Farm To School
REAP's Farm to School program brings fresh, local, sustainably produced food to children,establishes reliable markets for local farms using sustainable agriculture practices,
and provides hands-on education in Madison classrooms.
Teaching The Next Generation of Eaters
IN THE CLASSROOM
REAP’s Farm to School Snack Program brings locally grown fruit or veggie snacks to over 300 classrooms at 11 Madison elementary schools. In our lessons, students learn about nutrition, food systems, sustainability, farming and more. The Chef in the Classroom Program in middle and high schools teaches students how to cook with farm fresh ingredients alongside top Madison chefs.
IN THE CAFETERIA
The MMSD Farm to School Project is a partnership between REAP and the Madison Metropolitan School District to source food directly from local farms for school meals. Another part of the project is garden bar installation, which encourages fruit and vegetable consumption and reduces food waste. The project inspires new recipes for school lunch that are developed around local, seasonal ingredients.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Our work does not end in the classroom and cafeteria. REAP leads lessons at community centers, attends events and conducts taste tests in the community. During the summer, REAP provides free meals and education activities at parks to kids and families.
ON THE FARM
REAP’s Farm to School Snack Program purchases thousands of pounds of local fruits and vegetables from over 20 sustainable farms located within 100 miles of Madison. Growers participate in “Farmer in the Classroom” so kids can meet the people who grow their food.
By The Numbers
140
thousand pounds of local fruits and vegetables served in MMSD school meals last school year
1012
students taught during food, nutrition and agriculture lessons in 2018-19
4675
Students served local snacks in Madison schools
48
Madison public schools in the Farm to School Project
Are you an educator looking for farm to school lessons, to-go kits, handouts and more?