The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) has been highlighting Florida’s Farm to School initiative.
The goal is to increase Florida commodities served in schools, offer healthier meal options for Florida’s children and get students involved with nutrition and agriculture education through school garden activities.
“Farm to School strengthens local food systems in Florida by expanding access between schools, farms and communities. Through local procurement efforts, capacity building, resource development, technical assistance and training, Florida Farm to School fosters positive economic relationships between food producers and schools,” says FDACS.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson says the mission of the program will ensure every child in Florida has access to a healthy and nutritious meal each day, increase awareness and consumption of Florida’s agricultural commodities, reduce food insecurity among Florida’s most vulnerable populations, and encourage healthy lifestyles among Florida residents
Part of the initiative is to provide kids with access to nutritious, high-quality local food so they are ready to learn and grow. Farm to School activities enhance classroom education through hands-on learning related to food, health, agriculture and nutrition.
It also helps local communities and benefits everyone, from students, teachers, and administrators to parents and farmers, by providing opportunities to build family and community engagement. Buying from local producers and processors creates new jobs and strengthens the local economy.
Florida districts purchased almost $5.7 million in Florida fruits and vegetables, representing more than 3.9 million pounds of Florida produce.
Cafeterias served around $25 million worth of local milk, which equates to almost 66 million half pints.
More than $220,000 of Florida beef and poultry products were sourced for school meals, representing more than 61 thousand pounds of meat and 420 dozen eggs.
Schools spent approximately $3.2 million on Florida fruits and vegetables through the USDA’s DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
And $27.6 million in local, state & federal taxes with $68 million in total economic impact.
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