Volume 2, Issue 31, October 18, 2016

Six Ways for State Agencies to Dig In

State agencies can play unique roles in establishing and supporting community food systems efforts. Our new fact sheet outlines six ways that states can dig in.

Here's a sample:

1. Coordinate statewide networking and goal setting (USDA’s Farm to School Census can help state agencies track their progress).
   
2. Host local and statewide trainings (consider applying for a USDA Farm to School Grant).
   
3. Develop and share resources (West Virginia's Grow.Educate.Sell website is a great example).
   
4. Celebrate farm to school (check out Georgia's Golden Radish award for inspiration).
   
5. Utlize SAE funds (read this memo for more info).
   
6. Connect with us! Seriously, we're here to help.
   

Farm to School Grant Program Webinar Recordings Available We hosted two webinars outlining the application requirements for the USDA Farm to School Grant Program and the recordings are now available: Farm to School Grant RFA Overview for State Agencies  Farm to School Grant RFA Overview  Applications are due December 8, so don't delay and get started today.

Schools Are Making a BIG Impact

Watch this new video to learn how farm to school is making a difference all across the country. Take one small step and share this video across your networks!

Celebrate Farm to School Month with One Small Step - Watch a webinar!

We're partnering with the National Farm to School Network, USDA's Rural Development agency, and the School Nutrition Association to share information throughout the month.

Farm to School and the Role of Cooperatives – Producer and Buyer Perspectives

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET          

When our kids have the opportunity to eat delicious local fresh offerings at their school cafeterias, they may not realize there could be a co-op behind making those offerings possible. October is not only National Farm to School Month, but also National Co-op Month  so join us for a webinar that looks at the impact of cooperatives in local food sourcing at schools, with speakers providing perspectives from both the supply side and demand side of the equation.

SNA Webinar Wednesdays: Celebrating National Farm to School Month with USDA Wednesday, October 26, 2016 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET In celebration of National Farm to School Month, join SNA to learn about resources from USDA’s Office of Community Food Systems and how farm to school strategies can boost participation, reduce food waste, and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. This webinar will showcase Doug Davis and Sarah Heusner from Burlington School Food Project and Alex Emmott from Oakland Unified School District. We’ll also highlight small ways you can jump in.

State Agencies are Bringing the Farm to School! Lauryn Hong, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Community Food Systems From organizing statewide conferences, to training farmers and child nutrition professionals, to developing farm to school curriculum and resources, state agencies are playing a big role in bringing the farm to school. This fact sheet describes effective strategies state agencies are using to help community food systems take root. Here’s a sample outlining three ways State Agencies are making an impact.

Learn more at http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool or contact us at farmtoschool@fns.usda.gov.

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