The CFSP is currently working to implement the program in the Los Angeles Unified School District as well as research the status of schools gardens in the district. The CFSP is developing and piloting healthy after-school snack programs that are tied to nutrition education. Connecting school food programs directly to small farms helps school children and family farmers. When fresh, seasonal food, direct from the farm, is included in school lunch programs both children and farmers benefit. The National Farm to School Program improves the nutrition and palatability of food served in schools.
Children respond enthusiastically to fresh, farm direct food.
When healthy food is offered in school food programs children learn to make healthy choices and develop good eating habits. Farmers profit, too. By selling their fresh, seasonal produce directly to schools they enhance their prospects of remaining viable outside the global market, which often values food at less than the cost of production. The National Farm to School Program provides training and technical assistance to those who wish to connect family farms directly to school food programs. Pilot projects are being implemented in a variety of climates across the nation and modified to suit regional differences.