Publications

"All About farmer's markets: A Teaching Guide for Classrooms, Camps, and Community Programs," Peggy Sissel-Phelan, Ed.D.

Thu, Dec 1st, 2005

A useful resource to help children make the connection between the land, the food we eat, and our health and well-being. The guide is 116 pages of original games, songs, and activities for PreK - 2nd grade classrooms, and includes ideas for field trips and parent involvement.

10 Reasons to Buy Local Food

Tue, Oct 1st, 2002

A one page document that explains how local food...tastes better, is better for you, preserves genetic diversity, is GMO-free, supports local farm family, builds community, preserves open space, keeps your taxes in check, supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife, and is about the future.

A Growing Movement: A Decade of Farm to School in California Anupama Joshi and Moira Beery

Mon, Oct 1st, 2007

A Growing Movement: A Decade of Farm to School in California is a brand new resource from the California Farm to School Program at the Center for Food & Justice. The farm to school movement began in California more than 10 years ago. This report tells the story of work undertaken by farm to school proponents in California and chronicles the emergence of the program, and the impacts it has had on students, farmers, and communities around the state.

A New Way to Look at Food and Agriculture: Community Food Systems

Thu, Jan 1st, 2004

This one page document makes the idea of sustainable community food systems not only accessible, but also desirable. Looking at food and agriculture issue through the lens of community food security requires one to look at the whole food system and understand how each part affects the whole food security of a given community.

A Salad Bar Featuring Organic Choices: Revitalizing the School Nutrtion Program Paul Flock, Cheryl Petra, Vanessa Ruddy, Joseph Peterangelo

Tue, Apr 1st, 2003

Action Strategies Toolkit Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Fri, May 1st, 2009

Working in close collaboration with 11 influential policy-maker organizations, Leadership for Healthy Communities developed this toolkit to equip state, municipal, county and school leaders with promising and evidence-based policy approaches designed to improve children's health and reduce childhood obesity. This comprehensive resource includes strategies in 10 policy areas, lists of key stakeholders, tips on how to start programs, and examples of policies that states and communities have implemented successfully. It is prefaced with an unequivocal leadership statement signed by executive directors from each of the 11 participating policy-maker organizations.This statement underscores the organizations' recognition that childhood obesity is a national problem and reflects their commitment to work collaboratively across levels of government to build healthier communities.

Balance My Day™ Nutrition Education Curriculum Healthy Kids Challenge

Fri, Apr 22nd, 2011

This engaging, fun, ready to use nutrition and physical activity lessons for K-8th graders include goal setting, parent tip sheets, worksheets, student assessment and 12 Food Skills taste and learn activities for the classroom and cafeteria. The school nutrition services section is packed with ideas for marketing school nutrition. Aligned with HECAT (Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool) Healthy Eating Behavior outcomes and standards, sample pages, content listing and order form can be viewed at http://www.healthykidschallenge.com/catalog/26

Bearing Fruit: Farm to School Program Evaluation Resources & Recommendations Anupama Joshi & Andrea Misako Azuma

Wed, Apr 15th, 2009

Released in Spring 2009, Bearing Fruit is a comprehensive guide to Farm to School program evaluation with highlights of the overall impacts of farm to school for stakeholders- teachers, food service, farmers, parents, policy makers, and community - providing excellent resources and tools to incorporate when assessing a program. Hard copies are available for the cost of shipping by contacting Anupama Joshi at ajoshi@oxy.edu

Bid Local: Local Farm Projects Allowed in School Bids National Farm to School Network

Tue, Aug 5th, 2008

With the passage of the 2008 Farm Bill, schools can now use a local preference in big language. This handout describes the specifics as to what is included in unprocessed agricultural products.

Bringing Local Food to Local Institutions Barbara C. Bellows, Rex Dufour, and Janet Bachmann

Sun, Dec 1st, 2002

This Resource Guide for Farm-to-School and Farm-to-Institution Programs provides farmers, school administrators, and institutional food-service planners with contact information and descriptions of existing programs that have made these connections between local farmers and local school lunchrooms, college dining halls, or cafeterias in other institutions. To help communities initiate similar programs, this publication includes resource lists.

Busting a Myth: Farmers' Market Produce is Fresh and Affordable Kerr Center and CSREES

Fri, Jun 12th, 2009

Produce items grown by Three Springs Farm and sold at the Tulsa Cherry Street Farmers' Market in 2005 were either cheaper than or comparably priced* to produce sold at Tulsa supermarkets.

CATCH
CATCH was the largest school based health promotion program ever done in the US - as a coordinated nutrition education - employing Go, SLOW , WHOA diet concepts to help children choose healthier foods and now utilized as part of CATCH along with the CATCH - EAT SMART Guide for school nutrition service providers and also CATCH Physical Education K-8. CATCH builds alliance with school staff, parents, community and administrators to focus on health, nutrition and physical activity. Certified CATCH Trainers also help schools and districts to build their coordinated school health efforts. And, most importantly, CATCH makes nutrition learning and physical activity FUN!

