North Carolina Department of Defense Farm to School Program

The North Carolina Department of Defense Farm to School Program was formed through a partnership between the Department of Defense and the Markets and Food Distribution Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 1997. The program began by testing the market for Red and Golden Delicious apples grown in Western North Carolina. After the success in Western North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Defense Farm to School Program was expanded throughout the State. All school districts in North Carolina have the ability to be part of the North Carolina Farm to School Program and in 2004, about sixty school districts took advantage of this opportunity.

Farm to School: nourishing kids and community.

Farm to School brings healthy food from local farms to school children nationwide. The program teaches students about the path from farm to fork, and instills healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. At the same time, use of local produce in school meals and educational activities provides a new direct market for farmers in the area and mitigates environmental impacts of transporting food long distances.

More than 30 million children eat a school lunch five days a week, 180 days a year. If school lunch can taste great, and support the local community, it is a win-win for everyone.

The National Farm to School Network sprouted from this desire to support community-based food systems, strengthen family farms, and improve student health by reducing childhood obesity. Eight regional lead agencies and national staff provide free training and technical assistance, information services, networking, and support for policy, media and marketing activities. Farm to School is a comprehensive program that extends beyond farm fresh salad bars and local foods in the cafeteria to include waste management programs like composting, and experiential education opportunities such as planting school gardens, cooking demonstrations and farm tours. The Farm to School approach helps children understand where their food comes from and how their food choices impact their bodies, the environment and their communities at large.