, I thought, 'OK, maybe, maybe not.' But it's better than any restaurant I've been to." · Read the entire article.
Real Food: Coming to a School Near You by Natalie Rotunda Examiner Published 10/07/2008
Interestingly, the Farm to School Program marries two important issues of our day, both with dire consequences: the decline in farms---fewer than 2% of our population farm---and the high rate of obesity in our children. Farmers, parents, schools and some community groups found common ground and got behind the effort to make it happen and, voila! today, a little over 2,000 school districts, nearly 9,000 schools, in 39 states are involved. It’s easy to see it’s a win-win for everyone. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Day is Oct. 18 in Watsonville The Californian Published 10/06/2008
Learn how to get more fresh local produce on school menus and teach children about local agriculture at Farm to School Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Crystal Bay Farm, 70 Zils Road, Watsonville. · Read the entire article.
Local Matters receives a "Victory Aganist Hunger" The Columbus Underground Published 10/06/2008
Celebrating outstanding efforts in fighting hunger through promoting or creating innovative farm to school programs, Local Matters, a nonprofit organization in Columbus, Ohio, which plays a key leadership role in ensuring that the entire community of Central Ohio has easy access to local, nutritious foods, was recently awarded a Victory Against Hunger Awards by the Congressional Hunger Center (CHC), Victory Wholesale Group, and National Farm to School Network. · Read the entire article.
Little Falls youths try local foods by Dave Aeikens SC Times Published 10/05/2008
Later this month, students in Little Falls schools will get a dessert on their lunch trays made from locally grown apples. It’s part of a monthly effort to get more local products onto school lunch menus. · Read the entire article.
Class Notes The Monterey County Herald Published 10/05/2008
The Monterey County Partnership for Farm to School will host an information table about how connecting schools with local produce and start school gardens. The table will be at the Pacific Grove Certified Farmers Market, 5 to 6 p.m., Oct. 13 on Lighthouse Avenue between Forest Avenue and 17th Street in Pacific Grove. · Read the entire article.
From farms to the school cafeteria by Amanda Godfrey Sandusky Register Published 10/04/2008
Local school districts are planting the seeds of healthy eating. Through a collaboration with local farmers in the national Farm to School program, EHOVE and Sandusky Schools are among a handful of schools in Ohio serving up fresh, more nutritious meals. · Read the entire article.
Despite costs, healthy school lunches on the menu by Margaret Stafford The Hays Daily Published 10/03/2008
The buffet offers a variety of pizzas, with whole wheat crust, organic toppings and hormone-free cheese. The salad bar includes some greens and vegetables grown without pesticides in a nearby garden, perhaps topped with homemade croutons and organic dressing. And the chef even takes special requests from vegetarians, those wanting gluten-free food or even an extra slice of free-range meat. This isn't a restaurant in one of Kansas City's trendy neighborhoods, but a cramped room in the basement of the Kansas City Academy, a private school for 6th-12th graders in the city's Waldo district. The Academy is one of three Kansas City-area private schools that participate in Bistro Kids' Farm 2 School program, which is committed to improving students' health by offering lunches from organic, natural, locally-grown food. · Read the entire article.
School Menus Offer Locally Grown Food by Lori Aratani Washington Post Published 10/02/2008
State and local officials are hoping a new initiative will help schoolchildren across Maryland appreciate local farmers and the crops they grow. Last week, the state sponsored Homegrown School Lunch Week, an effort to teach children that the watermelon chunks and cucumber slices they see on their lunch trays come from nearby fields -- not the supermarket. Farmers and officials appeared at Maryland schools, where they set up displays of Maryland-grown produce. · Read the entire article.
Farm Lets Kids Have A Field Day by Don Robinson The Register -Guard Springfield Extra Published 10/02/2008
This recent Friday outing was the start of an official farm field trip under the Farm to School program guided by the Willamette Farm and Food Coalition. Megan Kemple, the coalition’s Farm to School coordinator and one of its two full-time staff members, helped lead the tour. She also showed those who were not out in the fields how to trim onions with a scissors. Joining in were Bobbi Phillips, Springfield schools’ new nutrition services director, and Joan Ottinger of Salem, coordinator of the state’s new Farm to School program, authorized by the Legislature in a special session last February. The program aims to bring more locally grown food into school lunches. · Read the entire article.
Joint boards favor farm-to-school program by Dorothy Jasperson Westby Times Published 10/02/2008
The farm-to-school program was designed to bring healthy food from local farms to schoolchildren across the country and allow school districts the ability to purchase more local commodities for their food-service programs reducing the amount of travel time from harvest to ingestion providing students with healthier choices and fresher meals. · Read the entire article.
Center for Rural Studies Receives Funding for Community Projects University Communications Published 10/02/2008
Vermont FEED (Food Education Every Day) Farm to School, a project of Shelburne Farms, Northeast Organic Farmers Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) and Foodworks, will receive $15,000 to help to provide sustained technical support to teachers, food service staff and farmers in a variety of areas. Activities include developing curriculum activities and integrated learning units with teachers, working with school food service directors and students in menu planning and taste testing using locally grown produce, and linking students, teachers and food service personnel directly with area farms to foster ongoing farm-to-school partnerships, including purchasing agreements with school breakfast and lunch programs. These trainings will benefit at least 12 Vermont public schools in the 2008-09 school year, affecting a minimum of 30 teachers, 500 students and 15 small family farms. · Read the entire article.
Fresh ideas in the lunchroom by Kristen Browning-Blas The Denver Post Published 10/01/2008
Whatever you think about school lunch, many agree it's time to rethink it. A convergence of issues — the obesity crisis, overly processed meals, the desire for more local, natural foods — forms the front wave of a sea change in how we feed our children. "We don't bash the school food," says agriculture activist Jim Dyer, who is all for reform but knows better than to make the lunch ladies mad. "We work with where it is." · Read the entire article.
Making the connection from farm to plate by Jesse Yeatman Southern Maryland Newspapers Published 10/01/2008
A new program aims to educate students on where their food comes from and make school lunch healthier in the process. "It's a very important connection for them to make … from the farm to the plate," said Susan McQuilkin, marketing executive for the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. She said many children do not know where the food they eat comes from or how food grows. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School a Hit with Students by Kendra Blevins GTR News Published 10/01/2008
This year Jenks Public Schools are seeing the fruits of the Farm-to-School Program. Farm-to-school encourages school districts to purchase locally and regionally produced foods in order to improve child nutrition and strengthen local and regional farm economies. · Read the entire article.
A look at new laws taking effect in Md. by Associated Press The Baltimore Sun Published 09/30/2008
FARM TO SCHOOL: Promotes the sale of farm products grown in Maryland to Maryland schools. · Read the entire article.
