Giving Compass' Take:

• Texas is launching a statewide farm-to-school program that aims to provide healthier, fresh food to entire schools and families.  

• How can donors get involved in partnerships with farmers to expand farm-to-school programs in other states?

• Read about other successful farm-to-school programs happening around the world. 

Farm-to-school programs can provide opportunities for students, teachers, families, and the community, and schools that host these programs have seen increased academic achievement and positive health outcomes in their students. According to the National Farm to School Network, these programs have shown they can also provide greater support and income to farmers as well as strengthen the local economy. Nationally, more than 40 percent of schools have farm-to-school programs, reaching more than 23 million children every year.

Over the last nine years, farm-to-school programs across Texas have worked towards improving the health and academic outcomes for students.

The statewide Farm-to-School program supports schools seeking to educate students about local food and agriculture through garden-based learning activities, opportunities to connect with local farmers and ranchers, as well as the development of classroom lessons focused on nutrition and agricultural.

Austin, Texas, a city of nearly one million people, is leading the statewide farm-to-school initiative with programs ranging from school farms to free produce distribution for entire school staff and families.

Food Tank is highlighting 10 transformative and innovative organizations in Austin working to enhance relationships between schools, farmers, ranchers, and local producers, in an effort to improve child health, engage students in the local food system, and support the local economy.

  • Austin Independent School District, Garden to Café
  • Brighter Bites
  • Central Texas School Garden Network
  • Fresh for Less
  • Green Gate Farms
  • IDEA Public Schools, Healthy Kids Here Farm Program
  • Lettuce Networks
  • Sustainable Food Center, Farm-to-School
  • Texas Sprouts
  • Urban Roots

Read the full article about farm-to-school programs by Sarah Axe at Food Tank