Emerging National Farm-to-School Network Initiative
by LuTia Colbert
At New Leaf Foods, we are committed to exploring innovative ways to support our local farmers and build a resilient, sustainable food system. Recently, we had the privilege of participating in the enlightening "Farmer-Focused" Local Food Purchasing Incentives Roundtable Webinar, organized by the National Farm-to-School Network. The discussion centered around a compelling question: "What if we incentivized farmers directly for institutional food purchases, shifting the focus from schools to the very backbone of our food system?" The webinar delved into the realm of local food purchasing initiatives, which are programs designed to provide additional funding directly to offset the cost of local foods. Typically operated at the state level, these initiatives aim to bridge the gap between farmers and institutions by offering financial incentives for choosing locally sourced produce.
Insights from Farm-to-School Programs
The webinar also shed light on successful Farm-to-School programs, including examples from Rhode Island and Michigan.
Rhode Island’s Farm-To-School program:
Utilizing grants to start a pilot program, Rhode Island is creating an economic platform for schools to purchase directly from local farmers.
Michigan’s Hoophouses for Health:
A groundbreaking initiative highlighted in the webinar, the Hoophouses for Health program in Michigan focuses on improving child nutrition, fostering community leadership, and connecting schools with local farmers and food businesses.
Existing Wisconsin Farm-to-School Program
Here in Wisconsin, there is also an existing local food purchasing initiative. Established in 2009, the Wisconsin Farm-to-School Program has been a trailblazer in fostering connections between schools and local farmers. The program, formalized under Wisconsin Act 293, emphasizes collaboration across various sectors, from agriculture to education.
Partnership with AmeriCorps: Farm to School Program:
Wisconsin also has an impactful partnership between Farm-to-School initiatives and AmeriCorps. Since 2017, the AmeriCorps Farm to School Program has been instrumental in building healthier communities by improving child nutrition, fostering community leadership, and connecting schools with local farmers and food businesses.
Green Bay Area Public Schools Farm to School Program:
Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) has teamed up with Wello to introduce a comprehensive Farm to School program to Green Bay students, an evidence-based strategy designed to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption, improve health, and support academic achievement. The initiative, launched in the 2013-2014 school year across four pilot sites, including Aldo Leopold Community School, Danz Elementary, Howe Elementary, and Webster Elementary Schools, includes a Harvest of the Month Program, taste testing, take-home newsletters, stipends, sustainable school gardens, and visits from local farmers and chefs. The project has expanded to encompass all schools, with a focus on sourcing all produce locally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Southwest High School's Agriculture Department introduced Fork Farms, providing student-grown lettuce directly to Southwest High students. The program, spearheaded by GBAPS Food Service and supported by Wello, envisions continued growth in the Farm to School Program, promoting healthy choices and supporting the local economy.
Moving Forward
The webinar goals included call to actions for attendees. Attendees were encouraged to partner for financial support by collaborating with stakeholders to secure financial support for farmer-focused initiatives; collaborate on policy research and program development by working together to conduct policy research and develop programs that strengthen farmer-institution relationships; advocate for, pilot, or implement policy by taking an active role in advocating for, piloting, or implementing policies in respective states that empower farmers in the local food supply chain; evaluate models and identify best practices by evaluating existing models and identify best practices that can be scaled for maximum impact; and stay in the loop as thought partners by maintaining an ongoing dialogue and thought partnership to collectively shape the future of farmer-focused local food purchasing incentives.
At New Leaf Foods, we are energized by the possibilities unveiled during this webinar. We are excited to explore how we can actively contribute to the vision of a food system where farmers are at the forefront of institutional food purchases. Together, let's empower our local farmers, cultivate resilient communities, and shape a future where the benefits of a vibrant, sustainable food system are felt by all. Stay tuned for updates on our journey toward a farmer-focused food future!
More from New Leaf About Farm to School
More Farm to School Resources:
Wisconsin Schools Farm to School
Wello