School Serves Up Farm-Fresh Produce by David Brown The Boston Channel Published 09/30/2008
The hustle and bustle of the Waltham's Northeast Elementary School cafeteria is a long way from the farm, but farm fresh ideas are on the today's lunch menu. NewsCenter 5's David Brown reported that the fresh summer squash and zucchini that are being served were picked just down the road at Waltham Field's Community Farm. This is the Farm to School Program -- organic, good for kids produce, grown locally is being served to area school children. · Read the entire article.
UMass dining awarded by Niina Heikkinen The Daily Collegian Published 09/30/2008
The director of the University of Massachusetts Dining Services, Ken Toong, received two awards on Friday, Sept. 26, recognizing his support of local agriculture. A celebration was held in the Berkshire Dining Commons, where Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Petersen presented Toong with the state's Faces of Agriculture Award for his support of sustainable agriculture in Massachusetts. Toong also received the 2008 Blue Ribbon Award from Amherst-based nonprofit Farm to School Project for encouraging connections between farms and schools. · Read the entire article.
Learning About State's Growth Industry by Jenna Johnson and Lori Aratani Washington Post Published 09/28/2008
The farm-to-school program was created during the last legislative session to honor Jane Lawton, 63, a Maryland House of Delegates member from Montgomery County who died in November. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Raskin, (D-Montgomery) is called the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program and was signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) in May. In addition to incorporating Maryland produce into school lunches, the program teaches children about the state's agricultural heritage. In St. Mary's, local farmers are speaking at four schools. · Read the entire article.
Food Print by Carey Quan Gelernter The Seattle Times Published 09/28/2008
These programs connect schools with local farms with the goal of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition and supporting local small farmers. farmtoschool.org · Read the entire article.
UMass cheers local produce by Stan Freeman The Republican Published 09/27/2008
Think globally, eat locally. That could well be the philosophy at University of Massachusetts, where the dining halls are increasingly serving food grown on area farms. This year, 23 percent of the food served in campus dining halls, everything from eggs to eggplant, will come from local farms, up from 7 percent in 2004. The effort is part of the statewide Farm to School Project. · Read the entire article.
Edmond schools use salad bars, Farm to School program to urge nutrition by Patty Miller The Edmund Sun Published 09/27/2008
With September named National Fruits and Veggies — More Matters Month, parents are urged to let their children have a more active role in deciding what they eat as parents help them choose more nutritious items for their meals. Edmond schools are doing their part as they incorporate the Farm to School program, said Amy Herrold, child nutrition assistant supervisor. · Read the entire article.
Back to food's roots by Karen Goldberg The Washington Times Published 09/26/2008
In this age of soaring childhood obesity rates and eating bad food on the run, there is often a disconnect between food origins and the food on our plates. That's why Maryland created the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School Program. The initiative, named for the late state delegate, encourages using Maryland-grown products in public schools. The program also will help educate children about the origins of their food and how to incorporate healthy eating into their diets. · Read the entire article.
Whole Grains, Fresh Corn: School Menu on a Mission by Gerri Hirshey NY Times Published 09/26/2008
NEVER mind your Iron Chefs, your swashbuckling “Dinner: Impossible” TV cooks. Could any of those free-range stove jockeys turn out healthy and toothsome breakfasts and lunches for 20,000 spirited young food critics — every school day? “Five million meals a year. No problem,” insists a smiling Timothy Cipriano, new executive director of food services for the New Haven public schools. · Read the entire article.
Ore. lawmakers seek local food for schools by Associated Press Oregon Live Published 09/25/2008
Two legislators want $22 million from the next session to use more local food for school breakfasts and lunches. Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, and Tina Kotek, D-Portland say they want to add 15 cents to each lunch and 7 cents to each breakfast for local food purchases. Schools have some new flexibility to buy local foods. But state officials say decisions now must rely on price. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school funding plan aired by Mitch Lies Capital Press Published 09/25/2008
Reps. Brian Clem, D-Salem, and Tina Kotek, D-Portland, said Thursday, Sept. 18, they will seek $22 million in the next legislative session to put more local food on school breakfast and lunch plates. Clem and Kotek said at the Western Regional Assembly of the National Farm to School Network they want the state to put an extra 15 cents toward every lunch and 7 cents toward every breakfast to pay for local food purchases. · Read the entire article.
School leaders learn of healthy meal, PE standards to take effect in '09 by Matt Bower Warwick Beacon Published 09/25/2008
Hundreds of school officials converged on the Warwick Crowne Plaza Tuesday morning for the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition’s annual “Breakfast for School Leaders.” More than 300 superintendents, principals, school physicians, school committee members, school business managers, food service directors, community wellness partners and parent leaders attended, representing all 36 school districts in the state. · Read the entire article.
Program connects schools with farmers by Margarita Raycheva Gazette Published 09/25/2008
During the Homegrown School Lunch Week, schools highlight locally grown products and use them to teach students about healthy eating as well as the dynamics of local food production in their area. The initiative will expand in future. The Maryland State Department of Education is developing guidelines for teachers, so they can include nutrition and agriculture education in their classroom curriculum, said Stewart Eidel, who oversees school and community nutrition programs at the Maryland State Department of Education. · Read the entire article.
Produce and fruit growers answer the bell by Bradford L. Miner Telegram & Gazette Published 09/24/2008
Gov. Deval L. Patrick has proclaimed this week Massachusetts Harvest for Students Week; schools, colleges and universities across the commonwealth will mark the occasion with fresher, greener meals using foods produced on Massachusetts farms. The statewide program is coordinated by the nonprofit, Amherst-based Massachusetts Farm to School Project, with support from the Department of Agricultural Resources. · Read the entire article.
Lunch program connects farmers to schools by Jeremy Arias The Gazette Published 09/24/2008
Students, county and state representatives joined area farmers Tuesday at Takoma Park Middle School to kick off the statewide Homegrown School Lunch Week, part of the Jane Lawton Farm to School program. The aim of the program, named after former state Del. Jane E. Lawton (D-Dist. 18) of Chevy Chase, is to connect the often overlooked Maryland farmers and agricultural community to state school cafeterias as a market. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) took the podium briefly to praise the benefits to both farmers and students. · Read the entire article.
UVM, Center for an Agricultural Economy Announce Partnership by Jeffrey R. Wakefield The University of Vermont Published 09/24/2008
The University of Vermont and the Center for an Agricultural Economy, a non-profit that seeks to promote a healthy food system through a network of food-based companies in the Hardwick, Vt. area, announced a formal partnership today, signaling an expansion of the university's commitment to investigating and advancing local food systems. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Days - It Takes a Lot of Food to Feed 17,000 Students a Day by Pete Hurrey The Bay Net Published 09/24/2008
Beginning on Monday, Sept. 22, St. Mary’s County Public Schools embarked on a revolutionary nutrition program called Farm to School, in St. Mary’s County. The program seeks to introduce locally grown farm products to children in St. Mary’s County Schools. This first of its kind program will have children introduced to the concept of local produce and, as part of their normal school curriculum learn about farming and nutrition. · Read the entire article.
