Farm to School Programs

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Created on Friday, 06 March 2015 15:39

Written by Tom Weineck

PEACHAM - Farm to School Programs are growing rapidly in Vermont, like the one in Peacham Elementary School. Just recently the elementary school received a $2,200 grant for Farm to School Programs from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

Peacham Elementary School Principal Judy Ross said, “The grant will empower people to make the right choices so they can be healthy and know where their food is coming from.”

The demand for fresh food and Farm to School Programs are very strong in the state of Vermont according to Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s Local Food Administrator Abbey Williard.

Willard said, “The Farm to School Program reaches over 27,000 students across the state since it started in 2007.”

Another key part the Farm to School Program creates besides the choices of local food, is that it enhances connections.

Williard said, “One of the most important parts of the Farm to School Programs is to help create connections between schools and local farmers and producers.”

Principal Ross agrees, referring back to the grant she received, as she said, “The biggest piece in the grant is connecting the cafeteria, community, and the classroom.”

Connecting the cafeteria and the community also has proven important as it helps drive the local economy.

According to the 2014 Farm to Plate Annual Report, Vermont’s Farm and Food Economies are growing. The food industry reports the addition of over 2,000 jobs in the past 5 years.