Farm to School Across the Nation: Policy Developments

This presentation will provide an overview of the policies on the national and state level related to farm to school and school garden programs. Farm to school programs represent a variety of approaches to improve school foods, as well as teach school kids about food production, healthy eating habits and sustainability. Approaches include the integration of local food products into schools, food and nutrition lessons, and school teaching gardens. Several pilot programs have been shown to both increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables offered in school meals, and increase children's interest in eating those fruits and vegetables.

First, the recent changes in national school food policy will be described related to farm to school, including the proposed change to allow school districts to designate a location in making purchasing decisions. These changes are expected to be passed into law before the conference presentation. Next, a variety of state approaches will be discussed. Oregon, which is on the cutting edge of farm to school activities will serve as a case study for policy and advocacy change. The recent hiring of a farm to school coordinator in Oregon will be discussed. In addition, the Oregon Farm to School and School Network will be described including the more than 80 organizations that make up that network.

The presentation will provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities available on the state level including what types of messages are effective in influencing policymakers, how a broad coalition can be formed, and what policy changes are possible on the state level. A description will be provided of the early steps toward a broader vision of healthier and more sustainable school foods, including the development of state funding sources, and the integration of school gardens with school meal offerings.