Child Nutrition Reauthorization - Background National Farm to School Network

Thu, Nov 13th, 2008

Chronology of Farm to School Debra Eschmeyer

Mon, Apr 28th, 2008

When did farm to school programs start? What were the major milestones? This brief factsheet lays out the history of farm to school.

Cooking With Kids

Sat, Jan 1st, 2005

An order form for various curricular resources K-6, including guides and a DVD.

Counties and Local Food Systems Casey Dillon

Sun, Jul 1st, 2007

This 22-page report highlights four approaches that county governments can use to strengthen their local food systems: ?food policy councils, farm to school programs, infrastructure for local producers, and agriculture conservation easement programs. ?It includes an overview of methods and a fairly detailed case study for each approach.The Farm to School Case study is from the Missoula Farm to School Program, MT.

Eat Smart?Farm Fresh! USDA Food & Nutrition Services

Thu, Dec 1st, 2005

A Guide to Buying and Serving Locally-Grown Produce in School Meals

Family Cook-In Toolkit

Sun, Feb 7th, 2010

First, download our Screening Toolkit. (Go to: http://whatsonyourplateproject.org/blog/takeaction/toolkit). It has all the stuff you need to have a fun and delicious Family Cook-In! Second, watch What's on Your Plate? at 2:00 p.m. on Discovery's Planet Green. (Go to http:planetgreen.channelfinder.net to find your local channel). Third, check out the games and activities in our Screening Toolkit. Fourth, cook and eat together! Get everyone in the kitchen chopping, stirring, pouring and baking. Then sit down together for some fresh and yummy home-cooked food. Think food justice is too tricky for kids? Think again. What's On Your Plate? proves that not only can kids understand the issues, they can actually teach other kids about how they are what they eat. The film follows two eleven-year-old multi-racial city kids as they explore their place in the food chain. Sadie and Safiyah take a close look at food systems in New York City and its surrounding areas. With the camera as their companion, the girl guides talk to each other, food activists, farmers, new friends, storekeepers, their families, and the viewer, in their quest to understand what?s on all of our plates. According to Michael Pollan: ""What's On Your Plate?" is exactly the film we need now." And Alice Waters says: "It was an amazing experience to hear kids talking about these issues. This movie can have a real impact on the way we think about what we?re eating." Don't miss this chance to see this witty and provocative film on national television! Join in the conversation on how we can change what we eat, and in the process, change our world. Visit our website for more information on the film and how you can get involved. www.whatsonyourplateproject.com Can't make the Family Cook-In! broadcast? No problem. The film will be showing throughout the week, with additional broadcasts on: Saturday February 6th, 2010 at 10 pm Thursday February 11th at 11 pm Friday February 12th at 7 am Friday February 12th at 3 pm

Farm to School Brochure Debra Eschmeyer

Thu, Mar 19th, 2009

Nourishing kids and communities: an introduction to farm to school

Farm to School Policy Presentation Community Food Security Coalition

Tue, Jul 8th, 2008

State farm to school policies displayed by state in a PowerPoint presentation.

Farm to School Policy: A State by State Listing

Tue, Nov 2nd, 2010

Farm to School policy is listed by state with key legislation and funding amounts highlighted.

Farm to School Programs - A Powerpoint presentation Anupama Joshi & Steph Larsen

Sun, Jun 1st, 2008

Farm-Raisers Vanessa Zajfen

Tue, Nov 6th, 2007

As rates of childhood obesity rise across the nation, schools are under pressure to serve healthy foods in cafeterias as well as establish policies to curb the availability of unhealthy foods and sodas on school campuses. Many schools have banned the sale of sodas and candy during school hours. However, outside of the cafeteria and vending machines, school fundraisers are another source of unhealthy foods on campus. Ninety-one percent of schools nationwide use fundraisers as a means to raise school funds, 81 percent of these schools sell cookie dough or greeting cards (Conners, 2006). There is a growing interest in exploring creative ways to raise funds without using unhealthy foods.

Farm-to-School Purchasing Builds Social Equity in Vermont Benjamin King, Jane Kolodinsky, Erin Roche, Linda Berlin, Abbie Nelson, Kim Norris

Thu, Mar 19th, 2009

Statewide data from Vermont show that food service providers in low-income school districts are no less likely to purchase local foods than food service directors in high-income school districts.

