As national childhood obesity rates continue rising, schools and farmers have started working together to help students develop healthier lifestyles and eating habits.
In 2000, the Center for Food and Justice and the Community Food Security Coalition instituted a national program to help schools and farmers achieve this goal.
Called Farm to School, the program’s objectives are to serve healthy meals in school cafeterias, improve student nutrition, provide health and nutrition education opportunities and support local farmers, according to www.farmtoschool.org.
“Schools buy and feature farm-fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, meat and beans on their menus; incorporate nutrition-based curriculum; and provide students experiential learning opportunities through farm visits, gardening and recycling programs,” the Web site states. “Farmers have access to a new market through schools and connect to their community through participation in programs designed to educate kids about local food and sustainable agriculture.”
In 2002, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries worked with the departments of education and defense to establish the Farm to School program in Alabama, according to Commissioner Ron Sparks. The Farm Bill also supports this program (see page 5).
“Alabama leads the nation in obesity and diabetes, and we’ve got to do something about it,” he said. “The statistics … say this generation will not outlive my generation, and when you see those numbers you have to do something about it.”
Since implementing the program, schools and farmers have seen “extremely positive” results.
“It has been very well received by both the students and the Alabama farmers that have worked with us,” said Donny Cooper, program administrator for the Alabama State Department of Education food distribution and special nutrition programs.
“The students are getting to enjoy some of the fine food we produce right here in Alabama, and we are trying to help them understand that when we eat things grown … here we are also helping the Alabama farmers [who] grow those foods. Last year we spent $316,496.24 on [watermelons, apples, satsumas and sweet potatoes] and they were all grown … in Alabama.”
Sparks said 20 to 50 farmers participate in the Farm to School program.
Recently biddings to provide food for Alabama schools have been opened to farmers across the country. But Sparks hopes the program will return to its original goals of working with local farmers and providing fresh local foods.
“We’ve had somewhat of a little niche in the road but we are going to make it work, and we are going to do positive things for our children,” he said. “There is nothing more important than the health of our children. That’s our future … and that’s why you want to start doing this as early as possible.”
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