Maryland Department of Agriculture

Resources for Farm to School Programs

		Maryland State Department of Education (instructional connections)
Information on Maryland's Farm-to-School program along with lesson ideas and projects for teachers.
		U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service
Handbook for school food service for farm-to-school programs. Eat Smart - Farm Fresh! A Guide to Buying and Serving Locally-Grown Produce in School Meals (PDF 1.29MB)
		Rethinking School Lunch Guide
This guide provides a planning framework that contains tools and creative solutions to the challenges of improving school lunch programs, academic performance, ecological knowledge, and the well-being of our children.
		Food and Health Section
Valuable resources including a case study discussing the implementation of a farm-to-school lunch program; model school lunch menus based on local seasonal availability; explore current thinking on nutrition and school lunch programs in a compendium of articles and journals.
		Procurement Section
Thinking of buying fresh food locally? Learn more about procurement strategies, visit websites for local food systems programs, learn about national and international food networks, and read research and reports on food purchasing.
		The Cornell Farm to School Program
The Cornell Farm to School Program was established in 2002 with funding from the USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems, and further developed with support from CCE, Smith/Lever and Hatch funds, and a Profession Development Program grant from Northeast Sustainable Agricuture Research and Education (NESARE).
		New Hampshire Farm to School Program
A project to connect New Hampshire farms and schools.
		Oklahoma Farm-to-School Program
Resources for growing healthy kids and a healthy rural economy.
		National Farm to School Program
Farm to School programs are popping up all over the U.S. These programs connect schools with local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime, and supporting local small farmers.
		Going Local
This report showcases innovative farm to school programs from around the country. It draws upon the existing information as well as new research to present a compliation of eight case studies of farm to school programs operating in different regions of the country. Each case study profiles a program's operations and accomplishments as well as the barriers that have been faced and the tactics used to overcome these challenges.

		Fruit and Vegetable of the Month
Mix up your daily choices with this month's featured fruit or vegetable.
		USDA Team Nutrition Healthy Meals Resource System
Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables daily is important to your health. Find resources such as recipes, food safety information, and links to produce boards and associations to help motivate your students and staff!
		Harvest of the Month
This website is designed to motivate and empower students to increase consumption and enjoyment of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and to engage in physical activity every day.
		Natural Resources Defense Council
An interactive guide to determine what is available locally based on season and state.
		Maryland State Department of Education Produce Posters
Eighteen color posters that can support nutrition education and promote fruits and vegetables to students