Food Access & Distribution Solutions: 5 Strategies for Southern California Vanessa Zajfen

Sat, Mar 1st, 2008

Based on the report Fresh Food Distribution Models for the Greater Los Angeles Region: Barriers and Opportunities to Facilitate and Scale Up the Distribution of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, The Center for Food & Justice has developed 5 strategies which attempt to address some fundamental and basic issues with the distribution of locally grown foods. CFJ will be working throughout the next few years to assist project partners and other organizations to implement these strategies in the Southern California region.

Food Fun - From Apples to Zucchini University of Illinois Extension

Sun, Jan 1st, 2006

Food Stamp Use Linked To Weight Gain, Study Finds

Wed, Aug 12th, 2009

Researchers found that the average user of food stamps had a Body Mass Index (BMI) 1.15 points higher than non-users. The link between food stamps and higher weight was almost entirely based on women users, who averaged 1.24 points higher BMI than those not in the program, the study found. For an average American woman, this would mean an increase in weight of 5.8 pounds.

French Fries, and the Food System Sarah Coblyn
This agricultural curriculum features powerful, original lessons written and developed by The Food Project's growers and educators. Organized by season, the material teaches youth how to develop a deep understanding of and appreciation for the land and local food systems. Lessons can be done both indoors and outdoors and can be easily adapted by instructors working in school-based plots, urban food lots, and environmental education programs.

Fresh Food Distribution Models for the Greater Los Angeles Region: Barriers and Opportunities to Fac Vanessa Zajfen

Sat, Mar 1st, 2008

The Center for Food & Justice has released the findings from a year-long planning grant titled Fresh Food Distribution Models for the Greater Los Angeles Region: Barriers and Opportunities to Facilitate and Scale Up the Distribution of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. The California Endowment funded CFJ for a year long planning grant to explore the most effective strategies and opportunities to scale up the distribution of locally grown fruits and vegetables in Southern California. Our work sought to identify solutions to barriers that have prevented more institutions from buying local and supporting local agriculture. Based on the project findings CFJ has developed multiple strategies to overcome identified barriers that will be undertaken by CFJ over the coming years. For a summary of the 5 distribution models that CFJ will be pursuing, please look for it under this section of publications. Please contact Vanessa Zajfen with any questions, comments or concerns.

Fresh from the Farm: Using Local Foods in Afterschool and Summer Nutrition Programs FRAC

Fri, Jul 1st, 2011

Food is an important part of any quality afterschool or summer program. It helps attract children to the program and ensures that they have the energy to fully participate in all of the educational and enrichment activities. The nutrition quality and appeal of the meals and snacks is crucial. One creative strategy to improve quality and appeal is to make local produce part of the meals and snacks, and Farm to School programs are one key strategy to do that. This guide outlines strategies and approaches for accessing local products such as working with an organization that is already using local produce, collaborating with the area food service director or operating the Farm to School program independently.

Gardens for Learning: Creating and Sustaining Your School Garden California School Garden Network

Thu, Dec 1st, 2005

A comprehensive instructional resource for teachers, parents and schools interested in garden-based learning. This book was developed by the California School Garden Network (CGSN), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and sustain California gardens to enhance academic achievement, a healthy lifestyle, environmental stewardship, community and social development.

Georgia Organics Farm to School video Georgia Organics (created by Anthony-Masterson Photography)

Mon, Mar 30th, 2009

Check out the new "Farm to School" Video from Georgia Organics to learn more about the "4 C's" involved in this program - Classroom, Cafeteria, Culinary, and Community. Features Mendez Foundation's Seeds of Nutrition Program.

Going Local: Paths to Success for Farm to School Programs Anupama Joshi, Marion Kalb and Moira Beery

Thu, Feb 1st, 2007

A brand new resource from the National Farm to School Program, Center for Food & Justice, Occidental College and the Community Food Security Coalition. With case studies from eight states - California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hamphire, North Carolina, and Oregon, the publication provides a snapshot of the diverse ways in which farm to school is making a difference nationwide.

Greening the Plate of School Lunch Moira Beery

Wed, Dec 5th, 2007

Slides from a presentation of the whys and hows of starting a Farm to School program.

Grow Your Own Food Made Easy: Nutritious Organic Produce from Your Own Garden - A Step-by-Step Guide

Sat, Jan 1st, 2005

Grow Your Own Food Made Easy is the only low-cost guide of its kind that integrates nutrition and gardening. Its nutritional content meets USDA nutritional guidelines, as well as those of the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. All gardening information is Earth-friendly and state-of-the-art. Some of you may already know about our 32-page composting guide Home Composting Made Easy. Over 1 million copies are in print; distributed by hundreds of municipalities, waste management districts, state governments, and educational organizations throughout North America! (Go to: www.homecompostingmadeeasy.com). We believe that Grow Your Own Food Made Easy is a publication and idea whose time has come, for the millions of people who are now just getting into food gardening (or re-dedicating time and energy to it) as a need for food and financial security. It is perfect for any organizations, educators or businesses dedicated to food security, food independence and food sustainability, be it for direct distribution and/or for fundraising. Please contact us for special availability to non-retailers. You can view GYOF, including 18 sample pages (.pdf) at www.onesanctuary.com. You can also email us at peace@onesanctuary.com.

