Farm to School

Farm to School is part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) national network and encompasses many local, state and regional partners. Farm to School provides youth, pre-K through college, with access to nutritious meals, while supporting local farmers and communities. Farm to school provides children with fresh, locally grown or raised food, and educates them about many aspects of agriculture and their community. 

Farm to school programming can be done in a variety of ways. Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sponsors are encouraged to start small and find activities that work best for them. Some examples of farm to school programming include: 

• Serving locally grown foods in school meal programs 
• School gardens that provide hands on learning  
• Participation in a “crunch” day or local food meal 
• Farm field trips 
• ​Classroom lessons focused on the topics of food, nutrition, and agriculture 

Farm to school supports the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s priorities by promoting student wellness through increased access to fresh and nutritious food choices as well as exposing students to career pathways in agriculture, nutrition, and the culinary arts. 

Farm to School Census

The Farm to School Census is conducted by the USDA periodically to assess the state of farm to school activities across the U.S. The Census surveys all school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program. Learn more about Ohio’s Farm to School Census Results. 

Promotions

Farm to Summer

Farm to Summer extends the Farm to School model into the summer, integrating local foods and agriculture-based activities when school is out. Farm to Summer activities ensure children and teens retain access to nutritious meals and enrichment opportunities throughout the year. Anyone can celebrate Farm to Summer by purchasing locally or regionally grown cucumbers and serving them in a meal or snack for a Cucumber Crunch. Register your Cucumber Crunch event to receive free promotional stickers. 

National Farm to School Month

Every October National Farm to School Month recognizes schools and other educational institutions that provide programming centered on food, nutrition, agriculture education, school gardens and purchasing locally grown food for child nutrition menus. Farm to school sponsors are encouraged to celebrate with special local meal days, participate in the Great Apple Crunch, plan farm field trips, and more.  

• The Great Apple Crunch is a simple, celebratory event to promote locally grown foods. Anyone can participate by “crunching” into a crisp, Ohio-grown apple during the month of October.  

Ohio Harvest of the Month

The Ohio Harvest of the Month    is a statewide campaign that exposes children to healthy foods and encourages their interest and curiosity in new foods to support a lifetime of healthy eating.  The campaign promotes the use of seasonally available, local products in Ohio schools, childcare centers, and communities. Each month, a different Ohio-grown product is highlighted and CNP sponsors serve the product in a meal, snack, or taste test. The featured product is also promoted through marketing materials, activities, and lesson plans.  

• January: Hydroponic Lettuce
• February: Carrots
• March: Herbs
• April: Spinach
• May: Asparagus
• June: Berries
• July: Cucumbers
• August: Peaches
• September: Tomatoes
• October: Apples
• November: Sweet Potatoes
• December: Potatoes

Ohio Proud on the Menu

The Ohio Proud on the Menu Program is a local food recognition program through the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Ohio CNP sponsors that purchase and serve Ohio Proud items on their menu are encouraged to become an Ohio Proud on the Menu sponsor. Ohio Proud on the Menu sponsors have access to an exclusive logo for menus and marketing materials as well as recognition on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School website.  

• Apply to become an Ohio Proud on the Menu Sponsor.  

Additional Resources

General  

• Farm to School - Ohio State University Extension 
• National Farm to School Network 
• Ohio Farm to School – Ohio Department of Agriculture 
• Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program 
• USDA Farm to School 

Local Purchasing 

• Local Foods Procurement Training – Ohio Department of Education & Workforce 
• Procuring Local Foods – USDA 

School Gardens 

• Food Safety Tips for School Gardens – USDA 
• School Gardens of Ohio – Ohio State University Extension 

Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Education  

• Dig In! Standards-Based Nutrition Education from the Ground Up for Grades 5-6 - USDA 
• Grow It, Try It, Like It Fun with Fruits and Vegetables at Family Child Care – USDA 
• The Great Garden Detective Adventure: A Standards-Based Gardening Nutrition Curriculum for Grades 3 and 4 – USDA 

For Producers 

• Bringing the Farm to School: A Training Program for Agricultural Producers 
• Bringing the Farm to School: A Video Series for Agricultural Producers
• Farm to School - Ohio State University Extension
• National Farm to School Network
• USDA Farm to School

For more information about Farm to School, please contact Rebecca Naab, Education Program Specialist, at (614) 981-2371. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Non-Discrimination Statement​

Last Modified: 12/10/2024 3:40:21 PM

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