Farm to School Month celebrated

FORT WAYNE , Ind. — Schools across the country are celebrating National Farm to School Month this October.

One example of farm to school success in Indiana took place at Fort Wayne Community Schools, where students at 11 middle schools and five high schools enjoyed locally grown green beans and sweet corn from Kurtz Produce in New Haven.

Kurtz Produce supplied 11 bushels of green beans, enough for each middle and high school to prepare 20 pounds of fresh beans for the students.

The school food-service staff shucked 190 dozen ears of freshly picked sweet corn to feature on their menu for the students.

Other celebrations across the state include taste tests in cafeterias, farm visits, school garden harvest parties and more.

By The Numbers

• 2010 — National Farm to School Month designated by Congress.

• 2011 — First year that Farm to School Month is celebrated.

• 42.8 million — Kids participating in farm to school activities year-round.

• 200 — Organizations spread the word about farm to school in October.

Food System

“Farm to school is an important tool in creating a just food system that provides nourishing food to all kids,” said Jessica Gudmundson, co-executive director of the National Farm to School Network.

“There are important economic benefits, as well. In the most recent USDA Farm to School Census, schools reported purchasing $1.26 billion in local food from farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food processors in their communities.”

Ways for farmers to celebrate:

• Host a tour of your farm for students or visit a classroom to talk about your farming operation.

• Meet a school food-service director and start to build a working relationship. Ask questions: what local foods would schools be interested in purchasing?

• Work with your school to create a “farmer trading card.” Include your picture and some farm stats — what you grow, how many acres, farm animals and others— so students can get to know who grew their food.

• Explore growing foods that are culturally relevant to the school communities you serve.

• Share Farm to School Month materials like stickers and bookmarks at your farmers market booth.

Free downloads are available at farmtoschoolmonth.org.