Grow, Cook, Teach! A resource guide for Farm to School activities Massachusetts Farm to School Project

Wed, Feb 9th, 2011

This booklet contains basic information about many programs and organizations that are defining and expanding the farm to school concept. Whether you are interested in learning about funding sources for school gardens, after-school cooking classes showcasing local produce, or ways to teach students about what's growing on the farm in May, you'll find useful references here.

Guide to Developing a Sustainable Food Purchasing Policy Matthew Buck

Thu, Nov 1st, 2007

The guide is intended to help universities, colleges, hospitals, and other institutions - as well as those advocating for food system change - create, promote and implement practical sustainable food purchasing policies.

Healthy Farms, Healthy Kids: Evaluating the Barriers and Opportunities for Farm-to-School Programs Andrea Azuma and Andrew Fisher

Mon, Jan 1st, 2001

Healthy Farms, Healthy Kids: Evaluating the Barriers and Opportunities for Farm-to-School Programs. Azuma, Andrea and Andrew Fisher, Community Food Security Coalition, January 2001.A case study of the New North Florida Cooperative Farm to School Program. Executive summary on-line at www.foodsecurity.org. Order by e-mailing asfisher@aol.com, or by calling (310) 822-5410, or faxing (310) 822-1440.

Illinois Vegetable Garden Guide University of Illinois Extension

Impact Assessment of Vermont Farm2School Program - Final Report John Ryan

Sat, Apr 1st, 2006

The analysis begins by asking a number of questions: How much Vermont farm produce and dairy product does the Vermont school food program currently purchase? What key challenges stand in the way of increasing Vermont food purchases and local Farm2School Partnerships? What actions would increase the likelihood of overcoming the challenges to reaching increased levels of activity? What represents a realistic increase in the level of Vermont farm purchases over the next five years? What represents a realistic increase in the number of local Farm2School partnerships over the next several years? What impacts would those actions have on key participants in the school food system, including farmers, school food workers, food distributors, local and state governments, parents and children?

Is There a Relationship Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement: Positive Results From Pub

Thu, Jan 1st, 2009

This is a new feature on research supporting the link between kids' health and success in school. A new study in the January 2009 Journal of School Health found that increasing opportunities for kids to participate in physical activity, fitness and sports may help support their success in the classroom. While further research is required, there is mounting evidence that opportunities in school to help children meet the recommended one hour of physical activity per day not only will enhance their health but also may have a positive effect on learning and academic achievement. Click here to read the article.

Kids Gardening Resources
Kids Gardening Resources from University of Illinois Extension

KidsGardening.org
KidsGardening.Org - Helping Young Minds Grow

Kindergarten Initiative Evaluation Report The Food Trust

Thu, Feb 1st, 2007

Legislative History Related to Farm to School USDA

Fri, Mar 12th, 2010

Lessons and Impacts of the Farm to School Program Moira Beery

Wed, Dec 5th, 2007

This presentation explores the growth of Farm to School programs nationally and the impacts they have made.

List of Chefs Willing to Volunteer Healthy School Meals Resource System
A list of chefs willing to volunteer their time as part of a food and nutrition education program.

Local Food Connections: Food Service Considerations Iowa State University Extension
This publication provides farmers, school administrators, and institutional food-service planners with contact information and descriptions of existing programs that have made these connections between local farmers and local school lunchrooms, college dining halls, or cafeterias in other institutions. To help communities initiate similar programs, this publication includes resource lists

Local Food Connections: From Farms to Schools. Iowa State University Extension
Through direct marketing of their products, Iowa farmers and growers are forming a stronger connection with their customers and obtaining premium prices or those products. One potential direct marketing customer is the local school.

Lunch Lessons: Changing the way we feed our children Chef Ann Cooper

Making the Farm / School Connection: Opportunities and Barriers to Greater Use of Locally-grow JoAnne Berkenkamp

Sun, Jan 1st, 2006

Report explores the feasibility of expanding fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables in Minnesota's public K-12 schools.

Mapping School Food: A Policy Guide Marlo R. Miura, Jason A. Smith, Jess Alderman

Fri, Dec 7th, 2007

Improving the school food environment can be a difficult task, and understanding school food law and policy can be a barrier to getting started. Mapping School Food was written to help legislators, advocates, parents, teachers and anyone interested in improving school food navigate school food law and policy. Mapping School Food is an innovative guide that describes school food policy from the perspective of different personnel in the school system. It also provides tools to help advocates find answers, resolve conflicts, and build consensus for improving school food in their community. Mapping School Food is available as a free download.

