Indiana's Farm To School Programs Land Federal Grant

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Original story from IPBS-RJC

Jill Sheridan

Article origination IPBS-RJC

Students in Virgina learn about fruits and vegetables grown near their school.
*Lance Cheung/USDA*

A boost of federal funding will help send farm fresh fruits and vegetables to Indiana schools. The Indiana State Department of Health will receive nearly $100,000 from a USDA grant to increase access to locally sourced foods in school cafeterias.

The money will also support farm to school activities like gardens and nutrition curriculum.

These activities have been shown to help establish healthy eating habits says ISDH Nutrition and Physical Activity Director Lindsey Bouza.

"They can take that information home to their parents and then, when they’re at the grocery store, suggest that they pick out different types of fruits and vegetables to have at home," says Bouza.

Bouza says it will help schools to better connect with local food sources.

"Just trying to make it easy for food service directors to provide fresh, healthy foods for their children," says Bouza.

The funding will also support Indiana’s 11 Farm to School Action Committees and help grow new committees.

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