About
What is Farm to School?
A term to describe a broad spectrum of efforts to connect local foods and agriculture with schools, teachers and students including:
- Procurement: local foods purchased, promoted and served in schools
- Education: education related to agriculture, food, health and nutrition
- School gardens: hands-on learning through gardening
Why Farm to School?
Farm to School:
- Provides market opportunities for local farmers
- Increases healthy food options for students
- Increases awareness and understanding of the relationship between food and farms
- Provides a unique opportunity to teach required curriculum content in a creative, applied and engaging manner
What are some of the positive outcomes of Farm to School?
Farm to School program participation consistently results in:
- Increased fruit and vegetable consumption among students
- Increased school meal participation
- Demonstrated willingness by students to try new foods and healthier options in school meals
- Increase in student knowledge and awareness about food, agriculture and nutrition
Who implements Farm to School in Idaho?
Farm to School in Idaho is a collaborative program. Partners include:
- University of Idaho Extension
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture/Idaho Preferred
- Idaho Ag in the Classroom
- Idaho Department of Education’s Child Nutrition Services
Tools and Materials
Impacts
- Plots for Tots; preschoolers learn about healthy food from their school garden
- Potlatch Kids Co-op Garden; working with community partnerships
- School garden program increases student's interest in eating fruits & vegetables
- Master Gardener School Garden Mentors support healthy youth initiatives statewide
Nondiscrimination Policy
The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information, or status as any protected veteran or military status. This policy applies to all programs, services and facilities, and includes, but is not limited to, applications, admissions, access to programs and services, and employment and advancement.