The USDA Farm to School Program: Growing Our Future
Family, today we're diving into the USDA Farm to School Program. As a Black agrarian and advocate for sustainable living, I'm passionate about how this initiative is reshaping our children's relationship with food and our communities.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees this program, which goes far beyond just putting local produce on lunch trays. It's a comprehensive approach to education and nutrition that's been cultivating change since the 1990s.
Here are the facts you need to know:
1. Reach: As of 2019, 42% of U.S. schools participate in farm to school activities, impacting 23.6 million students.
2. Meal Participation: Schools with strong farm to school programs see a 3-16% increase in school meal participation.
3. Economic Impact: In the 2018-2019 school year, schools invested nearly $800 million in local food from farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food processors.
4. Hands-on Learning: 65% of schools with farm-to-school programs have edible gardens, which provide practical education about food sources.
5. Equity Focus: The USDA is allocating $60 million for farm to school grants in fiscal years 2021-2023, prioritizing projects that serve underserved communities.
I'm currently attending the Florida Farm to School Conference, which is themed "Cultivating Connections." This free event is a goldmine of information and networking opportunities.
Why does this matter to us? For generations, our communities have struggled with limited access to fresh, nutritious food. The Farm to School program is about reclaiming our food sovereignty and empowering our children with knowledge and healthy choices.
At Plant and Heal Co., we champion growing with what you've got. The Farm to School initiative embodies this principle, utilizing our resources - land, knowledge, and community - to nourish our future.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member invested in our children's well-being, you can participate in this movement. Look for Farm to School programs in your area, or consider initiating one if none exist.
Stay connected for more insights from this conference. We're cultivating change, one school, one garden, and one child at a time.