New Mexico Farm to School case study Compiled by Alison Harmon
Three Santa Fe public schools are participating in this project, two elementary and one high school. One of the elementary schools has a salad bar every day. The meal at this site includes a meat entree three times a week and a vegetarian item twice a week. The other elementary school offers a side salad of mixed greens, sunflower sprouts, and other seasonal items with lunch. The high school has a separate salad bar; students have the choice of the salad bar or a hot lunch.

New on the Menu
Twelve page summary of the 2005-06 Abernethy Elementary Farm to School project coordinated by Ecotrust.

Nourishing the Nation One Tray at a Time Community Food Security Coalition, National Farm to School Network, School Food FOCUS

Thu, Mar 19th, 2009

The policy recommendations in this document are solutions that are fair to American children, schools, farmers, food producers, and communities. The following lists the most effective ways Washington can rebalance the way American children eat in schools. We hope you will join us in our effort to nourish the nation, one tray at a time.

Nuevos Mercados Para Su Cosecha (New Ways to Sell What You Grow) Community Food Security Coalition and the National Center for Appropriate Technology

Mon, Jan 1st, 2007

Click here to download the publication in PDF format [1M] or contact NCAT at (800) ASK-NCAT for a printed copy. Click here to download the audio recording (mp3) of this publication This Spanish-language publication details strategies for farmers interested in marketing their products to local institutions such as schools, colleges, hospitals, retirement homes and day care centers. Included is a resource list of organizations around the country that work with Latino farmers looking for ways to market their products. Click here for a description of this publication and other resources in Spanish (Descripci?n de esta publicaci?n y otros recursos en Espa?ol)

Orange County menu of Options Vanessa Zajfen

Fri, May 9th, 2008

The following are new farm to school programming opportunities for Orange County. The farm to school programs suggested below have been specifically created for Orange County schools based on the local farm resources.

Resources for Farm to School Champions Center for Food & Justice

Sat, Sep 1st, 2007

This Farm to School resource primer is a great one-pager linking you to materials and organizations that can help you implement and sustain your farm to school program.

School Garden Q&As United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service

Wed, Jul 29th, 2009

In this memo, USDA recently clarified that school food service funds may be used to purchase seeds, gardening tools, fertilizer, etc for school gardens. Such funds may also be devoted to starting and maintaining gardens on school property and schools are allowed to purchase produce from the gardens, even if the garden is managed and maintained by another school organization.

Schools Gardens and Food Service Bon Appetit Management Company

Tue, Sep 22nd, 2009

Bon Appetit has developed a guide for aspiring student farmers to help them build good business relationships with their best potential customers-the college food service providers that are right in their backyards. The guide will be made available to students in garden groups all over the country and on the company's website. www.circleofresponsibility.com/student-garden-guide

Section 122 Farm to Cafeteria Language

Mon, Jan 12th, 2009

Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers Bill McKelvey, Mary Hendrickson, Joe Parcell

Fri, Jan 11th, 2008

Setting the Record Straight: Nutritionists Define Healthful Food Strategic Alliance and Prevention Institute
Setting the Record Straight, puts forth a definition of healthful food that looks beyond nutrients to acknowledge that truly healthful food comes from a food system where food is produced, processed, transported, and marketed in ways that are environmentally sound, sustainable and just.

Small Farm / School Meals Initiaitve - Town Hall Meetings USDA Food & Nutrition Services
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Bring Small Farms and Local Schools Together

Speciality Crop Block Grant Program Funded Farm to School Projects

Wed, Mar 10th, 2010

This is a listing of the Speciality Crop Block Grant Program Funded Farm to School Projects.

St. Paul Public School Request for Proposals to procure locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables

Mon, Jul 20th, 2009

St. Paul Public School Request for Proposals to procure locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables

Start a Farm in the City (Comience una Granja en la Ciudad) Rex Dufour

Wed, Jul 1st, 2009

This publication outlines some of the pros and cons related to urban farming, illustrated by the story of a young girl starting a garden in the city. It includes 12 pages of resources, with information about urban soils and soil testing resources, as well as a state by state listing of organizations which have urban ag educational programs around the country. The Spanish version is a bit longer as it includes a listing of Spanish language resources. Click here for the English version, and click here for the Spanish version.

Starting a Farm to School or Cafeteria Program in your community Sue B. Balcom - FARRMS

Tue, Mar 1st, 2011

A basic how to start a farm to school chapter with an initial meeting. PLUS information on geographic preference and bidding policy as well as school garden question and answers. Also contain local contact information and websites.