State urges residents: ‘Get fit, eat smart’ by Patty Miller The Edmond Sun Published 09/24/2008
Anita Poole, co-chair of the Oklahoma Food Policy Council, said Oklahoma is leading the nation in the Farm to School program. “Getting local foods into the school system and teaching the students to eat healthy while they are young will carry through to adulthood,” Poole said. “Buy fresh, buy local.” · Read the entire article.
Fresh idea: Schools pair with Baugher’s to provide local produce to students by Karen Kemp Carroll County Times Published 09/23/2008
Carroll County students will be helping to support local agriculture when they eat the fresh gala apples that come with their school lunches this week. The school system is partnering with Baugher’s Orchard in Westminster to offer the newly picked fruits to 38 schools for the first Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, which started Monday. It is part of the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program created during this year’s session of the Maryland General Assembly in an effort to bring more locally grown products into schools. · Read the entire article.
Maryland Students Get a Taste of Locally Grown Produce by Megan A. Conlan Capital News Service Published 09/23/2008
The cafeteria tables in Takoma Park Middle School were lined with both adults and students enjoying locally grown produce during Tuesday's kick-off event for Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week. · Read the entire article.
Apples on the Tree, Not on the Shelf National Public Radio Published 09/23/2008
A new non-profit group, Apple Seeds, is spending a year with an elementary school discussing nutrition, agriculture and food. The program began on the University of Arkansas farm. · Read the entire article.
Fresh produce goes from local farm to lunch tray by Lynn Olszowy WKYC TV Published 09/22/2008
Students in Sandusky City Schools are getting to enjoy the sweet tastes of summer at lunchtime. The school district partners with Mulvin's farm in Sandusky to get fresh fruits and vegetables into cafeterias throughout the city. Sandusky City Schools, along with one other district in Ohio, are planting the seeds of healthy eating as part of the Farm to School Program, a non-profit, nationwide program geared toward getting children eating produce from local farms. · Read the entire article.
School Lunch Now Healthy And Locally Grown by Mike Webster WCHS 6 Published 09/19/2008
School lunch doesn't look like it used to -- not in the elementary schools of Union 74 in Lincoln County. Students are eating corn on the cob, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and broccoli and salad greens -- all locally grown by farmers in the county. · Read the entire article.
Apple Seeds polishes kids’ food ideas by Evie Blad Arkansas Democrat Gazzette Published 09/19/2008
Students from Fayetteville’s Leverett Elementary School went to the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station to learn how horticulturists research and develop new types of apples. The field trips were part of a project created by Apple Seeds, a nonprofit organization that aims to encourage students to eat healthy, locally produced foods through hands on activities and experiments. · Read the entire article.
Leverett field trip educates students on health by Brett Bennett Northwest Arkansas Times Published 09/19/2008
Students from Leverett Elementary School learned a fundamental health principle Thursday morning: Food can be healthy and taste good too. · Read the entire article.
National Farm To School Movement Cooking Up A Story Published 09/19/2008
If you're not familiar with the farm to school movement, it's all about getting fresh, clean, good food to our kids in school and help create new markets for local farmers. It started as a grassroots movement and has spread across the country. Get in on the conversation with Deb Eschmeyer of the National Farm to School Network, and hear just how far our food system has strayed. · Read the entire article.
Washington Co. schools to serve local produce by Erin Cunningham Herald-Mail Published 09/18/2008
Lunch provided at public schools could include an apple from as far away as Washington or fruit canned in Florida. However, next week, Washington County Public Schools will offer meals that include fresh fruit and vegetables grown, for the most part, within 45 miles. Washington County Homegrown School Lunch Week is derived from a Maryland Senate bill passed earlier this year that established the Jane Lawton Farm-to-School Program in the Department of Agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Bipartisan plan will boost local growers' sales, keep children healthy Michigan House Democrats Published 09/18/2008
State Representatives Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) and Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) voted to pass a bipartisan plan Wednesday to create farm-to-school initiatives that will help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Students Use Math To Learn About Nutrition At UA Farm by Rose Ann Pearce The Morning News Published 09/18/2008
The fifth-graders are from Leverett Elementary School where a pilot program was launched this year to teach students more about where their food comes from and more about making healthy food choices for meals and snacks. · Read the entire article.
Sept. 24 local harvest feast is breakfast, lunch and dinner Foster's Daily Democrat Published 09/17/2008
Since 2005, when the University of New Hampshire launched its inaugural annual Local Harvest Dinner, eating local has gained momentum throughout the nation. Farmer's markets and CSAs (community-supported agriculture) are thriving, neighbors are challenging each other to 100-mile diets, even the venerable Oxford English Dictionary designated "locavore" its word of the year in 2007. · Read the entire article.
Maryland Researchers Find Kids Will Eat Fruits and Vegetables at School Media Newswire Published 09/17/2008
How can you get children to eat more fruits and vegetables at school? University of Maryland researchers have released preliminary findings that show there are actually a number of ways to accomplish that. It's the first time Maryland school-based interventions have been shown to help kids eat a healthier diet. · Read the entire article.
House passes farm-to-school bill The Bay City Times Published 09/17/2008
The Michigan House on Tuesday passed a bipartisan plan co-sponsored by State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, to create farm-to-school initiatives that would help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Hansen effort links local farms to schools Michigan House Republicans Published 09/17/2008
Local school children will be able to eat healthy and learn where their food comes from, all while boosting the area economy if a package of bills approved Tuesday by the House becomes law, announced state Rep. Goeff Hansen. The House sent House Bill 6366 to the Senate, a measure sponsored by Hansen to expand the school bidding process so more local producers can provide food to area districts. The House also approved a Hansen resolution designating Sept. 18, 2008 as Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Select Michigan Day in support of the Farm-to-School package, which includes HBs 6365-68. · Read the entire article.
Soup’s on for school lunch in Springfield by Mark Baker The Register-Guard Published 09/16/2008
Monday was the first day of adding soup to the menu of the district’s 24 schools, part of a new plan created by nutrition services Director Bobbi Phillips. The district hired Phillips in June to create a more healthful menu lower in fat, with lots of fruits and vegetables from local farms. That’s critical in a school district where more than half the 11,300 students qualify for free or reduced lunches as part of the federal National School Lunch Program, Phillips said. · Read the entire article.
