Local food is gaining a stronger foothold in U.S. schools as the result of changes in government legislation and procurement rules. It is also gaining momentum through the work of organizations such as the Farm to School Network, which fosters and institutionalizes programs that link local farms with schools. A 2009 survey by the School Nutrition Association shows that 34 percent of schools across the country are serving locally sourced foods, either occasionally or every day, while an additional 22 percent plan to do so.
Local Food and Child Nutrition Programs
School food provided to students in U.S. schools is shaped by legislation and programs known collectively as Child Nutrition Programs. These include the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA), the School Breakfast Program, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program.
In 2002, the federal Farm Bill introduced language to encourage schools participating in the NSLA and the School Breakfast Program to increase purchases of local food. However, the wording of the change led to confusion over whether school food authorities could legally give preference (also called geographic preferencing) to local producers under the existing procurement rules.
In the meantime, a number of states went ahead with their own changes. For example, Colorado, Kentucky and Tennessee amended their laws to specify that in-state goods would be purchased in the event of a tie with an out-of-state provider. In 2006, Maryland and Massachusetts set price preferences for in-state products.
Locally Grown and Locally Raised Products
To remedy the confusion about geographic preferencing, the 2008 Farm Bill pledged clearer statutory language. It also:
- encouraged institutions operating Child Nutrition Programs to buy unprocessed locally grown and locally raised agricultural products, and;
- allowed school food authorities and other institutions receiving funds through Child Nutrition Programs to apply a geographic preference when buying these products.
In late 2009 and 2010, the USDA issued a series of policy memos to clarify the procurement rules. These confirm that applying a geographic preference in purchasing unprocessed products covers operators of all Child Nutrition Programs. It also broadens an earlier interpretation of “unprocessed locally grown or locally raised agricultural products” to include foods that have been handled and preserved in ways that do not change the basic character of the food (e.g., cooling, refrigerating, freezing, peeling, cutting, chopping, locally grown or raised goods that have been packaged in cartons or vacuum bags, butchered meat fish or poultry, etc.). It also clarifies how non-profit school food services can use their funds to start and maintain a school garden.
In another piece of federal legislation, on August 5, 2010, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Along with other child nutrition measures and changes to the NSLA, the bill calls for $40 million in mandatory funding for a farm-to-school competitive grant program.
The Farm to School Network
In addition to changes in government rules, the Farm to School Network has acted as a catalyst in connecting local farms and schools with the goals of serving healthier meals in school cafeterias, boosting student nutrition and support local and regional farmers. A collaborative project of the Center for Food & Justice and the Community Food Security Coalition, the Farm to School Network’s web site says it also aims to provide a program that goes beyond local foods in the cafeteria to include programs like composting and experiential education opportunities such as planting school gardens, cooking demonstrations and farm tours to help children understand where their food comes from and how their food choices affect their health, the environment and their communities. Staff at headquarters work with eight regional lead agencies to offer training, technical assistance, media, marketing and policy support.
Farm to School Programs Growing
Changes to federal and state legislation and procurement rules are making it easier for schools to access locally produced foods for government-funded meal programs. At the same time, the Farm to School Network has worked successfully to strengthen ties between local farmers and schools. Since 2004, it's estimated that U.S. farm-to-school programs have increased from just 400 to more than 2,000 across 45 states and involving nearly 9,000 schools and more than 2,000 school districts.
Valerie Ward - Valerie Ward In her 15-year-career as a freelance writer, Valerie has delved into everything from home renovation and health care to ...
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