That’s right! Did you know that October is National Farm to School Month? This national month is largely promoted and sponsored by the National Farm to School Network with is a hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and education into schools.
National Farm to School Network started as just a handful of schools in the late 1990s. The network provided support and leadership to help those schools become part of the farm to school movement. What started small has grown to over 42,000 schools in all 50 states, engaging over 23 million students!
Farm to school seeks to enrich the connection communities across the USA have with fresh and healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools. Schools involved with the program differ, but they all either serve and promote local food, have a school garden, or students participate in educational activities relating to agriculture, food, health, or nutrition. It’s a win for children, their families, and the local farmers!
There are so many ways to be involved this month and to celebrate! Here are just a few:
- Follow along at the National Farm to School Network’s Blog
- Follow National Farm to School Network on Instagram and Facebook
- See if your local school is involved with the Farm to School Month and ask if you can volunteer in any way at the school
- Check out all of the available resources on the National Farm to School Network’s website