Brown Votes for Plan to Increase Fresh, Locally Grown Food in Schools Michigan House Democrats Published 09/16/2008
House passes bipartisan initiatives to boost growers' sales, keep kids healthy State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today voted for a bipartisan plan to create farm-to-school initiatives that will help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Students walking their way to wellness Foster's Daily Democrat Published 09/15/2008
Nutrition and the importance of staying active will be encouraged and emphasized as an important part of student and staff wellness. Cafe Services, together with N.H. Farm to School and Fiddlehead Farms Marketplace in Dover, will be participating and assisting the students in tasting new fruits and vegetables throughout the school year. · Read the entire article.
Badly Needed: Seattle-Area School Food Programs by Alex Steffen World Changing Seattle Published 09/14/2008
Farm-to-classroom programs, schoolyard gardens and innovative educational programs like the Netherlands' Kinderkookkafé can not only provide better food than is often available now to even the wealthiest Seattle public school kids, but also teach life-skills in how to eat well. · Read the entire article.
UNH launching cutting-edge EcoGastronomy program by Rachel Forrest Seacoast Online Published 09/14/2008
If you've been to the farmer's market lately and purchased some locally grown heirloom tomatoes, dined on bacon made from pigs raised at a nearby farm, or can't stop talking about Michael Pollan's book, "Omnivore's Dilemma," you've participated in something the University of New Hampshire is making a part of its curriculum — EcoGastronomy. "The cumulative impact of things like the dual major in EcoGastronomy, the organic research dairy farm, the Local Harvest initiative with UNH Dining, and the New Hampshire Farm to School Program is that students at UNH experience and learn how to advance sustainability in very tangible ways," said Tom Kelly, UNH's chief sustainability officer. · Read the entire article.
Farms to schools are getting local food in cafeterias by Joe Orso Plenty Magazine Published 09/12/2008
Food service staff at the middle and high schools in Viroqua, Wisconsin, a city of 4,400 people in the bluffs east of the Mississippi River, were used to processed vegetables. Heat and serve, and they had a meal. So, when Monique Hooker, a French-born chef, stood with them in front of 500 pounds of raw, local produce in late August, the staff looked overwhelmed. But Hooker, who was embarking with the workers on the first effort of a new Farm to School program, showed them how to take one task at a time. And by the end of the day, they’d made 100 gallons of ratatouille, which they could freeze and use through the winter. · Read the entire article.
Nutrition program adjusts for budget by Caitlin Getchell Neighbor Newspapers Published 09/10/2008
With the rising costs of food, the Sand Springs school district began this year with some concern for child nutrition services' budget. Superintendent Lloyd Snow said he is no longer worried, however, thanks to some creative alterations the department made. Sherry Pearson, director of child nutrition, said that the department is participating in the Farm to School program this year, as well as altering some of the recipes to make them healthier and to use "commodity items" from the Department of Human Services. · Read the entire article.
School Foodservice: Get Smart – US Food Trends by Cheryl Sternman Rul Restaurants & Institutions Published 09/10/2008
As another academic year unfolds, school foodservice directors are bracing for what’s in store: calls for more-healthful fare, climbing food costs and requests for more excitement and variety in the cafeteria. None of the challenges is new, but each is more acute this fall. Fortunately, many K-12 operators are now a step ahead of the game, having crafted strategies to both meet their young customers’ evolving needs and cut costs without sacrificing nutrition or quality. · Read the entire article.
Getting Children to Eat Fruits and Vegetables at School by Gayle Trent Examiner Published 09/10/2008
Researchers at the University of Maryland have announced initial data that shows school-based intervention efforts help kids buck a national trend by increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables. To the researchers’ knowledge, these results are the first for Maryland, and on the leading edge nationally and internationally. · Read the entire article.
A new field of thought by Todd Guild Register-Pajaronian Published 09/06/2008
Officially, the project is called the Community Alliance with Family Farmers’ Farm to School program. Program coordinator Jenny Hansen, acknowledging that the name is a bit dry, let the students pick their own name. They chose “True Farm Invasion,” and the name stuck. · Read the entire article.
School leaders look at putting fresher food on the table by Patty Mamula The Capital Press Published 09/05/2008
A recent conference titled "What Shall We Feed Our Children" highlighted positive changes and longstanding problems related to school lunches and other nutrition programs for children. Improved nutrition starts with education. "How do we get kids who have been raised on convenience foods to eat "good' food?" Kristy Obbink, food services director for Portland Public Schools, said. Her district took the first step by eliminating the a la carte lunch items three years ago. · Read the entire article.
Re-Localizing Food? by Tracy Sutton Lancaster Farming Published 09/05/2008
It wasn’t that many generations ago that nearly all food was local food. In 1900, 40 percent of Americans farmed, down to a little over 1 percent today. Back in the day, eating close to the land wasn’t a “locavore” ideal, it was a simple geographic necessity. It’s an oft-cited statistic that food now travels an average of 1,500 miles to arrive at your plate. But the days of cheap fossil fuel that make reliance on transported food the cheaper economic choice are coming to an end, say experts. Coupled with climate change, depleted water resources, and an aging farmer population, the United States is looking at an agricultural revolution in the next 20 years. · Read the entire article.
Farms to Schools: Local Foods for Local Kids by Julia Steinberger World Changing Seattle Published 09/03/2008
Imagine a school cafeteria where kids line up at a salad bar that's brimming with fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables. Imagine that they know – and feel proud – that the milk in their milk carton comes from a Washington dairy. It's starting to happen in Washington State. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program kicks off with ‘Ratatouille’ by Angela Cina Vernon Broadcaster Published 09/03/2008
Students and their parents had an opportunity to sample ratatouille and learn about the new Farm-to-School Program which will incorporate local foods in school lunches. Wisconsin State Ameri-Corps awarded Vernon and Crawford counties grants to start Farm to School programs with the goal of bringing more fresh, locally-grown foods to area schools. · Read the entire article.
Fundraiser fêtes fresh fare by Sharon Letts The Times-Standard Published 09/03/2008
The event is part of the monthlong celebration of “Local Food Month,” declared as such by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26. The fundraiser will benefit the Community Alliance of Family Farmers' “Farm to School” program, which features farmers visiting local classrooms and talking about the foods they grow, bringing samples from their gardens. · Read the entire article.
Schools try to keep food cost low, quality high by Anne Williams The Register-Guard Published 09/02/2008
Rising food and fuel prices are putting the squeeze on school cafeteria budgets across the nation, but most local school districts won’t be asking families to pick up much of the extra costs — not yet, anyway. For instance, the district will be working with the Farm to School program to bring in more locally grown, organic produce, and every school will offer made-from-scratch soup daily. · Read the entire article.
