Farm to School Summit – Building a Healthy Generation of Kids

Almost two weeks ago 280 Wisconsinites came together to participate in our state’s first Farm to School summit! The sheer number of people who came out to support the Farm to School program is a testament to the promise of this great program and our growing network of supporters.

The Farm to School program works to connect students in kindergarten through 12^th grade to local farms with the goal of enhancing school meal programs by introducing fresh, nutritious, local and sustainably grown food to children.

During this event many school food service workers, school teachers, principals, farmers, and advocates of the Farm to School program from throughout Wisconsin discussed how to make Farm to School happen. They learned the importance and benefits of school gardens, and why it is so vital to get your school’s chef and faculty on board. They also learned about advocacy and the positive statistical effects of the Farm to School program, even within the program’s first year.

Farm to School’s impact is noticeable. According to Wisconsin Farm to School One Year Evaluation Report, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods help fight childhood obesity. In fact, kids eat 20% more fruits and vegetables if they are in a Farm to School program! Farm to School also positively affects students’ knowledge and attitudes about fruits and vegetables, building a healthy foundation for lifelong healthy habits. Currently in Wisconsin, a quarter of kids’ school lunch trays do not contain any fruits or vegetables. Farm to School will help us turn school lunches around.

Farm to School matters because the health of children across Wisconsin matters. We believe health begins where we live, learn and play. All children deserve access to nutritious food that will help them lead healthy lives.

Join the movement and help make Farm to School happen by clicking here. You can sign up for updates, share information about Farm to School with others, and take action by contacting your legislators and telling them why the Farm to School program is so important. As shown by the summit, Farm to School is vital to ensuring Wisconsin’s next generation is healthy and can pursue their dreams.