State Farm to School Legislation NFSN

Tue, Jun 21st, 2011

To date, 33 states have passed legislation regarding farm to school programs. Below are summaries and links to the text of this legislation. This information should reflect legislation that has passed as of November 2, 2010

Statutory Reference regarding Farm To School

Sat, Jul 1st, 2006

Public Act 06-135 Codified: Sec. 22-38 There is established, within the Department of Agriculture, a farm to school program. In consultation with the Department of Education, the program shall facilitate and promote the sale of Connecticut-grown farm products by farms to school districts, individual schools and other educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education.

Stepping Up to the Plate: Transforming School Food in New Orleans Alison Heston

Mon, Nov 1st, 2010

This report by the New Orleans Food Policy Advisory Committee contains policy recommendations and actions steps at the federal, state, and local level for improving all food in schools in our area. The recommendations focus on federal and state feeding programs, food quality, wellness policies, school kitchen infrastructure, workforce and small business development, buying from regional farmers, and competitive foods. Elements of Farm to School are weaved throughout the recommendations.

Strategic Action Plan (2010 - 2012) - National Farm to School Network National Farm to School Network

Tue, Dec 21st, 2010

A snapshot of the National Farm to School Network's Strategic Action Plan (2010-2012).

Succession and Enterprise Adaptation at the Rural Urban Interface Shoshanah Inwood and Jeff S. Sharp

Mon, Jun 1st, 2009

To find out the succession strategies of farms near urban areas, Shoshanah Inwood, a research associate with the Social Responsibility Initiative in Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences interviewed farm families located near Columbus, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Succession and Enterprise Adaptation at the Rural Urban Interface (PDF/581KB) describes four types of strategies being used to keep farms viable. Click here for an article about this report.

Synopsis of the North Carolina Farm to School Program

Thu, Feb 9th, 2006

The Farm-to-School Program is getting fresh locally grown produce from the farmers directly to the schools. This program was formed through a partnership with the Markets and Food Distribution Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the Department of Defense.

The Abernethy Scratch Kitchen Model Baseline Assessment Karrie Stevens Thomas

Fri, Dec 1st, 2006

The Economic Impact of Farm-to-School Lunch Programs: A Central Minnesota Example

Tue, Jun 1st, 2010

This study from the University of Minnesota examines the potential economic impact of farm-to-school programs, focusing on a five-county area of central Minnesota. June 2010.

The Green Book Leslie Zenz, Kelli Sanger and David Wides

Sun, Jan 1st, 2006

This publication contains information about the regulatory landscape governing the sales of farm products in Washington State. It is a comprehensive guide to direct marketing strategies and contains an extensive resource section of organizations and relevant publications.

The Impact of Seven Cents Ecotrust

Wed, Jul 20th, 2011

Examining the Effects of a $.07 per Meal Investment on Local Economic Development, Lunch Participation Rates, and Student Preferences for Fruits & Vegetables in Two Oregon School Districts

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Website The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture provides links to groups doing work related to farm to school and sustainable agriculture.

The Little Green Schoolhouse: Thinking Big About Ecological Sustainability, Children The Green Schools Initiative

Wed, Jun 7th, 2006

The Little Green Schoolhouse establishes a framework that brings together a variety of school-related environmental health and sustainability issues under one conceptual and strategic roof. It documents how our current school systems are threats to our childrens' health and models of unsustainability. Drawing from a diversity of inspiring efforts going on around the country, the report also presents a broad idealistic vision of what green and healthy schools could look like. And it articulates a series of pragmatic policy recommendations, including organizing to pass school board resolutions that serve as blueprints for sustainable and healthy schools.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s Guide to USDA Funding for Local and Regional Food S Kate Fitzgerald, Lucy Evans, Jessica Daniel

Thu, Apr 1st, 2010

The New Farm: Farm to Farm Know How New Farm
The New Farm: Farm to Farm Know How from the Rodale Institute provides access to a database of farms as part of a farm locator program. Specify your needs and the program will generate a list of farms that might be able to help you meet these needs. Access this link by clicking here. Or access information about farm to school programs through the New Farms site by clicking here.

The New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom Program New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau

Thu, Jan 1st, 2009

Sponsored by the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau

The Oklahoma Farm-to-School Report, Including the Oklahoma Institutional Food Service Survey Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, & D
The Oklahoma Food Policy Council is a joint project of the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and Drake University, in partnership with the USDA Risk Management Agency.

The Oklahoma Food Connection 2006: A Directory of Agricultural Producers, Crops, and Institutional B Shawn Campbell
The backbone of Oklahoma's rich heritage has always been the family farm, but due to consolidation and depressed prices, today's family farms are disappearing at an alarming rate. On October 16th, 2001, a group of Oklahomans charged by Oklahoma's Commissioner of Agriculture set out to reverse the course of this epidemic. Citing an opportunity to benefit Oklahoma farmers by opening new markets, the Oklahoma Food Policy Council was formed. The council is a joint project of the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.