Schools seek Va. produce by Kim Barto Martinsville Bulletin Published 09/01/2008
Local school divisions say they want to serve more Virginia-grown produce in their cafeterias through a new state program, but first they need to connect with local farmers who have crops to sell. The Farm to School program, a national program administered here by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), is meant to give students access to fresh, nutritious food choices and support local agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Some schools to start serving local, seasonal foods KATU Published 09/01/2008
Students in the Portland and Gervais school districts will have much healthier, and local, options for lunch this year. · Read the entire article.
Growing local know-how Muskogee Phoenix Published 08/31/2008
Starting a farm can be overwhelming, and even established farmers can benefit from learning a new trick or two of the trade. An upcoming workshop called “Growing for Local Markets” provides practical advice and hands-on demonstrations to help current, beginning and potential farmers operate more effectively and profitably. · Read the entire article.
Garden soiree at Redwood Roots Farm The Eureka Reporter Published 08/30/2008
The event will kick off Local Food Month and raise funds for CAFF’s Farm-to-School Program. Farm-to-School hosts educational farm and farmers market tours for schoolchildren in our community, exposing them to the places and faces that feed them, as well as teaching the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. · Read the entire article.
Cheshire schools promote buying locally by Jesse Buchanan My Record Journal Published 08/29/2008
Madeleine Diker is introducing a new item to the lunch menu this year a "complex carbohydrate salad." It'll include whole grain pasta, tuna or chicken and vegetables, such as cucumbers, broccoli or peas. Diker isn't the owner of a new health-conscious restaurant she's the school district's food services director. The salad is one of several programs designed to improve the quality and appeal of school lunches, focusing on healthy, fresh and locally-grown food. · Read the entire article.
Quick-Freezing Crops by Darren Perron WCAX News Published 08/29/2008
Bushes loaded with blueberries are no match for kids from Jay-Westfield Joint School. Students hunted for the tastiest fruit on Blueberry Ridge in North Troy. Busloads of kids picked the berries to bring them back to their school's cafeteria as part of the Green Mountain Farm to School Program. Area schools and farms partner, and kids help harvest. Now local fruits and veggies will be served to the students all year long. · Read the entire article.
The New School Lunch Wisconsin Public Radio: Here on Earth Published 08/29/2008
It isn’t just in France that chefs are working to create healthier and cheaper school lunches. Alice Waters has school kids growing their own vegetables. In Wisconsin chefs are passing out pizza with ratatouille and doing apple tastings with middle school kids. · Read the entire article.
Eat Up, Kids, This Spud's for You by Anne Marie Chaker Wall Street Journal Published 08/28/2008
With the dawn of the 2008-09 school year, districts across the country are signing on to the burgeoning "farm-to-school" movement. As a result, a number of school districts have cut back on fruits and vegetables purchased from large distributors in favor of working individually with local farmers. While that can be more expensive and may involve more work -- from procurement to preparation -- food directors say it pays dividends in fresher, better-tasting produce that more kids eat. · Read the entire article.
School meals meet USDA nutrition guidelines by Ashley Andyshak The Frederick News Post Published 08/28/2008
Schools are making an effort to get more fresh produce on to lunch trays, and students will get locally grown apples next month as part of the Farm to School initiative. · Read the entire article.
Grant from Kaiser Permanente Community Fund Puts Local Food on the Menu The Earth Times Published 08/27/2008
The first school assembly of the new academic year will take place today at 10 a.m., at Atkinson Elementary in South East Portland, where school food and education leaders will gather alongside farmers, food producers, grocery retailers and government officials to cheer a grant from the Kaiser Permanente Community Fund at the Northwest Health Foundation that will subsidize approximately 2,640,000 meals with the funds needed to serve more Oregon grown and processed foods in Portland Public Schools and Gervais School Districts. · Read the entire article.
AUSD prepares for new school year by Nancy Forrest Atascadero News Published 08/27/2008
State officials have commended AUSD for its quality food program, as well as its ongoing involvement in fresh produce and Farm to School programs. · Read the entire article.
Homegrown school lunches to appear across Maryland by Stephanie Jordan American Farm Published 08/26/2008
The Maryland Farm to School program is picking up steam across the state, with 17 counties signed up to participate in Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week, which will be held Sept. 22 to Sept. 26. · Read the entire article.
Local health officials say children’s obesity is epidemic by Billie Dunn The Daily Mail Published 08/22/2008
Steps to a Healthier New York partners with schools because 95 percent of children attend schools. The partnership is comprised of four main components — “Rock on Cafe,” which provides affordable and nutritious meals to students, “Farm to School,” which connects schools with local farms to provide health and nutrition education, “Learning in Motion,” which incorporates physical activity into academic lessons, and “Healthy Fundraising,” which develops and implements healthy fundraising policies. · Read the entire article.
25 schools to get state fruits, vegetables by Jennifer Langston Seattle Post-Intelligencer Published 08/22/2008
Twenty-five schools statewide will be able to buy Washington-grown fruits and vegetables as snacks this year, thanks to new legislation. The Local Farms-Healthy Kids bill passed nearly unanimously in Olympia earlier this year aims to get nutritious food to schoolchildren and provide economic opportunities to state farmers. · Read the entire article.
Farm bill funds bulk up fruit and vegetable programs by Elizabeth Larsen Capital Press Published 08/22/2008
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that nearly $49 million will be provided in fresh fruits and vegetables for elementary school children during the school day this year, in addition to school lunch programs. The farm bill amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by adding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, according to the USDA. The program, launched in 2002, initially served 14 states, and now offers funds for fresh fruit and vegetables to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. · Read the entire article.
Public input: School lunches not good eating by Elizabeth Lee The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published 08/21/2008
Pop-Tarts and doughnuts for breakfast for 2-year-olds. Rolls, chicken nuggets and French fries for school lunches. Brownies given the same nutritional value as a slice of whole-wheat bread. Federal nutrition programs are failing children and contributing to an epidemic of obesity and chronic illnesses in America, according to speakers who testified Wednesday at a U.S. Department of Agriculture listening session. · Read the entire article.
A growing program by Dale Rodebaugh Durango Herald Published 08/21/2008
A discussion three years ago among La Plata County residents who make their living off the land resulted in locally grown produce and meat in Durango 9-R School District breakfast and lunch menus. The Farm to School program, a coalition of area farmers and ranchers, begins its fourth school year this week. · Read the entire article.
School bells are ready to toll again by Linda Maness The Manchester Journal Published 08/21/2008
Schools ready to begin the 2008-2009 school year, including the farm to school program. · Read the entire article.
Taste of Place Garden Soiree kicks off Local Food Month Redwood Times Published 08/20/2008
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers announces Humboldt County’s 2nd annual Local Food Month, a celebration of local farms, local food, and local abundance. · Read the entire article.
