Farm to School

What is Farm to School?

Farm to School (F2S) is a program that is designed to make connections between local farms and food producers and schools. The purpose of the program is to improve student health and increase knowledge and awareness about nutrition and local food systems while supporting local agriculture. F2S programs have been shown to have benefits for students and schools, local farmers and food producers, and even the community in general.

Students

F2S programs provide more local foods during school meals and help to expose students to foods that they may not have tried before. Exposing students to these new foods and offering more local fruits and vegetables can help students to have healthier, more balanced diets. F2S programs have been shown to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and even reduce rates of obesity and diabetes among students.

F2S programs also focus on teaching nutrition, healthy eating, local foods, and agriculture lessons and activities. These topics fit seamlessly into many different subjects including STEM subjects so they can be used to enhance lessons that are already being taught. When F2S topics are included in classrooms, students' have more opportunities to use problem-solving skills, learn about real-world problems, and incorporate more physical activity into their day. In addition to giving students the opportunity to engage in many valuable learning situations, F2S programs have also been shown to increase students' overall academic achievement.

Schools

Schools can benefit from F2S programs in a variety of ways through the cafeteria and in classrooms. F2S programs can increase the number of kids who purchase meals from the school which lowers meal program costs and increases income for the school. F2S programs can also increase the sense of belonging and pride among cafeteria staff which can lead to a better quality of food and increased employee retention rates. In addition to the benefits for the cafeteria, the education associated with F2S programs can help to increase health and wellness among teachers and staff. As mentioned above, these programs can also increase academic achievement among students which reflects well on the school and its educators.

Food Producers/Suppliers and Communities

F2S programs can increase income for local food producers and suppliers. Local producers who get involved with F2S programs may have new opportunities to sell their products, not only through the school but potentially with other community outlets as well.

F2S programs can also lead to benefits for the greater community. Production of new jobs, health benefits for parents and other family members, increased food security and decreased food waste are all potential benefits for communities whose schools have F2S programs. These programs are also environmentally friendly because they promote sustainable agriculture while also decreasing pollution.

Farm to School Program Materials

Materials that were developed to promote the program and to educate students and families. Posters, Infographics, Newsletters, and Characters.

Farm to School Online Learning Resources

Resources for teachers and families to use while learning from home.

Last updated September 18, 2020

Farm to School

Farm to School Newsletters

These newsletters are designed be sent home with students. They provide education about different local food as well as simple activities that kids and families can do together.

Sweet Potatoes

We're sharing a little nutrition information, as well as fun facts and an interesting growing activity that you can enjoy at home.

Milk and Dairy

Dairy is part of every school lunch and we are lucky enough to have milk that comes from local farms! Check out this info about dairy, have fun with a dairy word search, or try out an unconventional mac and cheese recipe.

Vegetable Gardening

Try your hand at growing some tasty vegetables at home this spring and summer! And don't forget the colorful garden markers so everyone in the family will know what is growing. If you have questions about gardening or are looking for more information you can contact the Wayne County Master Gardeners by calling and leaving a detailed message at the hotline: (315)331-8415 ext. 107 or sending an email to mgwayne@cornell.edu.

Amazing Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the first vegetables to be available in the spring and this is the time to get your fill! This vegetable is very nutritious and is very versatile; you can serve it as a side dish on its own or it can be incorporated into a soup, casserole or even a quiche.

Powerful Potatoes

Potatoes often get a bad wrap for being simple carbohydrates, but carbs are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet! Learn about some of the nutritional benefits of potatoes, how to roast your french fries rather than frying them, and even see the route that potatoes traveled to get to the US.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are available early in the growing season because they can be stored for long periods of time easily. Here is a little info about the different types of root vegetables, common nutrition traits, how to store them, and how to roast them. There is also an activity to help you think about all the different parts of plants that we eat on a daily basis!

Scrumptious Strawberries

Strawberries are a delicious treat early in the growing season! Here is some more info about their nutrition, how to use them in all kinds of foods, how to wash and store them, and a fun painting project.

Pollinators

June 22nd-28th is National Pollinator Week! Celebrate all different types of pollinators this week by coloring this fun picture, learning about their importance for our food supply, our environment and what you can do to protect them. Visit pollinator.org for more info.

Plentiful Peas

Peas are one of the first things that you can plant in the spring. They are tasty and nutritious. Peas grow quickly and that is one reason they are great for learning about the needs of plants. Learn all about them with this handout and then try some pea plant experiments.