The Organic Chronicles

Mon, Jan 1st, 2007

This pamphlet conveys some basic principles of organic agriculture (and the ag-ecosystem) and is in a comic book format. There are English and Spanish versions of this publication, which is titled, The Organic Chronicles.

The packet to initiate your own Farm to School Chapter can be found by clicking here. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The San Francisco Farm-to-School Report: Results from the 2003 Feasibility Study Rimkus, Rimkus, Paula Jones, and Fernando Ona

Thu, Jan 1st, 2004

The School Nutrition Operations Report: The State of School Nutrition 2009 School Nutrition Association

Tue, Jun 30th, 2009

The School Nutrition Operations Report: The State of School Nutrition 2009 , to be released June 30th, benchmarks detailed information on operational issues of school nutrition programs and policies including participation rates, meal charges, trends in food offerings, food safety, procurement, lunch periods, payment systems and more!

The Spork Report- Increasing the supply and consumption of local foods in Portland Public Schools. Multnomah Food Policy Council

Mon, Jun 6th, 2005

The Whole Plate: A Return to Real Food Jane Marie Siemon

Thu, Apr 1st, 2010

The Whole Plate is composed of 4 Units, which stand alone and also work sequentially: Unit 1 - What is food?, Unit 2 - Nourishing People and Planet, Unit 3 - Learning to Love Organic, and Unit 4 - The Spice of Life. These Units have been tailored for young adults, but have also been successfully used with full-blown adults. In addition to the main Units, there are 2 mini-Units that address specific topics in nutrition: Wild Foods and Nutrition for Pregnancy.

Together at the Table Sue B. Balcom - FARRMS from information provided by the Department of Public Instruction and the Ent

Wed, Aug 10th, 2011

A checklist for food service providers and producers. Questions to ask to begin relationships around local foods in schools or cafeterias.

Tracing the Chain: An In-Depth Look at the University of Montana Dr. Neva Hassanein

Sun, Dec 3rd, 2006

Dr. Neva Hassanein, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, and 10 graduate students, followed the food chain of the University of Montana Farm to College program's purchases of local and regional food for campus dining halls and retail outlets. The research team looked at the social, economic, and transportation-related benefits and challenges associated with supporting local agricultural economic development. Some of these findings span across all types of Farm to Cafeteria programs in Montana, including Farm to School.View the Executive Summary Below.

UNC Research Summaries UNC/NFSN

Fri, May 13th, 2011

These four one-page documents summarize the research done as part of a coordinated Farm to School program evaluation at four sites (Riverside,CA; Springfield, OR; Saratoga Springs, NY and Union 74, ME). Supported by the National Farm to School Network; conducted by the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Unlocking the Food Buying Potential of Montana Drs. Fraser McLeay and Nicola Barron

Sat, Dec 10th, 2005

Drs. Fraser Mcleay and Nicola Barron analyzed Montana's public institutional food service markets, and Montana's food and agricultural producers' capacity to serve those markets. Their final report, Unlocking the Food Buying Potential of Montana's Public Institutions Towards a Montana-based Food Economy, calls Montana public institutions an important stepping stone for Montana food producers to tap into the broader food service market. It also describes the need for investment in food system infrastructure to meet the needs of these markets. The Executive Summary of the report is available here.

Urban Agriculture in Providence: Growing Our Community by Growing Good Food Urban Agriculture Policy Task Force

USDA Farm to School Team 2010 Summary Report USDA

Sun, Jul 10th, 2011

This document summarizes the best practices, challenges, potential solutions and lessons learned from the USDA Farm to School Team’s 2010 site visits. The report also provides suggestions to the Department for further support of Farm to School.

USDA Farm to School Team 2010 Summary Report USDA Farm to School Team
This document summarizes the best practices, challenges, potential solutions and lessons learned from the USDA Farm to School Team’s 2010 site visits. The report also provides suggestions to the Department for further support of Farm to School.

USDA Food & Nutrition Service Commodity Program

Wed, Oct 7th, 2009

USDA Food & Nutrition Services - Regulations & Policy USDA Food & Nutrition Services

Wed, Jan 20th, 2010

USDA Geographic Preference Memo Cynthia Long, Director Child Nutrition Division

Tue, Feb 1st, 2011

In light of recent Farm to School efforts to connect schools with local or regional farmers and the need for guidance and technical assistance on the State and local levels, we have created Q&As to further explain the geographic preference option. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide Q&As on the application of the geographic preference option in procurement of unprocessed locally grown or locally raised agricultural products.

USDA Official Highlights Support for Local Food Systems Deputy Secretary Kathleen A. Merrigan

Wed, Aug 26th, 2009

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Kathleen Merrigan, explores the benefits of local food systems in a USDA memo.