Whole Foods encourages local students to make healthy food choices by Crystal Yamasaki Honolulu Advertiser Published 08/19/2008
Wai'alae Elementary is one of ten schools participating in the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation's 'AINA (Actively Integrating Nutrition and Agriculture) In Schools program, a farm-to-school initiative dedicated to connecting students to a healthier future by teaching them the importance of healthy eating habits, as well as caring for the land. · Read the entire article.
Putting food on the table by Julie Yates Pryor Daily Times Published 08/16/2008
Malynda Willis, Locust Grove Schools nutrition manager, said Locust Grove has raised their breakfast price to 75 cents. The noon meals for elementary, middle and high schools remain at the same prices as before. Willis said she uses a farm-to-school program and buys fresh foods from local people. She said they use the foods according to the quality and quantity of what they receive. · Read the entire article.
USDA Ready to Listen About School Lunch Earth Day Network Published 08/15/2008
The best way to ensure that kids get food that is safe, healthy, and economical is by expanding farm-to-school programs. Schools are linked with local farmers who provide food for meals and teach children how it is grown. Children learn to appreciate the joys of eating juicy apples and fresh, crisp green beans, developing a taste for healthy food that can last a healthy, vibrant lifetime. At the listening session, a farmer from Delaware pointed out that safety is guaranteed in farm-to-school programs because the farmers themselves usually have children or grandchildren in the school they serve. You know your food is safe when Grandma picked it fresh that morning. · Read the entire article.
Crawford and Vernon County Schools to Benefit from AmeriCorps “Farm to School” Award Westby Times Published 08/15/2008
Wisconsin State AmeriCorps has awarded Crawford and Vernon Counties resources to start Farm to School programs with the goal of bringing more fresh, locally grown foods to area schools. · Read the entire article.
Organic grower uses orchard as laboratory by Elizabeth Larson Capital Press Published 08/15/2008
Lars Crail of Kelseyville, Calif., isn't afraid to experiment with what he grows or how he farms in order to keep his farm both sustainable and profitable. · Read the entire article.
Keyport schools look to encourage healthier eating by Melissa L. Gaffney The Courier Published 08/14/2008
To offset the drudgery of school food, the borough of Keyport is looking to implement the "Farm-to-School" program in the school district, according to school board member Sheila Bishop. · Read the entire article.
The Art of Eating Locally by Kayt Lange The Melon Published 08/13/2008
This past legislative session in Olympia, I was thrilled to watch the “Farm to School” bill, sponsored by Rep. Eric Pettigrew, D-Seattle, pass both chambers with ease. This bill, in the top four priorities of our environmental community, attracted support from parents, public health employees, child advocates, state school nutritionists, and farmers alike. · Read the entire article.
School lunch program to start The Herald-Mail Published 08/12/2008
The Jane Lawton Farm to School Initiative was established during the 2008 session of the General Assembly to bring more Maryland grown products to school lunches and to help educate students about the source of their food, how it is produced and the benefits of a healthy diet. · Read the entire article.
Heroes of Sustainability Nominations Denver Business News Published 08/11/2008
Ms. Blair founded and directs the Turtle Lake Refuge in Durango, whose mission is to celebrate the connection between personal health and wild lands. Through its Farm to School program, the organization provides locally grown organic greens to all public schools in Durango. With the help of student volunteers, the program also gathers excess from local harvests and feeds it back to the local community. The organization’s booth at the Durango Farmers Market is bicycle operated – not just via the three wheelers they use to haul the produce, but also including a bicycle-powered blender and wheatgrass juicer! · Read the entire article.
Agriculture and education: a winning combination by Kelly Cormier California Farm Bureau Federation Published 08/06/2008
Successful farmers from Southern California stressed the important link between agriculture and education during this year's National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference that took place in late June. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School Meeting at Lakeview Middle School by Brigette Leach Battle Creek Enquirer Published 08/05/2008
Come prepared to learn about how you can become involved in placing more Michigan grown food on school menus. We plan to make sure food service directors are aware of all the Michigan grown fruits and vegetables available to them and during what seasons, and help farmers learn how to get their products into local schools and what food service directors need. · Read the entire article.
Food safety symposium set for Aug. 19 Bladen Journal Published 08/04/2008
Dr. David Acheson, a central figure in the federal government’s investigation of the recent national salmonella outbreak, will speak to more than 200 representatives of the agriculture and food industries at the fourth annual AgFIRST symposium Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is host of the event, which has the theme “Providing Safe Food for Healthy Families in a Global Economy.” It will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Kerr Scott Building. Admission is free, and lunch will be provided, but registration is required. · Read the entire article.
Schools serve up savings for lunch by Will Richmond The Herald News Published 08/03/2008
With higher food prices, farm to school programs offer the benefit of little to no transportation costs by buying local. · Read the entire article.
Rural Health Network pushes locally grown veggies in schools by George Basler Press & Sun-Bulletin Published 08/01/2008
Jack Salo wants to encourage interest in serving locally grown fruits and vegetables in school cafeterias. The time is ripe to promote the effort, said the executive director of the Rural Health Network, which promotes health initiatives in Tioga, Delaware and rural Broome counties. Salo was at Whitney Point High School for a workshop sponsored by the network on Farm to School programs, started across the country to connect schools with local farms. · Read the entire article.
AmeriCorp Farm to School Program by Lora Klenke University of Wisconsin Published 07/31/2008
The Wisconsin Department of Agricultural, Trade and Consumer Protection is looking for candidates for the job of Program Manager –Farm to School Program. The individual who fills this grant-funded position will serve as the program area liaison responsible for program development, coordination, implementation and overall management of the AmeriCorp Farm to School program. · Read the entire article.
Promoting local produce in schools by Karen Lee News 10 Now Published 07/31/2008
Lunch is served at Whitney Point High School, but you won't find cheese steaks or tater tots here. The lunch you see is part of the Rural Health Network's Farm-to-School initiative. All the items on the menu are all from local farms. · Read the entire article.
Village Feast under the trees by Gloria Glyer Sacramento Bee Published 07/31/2008
The Davis Farm to School Connection will benefit from a slow food dinner, with proceeds providing for school gardens, farm visits for second-graders, school recycling programs, and seasonal produce in school lunch programs. · Read the entire article.
Schools, farmers benefit from push to 'buy local' by Jackie Smith The Dexter Leader Published 07/31/2008
The movement for consumers to buy produce from local farms has extended far into today's communities, feeding even the youngest of buyers in neighborhood schools.vThe Chelsea School District has been piloting a farm-to-school project over the past year with full anticipation of its continuation this fall, said Food Service Director Karen Carty. "We have found that utilizing local foods not only helps the food budget, but also provides us with fresher-tasting, more nutritious products overall," Carty said. "We are proud to support our local farmers and have this partnership to be very beneficial." · Read the entire article.
