EAT Local News and Events

Farm to Table Workshop breakout session: farm to school

Top three topics

1. Many schools are enthusiastic and ready to be flexible about what foods are available and in what form. They are actively seeking farms to buy from and partner with. Interested producers should approach school nutrition services staff to start the conversation and work out details. Schools need to know what is available, in what quantities, in what season and at what price.
2. The web may be the best place to gather and share successes and challenges of farm-to-school connections, so that all stakeholders can access the information from anywhere in the state. Tricia Sexton Kovacs is the new Farm-to-School Program Manager at WSDA and will be collecting this information and posting it, along with educational materials, networking opportunities, etc.
3. There is a need to evaluate existing processing, packing and distribution networks and farm participant needs to expand the community of farm-to-school producers.