The program promotes nutritional practices, fresh and local foods, school gardens and teaching agricultural education
HARRISBURG – October is Farm to School Month, an annual 31-day campaign to recognize, appreciate and celebrate the connections happening across Pennsylvania between kids, families and their community food systems, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
“The Farm to School Program is an important component toward improving child nutrition, while supporting our agriculture community here in Pennsylvania,” Senator Yaw said. “This designation, along with the grant funding associated with it, provides our children with access to nutritious, high quality, local food so they are ready to learn and grow.”
National Farm to School Month was designated by Congress in 2010, making this year’s campaign the 10th anniversary of Farm to School Month celebrations. In addition, Pennsylvania’s 2019-2020 Farm Bill, the first state-level farm bill in the nation, created the Farm to School Grant Program to ensure that schools and farmers across the commonwealth have the opportunity to create and grow programs, regardless of where they live.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 44% of Pennsylvania school districts report participation in the Farm to School Program. Any school district, charter school, or private school with pre-kindergarten classes, kindergarten, or elementary through fifth grade is eligible to apply for up to $15,000.
For more information on the Pennsylvania’s Farm to School Grant Program, click here.
Click here to read the Governor’s resolution designating October 2020 as Farm to School Month.
“In addition to the important health benefits for our school students, there are economic benefits as well. In the most recent USDA Farm to School Census, schools reported purchasing nearly $800 million in local food from farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food processors in their communities. This program is a win-win,” Sen. Yaw added.
For more state-related news and information, visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280