State food program reaps rewards by Susan Simpson NewsOK Published 07/30/2008
Students with an eye for the environment and a taste for garden-fresh produce are in for a treat this fall at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. USAO has signed up for the state's Farm to School program, joining the University of Oklahoma and about 50 school districts that buy fresh fruits and vegetables from state growers. · Read the entire article.
Kale is Cool by Eva Sollberger Seven Days Published 07/30/2008
When did kale become so cool? Down at Burlington's Intervale Center, the Healthy City kids are growing vegetables, becoming farmers, volunteering in their community, working a summer job and changing the world, weed by weed. · Read the entire article.
From Farm to School: Improving Small Farm Viability and School Meals by Stacy Kish USDA: CSREES Published 07/29/2008
Improving the nutritional value of school meals is a growing priority among school systems across the United States. In an effort to provide a solution for school administrators, the USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) funded a coalition of school districts and farmers from four states to participate in a new program called "From Farm to School: Improving Small Farm Viability and School Meals." · Read the entire article.
New website to link Virginia farmers and schools by Joel Turner The Franklin News Post Published 07/28/2008
A new website is being designed by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (VDACS) to help match up school system buyers with Virginia farmers. It's the first step in an effort to expand the purchase and use of Virginia food products in the state's school systems. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School ABC 13 WLOS Published 07/23/2008
Great coverage of the Southeast Regional Meeting highlighting farmers, chefs, students and the community coming together to work as one. · Read the entire article.
Coordinator hired for food program by Mackenzie Ryan Statesman Journal Published 07/22/2008
Oregon Department of Education recently hired Joan Ottinger to coordinate the department's Farm-to-School and School Garden programs. · Read the entire article.
Research project studies local food by Blythe Wachter Leader-Telegram Published 07/22/2008
The UW-Eau Claire Chippewa Valley Center for Economic Research and Development, which supplies basic data to help foster regional economic development, and UW-Extension have joined to work on the Western Wisconsin Local Food Project. UW-Extension provided a $10,000 grant for the project, which is examining how much local food is purchased and consumed in western Wisconsin. The project also seeks to support existing efforts aimed at increasing local food purchases and consumption by providing data and research analysis and outreach. · Read the entire article.
Solutions from within Washington County by Judy East Bangor News Published 07/21/2008
A Farm To School initiative is also supporting local purchasing, healthful eating, and increasing nutrition curriculum in our school systems. · Read the entire article.
A Threat to the Local Food Movement by Alan Merrill West Yellowstone News Published 07/21/2008
According to numerous studies, these local food programs help improve children's nutrition while providing family farms with a reliable market. They also promote the local economy and environmentally sustainable agriculture as well as help children and parents re-connect with the providers of their food. · Read the entire article.
Educators gather to study food initiative by Ashley Wilson Asheville Citizan Times Published 07/18/2008
Local newspaper covers the Southeast Regional Farm to School meeting in Asheville, NC · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school liaison will provide guidance by Paris Achen Mail Tribune Published 07/17/2008
In a jab at childhood obesity, the Oregon Department of Education has hired a farm-to-school coordinator to work with the state agriculture department to help schools start their own farms and buy local fresh produce. · Read the entire article.
Village Feast by Don Guthrie Davis Real Estate Guide Published 07/17/2008
The Village Feast benefits the Davis Farm to School Connection, which supports programs within the Davis schools such as school gardens, second-grade farm visits, recycling programs and local produce in the school lunch program. · Read the entire article.
Using Our Kids to Destroy the Family Farm by Judith McGreary OpEd News Published 07/14/2008
Some school districts are taking action to provide better food for our kids. The rapidly-growing farm-to-school movement has been working to bring local, healthy, and sustainably-raised foods into the schools and reconnect children with the source of their food. As the evidence mounts about the nutrition and safety of grass-fed meats, some schools have started to integrate these animal products into their farm-to-school programs or source organic meats. · Read the entire article.
Farming regs 'housekeeping' by Vanessa Lynn Pinheiro The Litchfield Enquirer Published 07/11/2008
The current Litchfield Farm-Fresh Market is permitted as an accessory use to the school because of its Farm-to-School program. · Read the entire article.
Salem schools seeking new food director by Amanda McGregor The Salem News Published 07/10/2008
Among its work this summer, Jeffers said she and the parent group are pursuing grants for "farm-to-school" foods to get more fresh fruits and vegetables on the school tables. · Read the entire article.
Putting a face on home-grown produce by Jessica Klipa Bradenton Published 07/09/2008
John Matthews is a matchmaker of sorts. Through his newly established business, Suncoast Food Alliance, Matthews unites the two key players in delivering an exquisite meal to the dinner table: the chef and the local farmer. · Read the entire article.
School nutrition joins Virginia Department of Agriculture by Cathy Benson The Roanoke Times Published 07/09/2008
In order to get more locally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables into the diets of Virginia’s school children, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has created a Farm-to-School program and Web site. · Read the entire article.
What’s good for farmers by Anita Shelburne Daily Progress Published 07/09/2008
Richmond continues to try innovative ideas to support Virginia’s farmers. The latest is a program to link farm produce to colleges and universities, public and private grade schools in an effort to provide fresh foods to students and at the same time expand markets for farmers. Plus, organizers hope, the Farm-to-School program will help schoolchildren — many of whom have never been on a farm — to understand where food comes from and the importance of maintaining agriculture. · Read the entire article.
Report Tracks Anti-Obesity Efforts Nurse Week Published 07/08/2008
Lawmakers in 16 states enacted legislation to increase farm-to-school programs or to improve the nutritional quality of school breakfasts, lunches, á la carte selections or vending machine offerings. · Read the entire article.
Farm to School program will be topic Press Connects Published 07/07/2008
The Rural Health Network of South Central New York will host a free workshop on Farm-to-School programs from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. July 31 at Whitney Point Senior High School. Farm to School is an initiative that facilitates connections between school districts and local farms to improve nutrition and health education among elementary, middle and high school students. · Read the entire article.
Teens pick strawberries for city schools by Connor Boals Burlington Free Press Published 07/05/2008
The farm provides local produce for the Burlington school district and all of the strawberries the teens picked will be sent straight to the schools they attend. · Read the entire article.
Chef Proves School Lunch Can Be Healthy, Cheap by Eleanor Beardsley National Public Radio Published 07/02/2008
At the school, he prepares meals for about 800 students, using all fresh, local ingredients. The introduction of healthy school lunch programs, like this one, is one major reason France has been able to curb childhood obesity rates after two decades on the rise, according to two recent studies. · Read the entire article.
