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An Indiana State Department of Health project to get more locally-produced food in Hoosier school cafeterias has received a $100,000 boost from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The grant will be used to conduct strategic planning to expand and support Indiana Farm to School Network efforts. It will also allow officials to assess food service infrastructure and readiness to incorporate local products into school meal programs across the state.
Other plans for the grant money include scholarships for small farmers and school food service staff to attend training sessions, and meet and greet events aimed at creating partnerships between schools and local producers.
The Health Department says the Hoosier Harvest Market – “a farmers market meets the Internet” – will be used as a test hub for facilitating the connection between farmers and local school systems.
More than 357,000 Hoosier school children are participating in Farm-to-School activities, according to a recent USDA Farm to School Census. The programs teach students where food comes from and how it gets to their plate, and encourage healthier food choices. State Health Commissioner Dr. William VanNess says momentum for farm to school is growing.
“We knew it was important to meet farmers and school food service directors to learn who might be interested in farm to school activities,” he said. “The response has been very positive.”
The Indiana effort is one of 71 projects in 42 states and Washington, D.C. to receive the USDA Farm to School Program grant.
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