Texas Farm to School Program Texas Department of Agriculture │ Commissioner Todd Staples Food & Nutrition Division
What is your favorite vegetable?
Background * Interagency Farm to School Coordination Task Force * SB 1027 passed in 2009, 81 st Legislative Session * Charged to develop a plan to increase availability of local food in schools * Membership included state agencies and stakeholders * Report provided to Legislature in 2010 * Outlined steps to develop statewide program * Full time employee hired * Assists in TDA’s goal to promote all Texas agricultural producers
Defining Farm to School * Incorporating local products in school menus * Purchasing from a producer or distributor * Providing educational opportunities for students * School garden * Cooking demonstration and taste testing * Curriculum * Connecting with local producers * Field trip to a local farm * Producer presentation at a school * Establishing positive relationships between students and local food
Defining Local * USDA’s Geographic Preference policy * Unprocessed agricultural products * www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/Geographic.htm * Purchasing entity can define * Open competition cannot be restricted * TDA considers all Texas agricultural products * Regional focus within Texas
Department of Defense (DoD) Texas Statewide Farm to School Program Farm to School Program School food service funds are used for Purchase An entitlement allocation is used for purchases, following USDA guidelines. Funding Federal purchases. Alternative funding sources (grants) may also be used. Uses DoD contracts with select Texas Product Districts may purchase local products from warehouses, who distribute products to Purchase and a producer or through a distributor. schools through established delivery Distribution Product distribution methods vary. channels. Products currently available: watermelon, Product Product availability is based on local oranges, grapefruit, apples and red Availability growing and harvesting seasons. potatoes. Product Origin A district may or may not know where the School districts can find out exact product Knowledge product is grown. source. Educational Includes nutrition and agricultural There is no educational component. Component education.
Texas Statewide Farm to School Program Goals * Help schools incorporate farm to school activities * Make strong connections between interested schools and producers * Increase the amount of local product served in school meals * Statewide effort
How TDA can Help You Start a Farm to School Program * Self assessment * Determine your goals * Start slow and develop a plan * Assemble a team * Engage staff, find partners for lasting change * Meet the challenges * Learn from others’ success
Additional Resources * Resources: * USDA Farm to School Program, www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s * National Farm to School Network, www.farmtoschool.org * Grants: * USDA Farm to School Grant, www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s * Local products: * Seasonal availability, www.PickTexas.com * Local Harvest interactive map, www.LocalHarvest.org * Curriculum: * Ag in the Classroom
Alyssa Herold Farm to School Program Specialist Direct: (512) 463-1209 Alyssa.Herold@TexasAgriculture.gov The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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