Plenty to boast about here in the 'highlands' by Barbara Lucks Snowmass Sun Published 07/02/2008
Back here in Mesa County, a new FARM TO SCHOOL program is establishing guaranteed local markets for fruit and vegetable producers, increasing the quality of nutrition for our children, and minimizing shipping. If there are a few less Palisade peaches and apples at the Aspen Farmer’s Market this fall, blame it on the school kids of Mesa County. They’re munching a local lunch. · Read the entire article.
Catawba Valley schools Charlotte Observer Published 06/29/2008
Catawba Elementary School's Child Nutrition division won second place in the national “Farm to School Fruits and Vegetables” contest sponsored by the USDA. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-school: It’s what’s for lunch by James Raia News Review Published 06/27/2008
Gail Feenstra can’t get the embarrassingly small sum of 75 cents out of her mind. This is the amount spent on food per meal, per day for every child in federally funded school lunch programs. · Read the entire article.
Fresh off the Farm: Va. Program Connects Schools to Homegrown Food by Sandhya Somashekhar Washington Post Published 06/26/2008
State officials have launched a program designed to connect small Virginia farmers with schools in hopes of boosting the agricultural economy and encouraging children to eat organic, locally grown food. · Read the entire article.
Farmers take part in Farm to School Program by Ashley Hall KDRV News 12 Published 06/24/2008
Southern Oregon farmers are taking part in a program they hope will one day provide more locally grown food to area schools. The Farm To School Program would put local produce, flour, eggs, and other food products in school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Schools are taking the mystery out of the meat they serve by DeeDee Correll Los Angeles Times Published 06/23/2008
The precooked beef patties with the fake charcoal lines won't be on the menu at Castle View High School this fall. Instead, students will dine on freshly grilled hamburgers from grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free cattle -- what is often described as natural or organic meat -- raised on the plains of eastern Colorado. · Read the entire article.
In search of food's 98 percent solution by Scott Exo The Oregonian Published 06/23/2008
The future for Oregon farmers and ranchers lies not in a futile race to grow and sell more and to do it more cheaply. Their success will be in growing and marketing high quality, highly differentiated, branded products with a credible sustainability story. · Read the entire article.
Eat local: State to deliver Va.-grown fruit, veggies to schools by Associated Press In Rich Published 06/19/2008
A new program has been launched by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to deliver locally grown fruit and vegetables to school cafeterias. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School program launched by Va. ag dept by Associated Press Daily Press Published 06/19/2008
The department's Farm-to-School program is a matchmaker for school food service directors who are seeking nutritious Virginia-grown farm products for their school menus. · Read the entire article.
Farm-to-School Program Launched by Associated Press NBC29 Published 06/19/2008
Virginia schools spend more than $6 million annually on fresh produce, and the program is intended to deliver some of those dollars to in-state growers. · Read the entire article.
Students connecting with their roots by Linda Maness The Times Argus Published 06/15/2008
Vermont's schools are growing green. "Growing" is the word being emphasized at school these days, as many are planting their own gardens or contributing to a community garden. Focusing on whole, natural foods — their production, harvest and preparation — is one way that Vermont schools are responding to the deterioration of the eating habits and growing obesity rates of its children. Enter the farm-to-school program. · Read the entire article.
Students plant seed for idea by Eric Gaertner The Muskegon Chronicle Published 06/15/2008
The high school students in Kyle Fiebig's agri-science projects class recently played the role of farmer in the proposed program, except on a much smaller scale. Over a few weeks near the end of the school year, the students grew a couple varieties of lettuce that were fed to staff and students for lunch. Grown in the school's greenhouse, the lettuce was offered to 2,000 to 3,000 students during six lunch sessions. "The overall response was they want it back," Fiebig said. "I like the idea that the lettuce traveled all of 600 feet." · Read the entire article.
Students plant seed for idea by Eric Gaertner The Muskegon Chronicle Published 06/15/2008
· Read the entire article.
Tainted tomatoes hit Vt. by Daniel Barlow Rutland Herald Published 06/14/2008
Many schools still purchase their produce wholesale from corporations in California and Mexico because it is cheaper, he added. Twinfield will be part of the state's farm to school food program starting in the fall, he said, which should put more local, fresh food on the plates of students. · Read the entire article.
East Hill Notes The Ithaca Journal Published 06/14/2008
Worth noting given the increasing costs of transportation: The Cornell Farm to School Program is continuing to help community leaders and extension educators develop and sustain connections between New York farms and cafeterias in schools, universities and other institutions. The program also offers assistance to anyone interested in developing farm-to-school connections. For more information, visit farmtoschool.cce.cornell.edu. · Read the entire article.
Food for thought by Eric Gaertner The Muskegon Chronicle Published 06/14/2008
The days of school lunch lines filled with imported food offerings and food loaded with trans fat could be numbered. A county wide proposal that is just beginning to be thoroughly evaluated would have local schools saying goodbye to well-traveled carrots and greasy fries and hello to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats that are most likely organic in nature. · Read the entire article.
Students grow lunches by Jennifer Moody Albany Democrat-Herald Published 06/14/2008
Salad greens grown at Seven Oak Middle School have already hit that cafeteria. Now, the greens will be served as part of the free lunches distributed every summer at various locations. Plenty of schools in the fertile Willamette Valley have gardens, but very few grow food to be consumed by students. That may change as food and transportation prices rise and schools look for new ways to motivate healthy choices. · Read the entire article.
Food for thought by Eric Gaertner The Muskegon Chronicle Published 06/14/2008
· Read the entire article.
District 81 Rep. candidates address conservation issues by Haley Hughes Aiken Standard Published 06/13/2008
S.C. House District 81 field questions: Would you support the S.C. Farm to School Act which, among other things, would encourage schools and farmers to work together to provide fresh produce for school snacks and meals? · Read the entire article.
‘Strolling of the Heifers’ Celebrates Dairy Farming by Tracy Sutton Lancaster Farming Published 06/13/2008
The epicenter of heifer funkiness — or the “cow-nter culture” if you will —was on exuberant, flower-draped display last Saturday at Brattleboro, Vermont’s seventh annual “Strolling of the Heifers.” The theme for the parade this year was “Live Green.” School kids dressed as strawberries promoted their local farm to school program and held placards praising compost. · Read the entire article.
Tomatoes Join the List of School Inedible Edibles by Suzanne Guldimann Malibu Sufside News Published 06/12/2008
According to local farm advocates, the current salmonella outbreak, and other recent food scares that have led the U.S. Academy of Sciences this week to announce that vegetables and fruits are the “leading vehicles” of food-borne illness in the United States, highlights the need for locally grown produce, and local accountability, instead of reliance on imported produce that may not meet local criteria for health and safety. ·