by Whitney Flach
October is National Farm to School Month. The Farm to School initiative, brings Iowa’s harvest into the classroom. Iowa farmers are in the midst of harvest season, but many are pausing to share the fruits of their labor with local kids.
The Farm to School Program, was mandated through legislation in 2007 with the purpose of linking schools with Iowa farmers; providing schools with fresh minimally processed Iowa-grown food, and encouraging children to develop healthy eating habits.
There are 40 states that are very supportive, and Iowa is one of them.
Thousands of schools, farms, communities, and organizations across the country celebrate food education, school gardens, and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients. This year?s theme is, One Small Step, which highlights the simple ways that anyone can get informed, get involved, and take action to support farm to school in their communities and across the nation.
Some classrooms visit local farming operations, and some growers step into the classroom to share their knowledge.
Ellen Walsh Rosemann owner of Farm Table Procurement and Delivery said, “When kids know where their food comes from, they are more likely to become better educated as consumers.”
