Farm to School

Cafeteria, Classroom, and Community

The Farm to School program connects kids with fresh, local food and healthy living in an engaging way. In the classroom, students learn about agriculture, nutrition, and the journey food takes from farm to table—including, in some cases, hands-on growing experiences. In the cafeteria, they get to taste the difference with meals made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, some of which they may have grown themselves. These hands-on experiences help children experience the benefits of eating fresh, local produce and make healthy eating a part of their everyday lives.

In addition to what happens on school grounds, the program also brings the community into the mix. Local farmers and businesses team up with schools to supply fresh produce, boosting the local economy and supporting sustainable farming practices. This collaboration creates a win-win situation where children eat delicious, nutritious meals, and the community thrives. By making healthy food accessible and fun, the Farm to School program helps everyone not just learn about a healthy lifestyle, but actually live it.

Children learn about sunflower oil at a farm to school presentation.

A vegetable booth at a farmers market. Photo by Russell Shaffer

GROWING TOGETHER NEBRASKA

Growing Together Nebraska is a SNAP-Ed funded, donation garden project that increases food security and promotes healthy food access for families and individuals who are food insecure.

Learn more about Growing Together

Cattle in a pasture. Photo by Russell Shaffer

4H AG LITERACY COALITION

The Agricultural Literacy Coalition and Festivals offer youth a close-up look at agriculture. The festivals focus on predominantly urban areas of Nebraska and are sponsored by the Agricultural Literacy Coalition of Nebraska. Its goal is to help youth become aware of agriculture.

Learn more about 4H Ag Literacy

Children reading in a daycare center. Photo by Russell Shaffer

THE LEARNING CHILD

The Early Childhood team supports adults who play a role in young children’s lives by providing information and resources about early child development. Adults play a significant role in setting the stage for young children’s lifelong learning, discovery, and success.

Learn more about the Learning Child

The Nebraska Beef in Schools program brings together Nebraska Cattlemen’s, producers, and school food service programs to provide an enhanced connection to agriculture and beef production for all ages of students. Students see how the beef community works together to get beef from pasture to the plate, from the vantage point of their local community and resources.

The Nebraska Farm to School program enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools, and early care and education settings. There are three core elements of Farm to School: Procurement, Education, and School Gardens. Farm to School works to provide resources to promote local, Nebraska-grown and -raised products in the classroom, cafeteria, and community.

Contact

BEN JEWELL

RPN Extension Educator
402-269-2301
bmcshane-jewell2@unl.edu