The Farm to School programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, reducing obesity, providing education opportunities, and supporting local small farmers.
Farm to School programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, reducing obesity, providing education opportunities, and supporting local small farmers. About 400 school districts now participate in this type of program.
Jerry Kay and Katrina Rill spoke to Anupama Joshi, the program manager of the National Farm to School Program at the Center for Food and Justice, a part of the Urban and Environment Policy Institute at Occidental College in Los Angeles:
Listen to EarthNews Radio: Farm to School Programs
Joshi says that studies show that students in the program eat more fruits and vegetables, and get 100% or more of the recommended amount of nutrients. Also, students in the program on average eat one more serving of vegetables per day than the average student.
Just as important, says Joshi, is that the students take home what they're learning about nutrition and share that with their families.
You can learn more about the National Farm to School program at its website: www.farmtoschool.org.
Jerry Kay's EarthNews Radio broadcasts present discussion with scientists, environmentalists, and green-oriented businesspeople. You can listen to a number of those interviews at the homepage of EarthNews Radio, right here on ENN.
