What is your favorite vegetable? Background * Interagency Farm to - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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, 81st 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

* 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

Defining Local

Department of Defense (DoD) Farm to School Program Texas Statewide Farm to School Program

Purchase Funding An entitlement allocation is used for Federal purchases. School food service funds are used for purchases, following USDA guidelines. Alternative funding sources (grants) may also be used. Product Purchase and Distribution Uses DoD contracts with select Texas warehouses, who distribute products to schools through established delivery channels. Districts may purchase local products from a producer or through a distributor. Product distribution methods vary. Product Availability Products currently available: watermelon,

• ranges, grapefruit, apples and red

potatoes. Product availability is based on local growing and harvesting seasons. Product Origin Knowledge A district may or may not know where the product is grown. School districts can find out exact product source. Educational Component There is no educational component. Includes nutrition and agricultural 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.