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. Programs in each area are evaluated to ensure that technical assistance is available and appropriate for each growing region.
Partners extend across the country.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program Community Food Security Coalition Farm to School Program is a Project of the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College and is funded through the USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems program. In the spring of 1998, the CFSP issued a report discussing the barriers and opportunities for developing gardens as a source of food and horticultural therapy in domestic violence agencies. Through a contract with DHS, the CFSP provides training, technical assistance, and evaluation analysis for more than ten domestic violence agencies who are developing pilot gardens, nutrition, and job training programs. Working with other activists, CFSP staff helped launch a grass-roots group informing and educating against genetically engineered foods. Community Alliance with Family Farmers, the California Nutrition Network, the Community Food Security Coalition, and the Los Angeles Food Security and Hunger Partnership.