DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced a new website for the Iowa Farm-to-School program, which is designed to improve child nutrition and strengthen local and regional farm economies by partnering farmers with local schools. To learn more visit www.agriculture.state.ia.us/farmToSchool.htm
The Farm-to-School program will provide an increased opportunity for schools to connect with local farmers to provide children across the state with fresh, locally grown, seasonal fruit and vegetables, meat, milk, eggs and nuts in their lunches. In addition to including local foods in school meals, the program also helps build a connection between students and the farmers that grow and produced their food.
“I’m very excited about the opportunities available through the new Farm-to-School program to help students across the state eat better and develop a greater understanding of agriculture,” said Northey.
Farm-to-School promotes the image of Iowa, the value of Iowa products, and nutrition in schools across the state increasing awareness and demand for Iowa products.
“There is a growing interest statewide in locally grown and produced food. The Iowa Farm-to-School program provides farmers and schools with a chance to connect and share resources,” Northey stated. “This is a tremendous opportunity to tell the story of agriculture and the important role it plays in Iowa’s economy.”
The Iowa Farm-to-School program was created by legislation that passed during the 2007 legislative session that provided funding to link schools and children with local farmers and organizations to offer fresh, locally grown food and nutrition based educational opportunities. The program is being coordinated through Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Education.
The legislation also established a Farm-to-School Council that will establish partnerships between public agencies and nonprofit organizations facilitate communication between farmers and schools.
To learn more about the Farm-to-School Program, go to www.agriculture.state.ia.us/farmToSchool.htm or contact Maury Wills at maury.wills@idals.state.ia.us or (515) 281-5783.
