Farm To School
what is farm to school?
Farm to School is a movement that promotes the use of locally- and regionally-grown foods in schools through activities and initiatives focused on local food education, school gardens and local food purchasing. Healthy habits take root through Farm to School, with whole communities reaping the benefits. From improvements in community and student health and nutrition to stimulation of the local and regional economy, Farm to School is a win for all!
Understanding that Farm to School works best in conjunction with strong School Nutrition Programs, REAP assists in research and advocates for local, state, and federal policies that benefit students and school nutrition programs as a whole, including Healthy Schools for All Wisconsin, which would provide universal free meals to students throughout the state.
past
Through a strong partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), REAP Food Group has provided local food education to students throughout the district through:
Chef in the Classroom program at middle and high schools, AmeriCorps Farm to School education and Farmer in the Classroom programming at elementary schools, the UpRoot Food Truck, salad bars throughout MMSD elementary schools, and the REAP Farm to School Snack program.
present
REAP continues to partner with MMSD students and families, both in and out of the classroom:
- REAP Farm to School Snack continues to provide a weekly fruit or veggie snack to elementary schools participating in the MMSD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
- Virtual Farm Tours and Local Foods Celebration Videos brought the farm to the classroom.
- Understanding that Farm to School works best in conjunction with strong strong School Nutrition Programs, REAP assists in research and advocates for local, state, and federal policies that benefit students and school nutrition programs as a whole, including Healthy Schools for All Wisconsin, which would provide universal free meals to students throughout the state.
future
REAP will continue to:
- Support research and advocate for practices and policies that serve local and regional supply chains and school nutrition programs.
- Expand our reach: continue our support of not only MMSD but schools and districts throughout Dane County and Southern Wisconsin.
REAP Food Group supports Healthy School Meals for All
Explore Videos and Recorded Live Tours from the 2022 Harvest of the Month Grant