USDA Procurement Policies Q&A

Fri, May 14th, 2010

Vermont Farm to School: A Guide for Connecting Farms to Schools and Communities VT Food Education Every Day

Mon, Jan 1st, 2007

Contains information and resources on: how to market farm products for use in schools; how to use a farm for education with students; hands-on, farm-based educational activities; how to connect farms to their communities. Please contact VT Feed for a copy of this booklet.

Virginia Farm-to-School Work Group Summary

Tue, Jun 1st, 2010

VT Farm to School: A guide for Using Local Food in Schools VT Food Education Every Day

Mon, Jan 1st, 2007

Includes step by step process for starting local purchasing in schools; success stories about farm-to-cafeteria relationships (K-12); seasonal recipes and menu ideas. Contact VT FEED for copies

Washington State Office of State Procurement Department of General Administration

Mon, Jan 1st, 2007

The Department of General Administration develops and administers contracts for goods and services on behalf of state agencies, colleges, universities, select non-profit organizations, and local governments.

Wellness Policy Tracking Made Easy

Fri, Jan 1st, 2010

Wellness policy implementation has just gotten easier! Action for Healthy Kids has added a monitoring component to its 8-step Wellness Policy Tool to help school districts improve nutrition and physical activity practices. This new, web-based tool is fully customizable and includes a scoring system to evaluate progress, and links to resources for areas of the policy that need improvement. 'Because this tool is organized in a linear fashion and fairly comprehensive, including coordinated school health components in addition to nutrition and physical activity, it makes it easy to consider ways to improve our implementation and monitoring plan,' says Jennie McCary, wellness coordinator for Albuquerque Public Schools and president-elect of the New Mexico Dietetic Association. Click here for the monitoring component of AFHK's Wellness Policy Tool, and to register for a webinar on March 23 or 26 to learn how to help your school monitor their wellness policy.

West Coast Direct Marketing Summit Presentations Available Agricultural Marketing Service

Mon, Aug 31st, 2009

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today released West Coast Direct Marketing Summit: Case Study Presentations. These presentations were made at The Direct Farm Marketing Summit: Developing Sustainable Foodsheds to Enhance Food Access and Nutrition, which brought together government agencies, nonprofit organizations and farmers to investigate ways farmers can sell directly to the public.

What Can USDA Do? One Tray Team

Wed, Sep 16th, 2009

This document is a ten-point roadmap for national coordination between government at all levels and partners promoting Farm to School and sustainable procurement practices developed by the National Farm to School Network, Community Food Security Coalition, and School Food FOCUS.

What is Farm to School? NFSN

Sun, Feb 17th, 2008

This two-page fact sheet outlines the components of Farm to School.

What's For Lunch? Deborah Kane

Thu, May 8th, 2008

'What's for Lunch' provides a historical overview of school food and school gardens in the United States and details activities in the Portland Public Schools district. Interestingly enough, there was a time in our history when school food and school gardens were considered matters of national security.

Whats On Your Plate? Tool Kit Discovery Channel Planet Green

Sun, Feb 7th, 2010

Join families across the country for a Family Cook-In! on Sunday, February 7th and spend an afternoon learning with your kids about food - what it's made of, where it come from and how to enjoy every bite.

Why Farm to School? NFSN

Sun, Feb 17th, 2008

This two-page fact sheet talks about the reasons Farm to School is important: improving child nutrition and saving family farms.

Why Garden in New York State Schools - A powerpoint presentation Department of Horticulture, Cornell University

Fri, Jan 1st, 2010

If you're looking for ways to share the excitement of school gardening with other teachers and educators; if you need to convince your administrators of the benefits of beginning a garden in your school; and if you're looking for research-based justification of whygardening is so important, this presentation will be useful to you. It is designed as a guided presentation, or to run on its own at an exhibit.

Why Schools Should Serve Locally-Grown Foods Essay Contest Winners
This essay contest is designed in include young people in a thoughtful discussion of solutions and current challenges facing farmers and consumers in our food system. The winning essays will focus on the issues and potential benefits involved in forming an Oklahoma Farm-to- School program in an individual school and/or statewide in many schools.

WSDA Farm-to-School Web-Based Toolkit Washington State Department of Agriculture Farm-to-School Program
The WSDA Farm-to-School Toolkit is designed to provide farms, schools, families, and communities with resources to help them meet their farm-to-school goals. Through stories, photos, templates, documents and more, this toolkit highlights farm-to-school and school garden successes throughout Washington and draws together best practices and farm-to-school tips from our in-state and national network partners. The toolkit includes a Washington-Grown Food Kit for food service, with recipes, nutrition facts and sample menus for serving Washington grown foods in schools. Resources will continue to evolve, with increased inclusion of food service resources for those in childcare and senior meal program settings.