Nationwide Census on farm to school activities: Healthy Habits Take Root

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. Findings from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) first-ever nationwide Census of  farm to school activities show that healthy habits are taking root across the country.

The results are promising. Farm to school programs now exist within all 50 states. The data also reveals encouraging signs within the public school system, with 43 percent of all public school districts having an existing farm to school program in place, with another 13 percent of districts surveyed planning to launch a farm to school program in the near future. 

Additionally, schools purchased and served more than $350 million in local food during the 2011-2012 school year. Fifty-six percent of schools say they will buy more local food in the future.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is proud to support farm to school initiatives across the country. Farm to school programs connect schools with local farmers, ensuring that children receive healthy, locally-sourced meals. Many schools also provide educational programming – through school gardens, farm field trips and cooking lessons, children establish an enduring relationship with good food.