The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is currently seeking public comments that could determine the future of the USDA Farm to School Census. After so many cuts to federal programs that support farm to school and early care, now is the time for us to speak up and help protect this crucial resource. Read below to learn more and make your voice heard.

OMB Control Number: 0584-0646
Deadline: Friday April 25, 2025
Notice Link

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMMENT SUBMISSION LINK

Link not working? Try https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain and select Department of Agriculture

OMB Seeks Comments Regarding:

  • Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency;
  • Whether the information gathered will have practical utility;
  • Ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; 
  • Ways to minimize the burden on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and 
  • The accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.

‍Why This Matters:

The Census provides the only nationally representative data available on farm to school participation and activities in the United States. It provides detailed information on how states and school food authorities (SFA) engage with farm to school efforts from local food purchasing, to gardening to food education. The Census illustrates the scale and reach of the farm to school movement, showing how child nutrition programs are effectively supporting American farmers, ranchers, and food producers. It equips:

  • Policymakers and advocates with real evidence needed to shape and sustain policy.
  • Federal, state, and local governments with data to identify trends, allocate resources, and tailor local programs to local needs.
  • Farmers and food producers with insight into schools that are interested in local purchasing, and what they may want to buy.
  • Researchers and evaluators with data to assess outcomes of related policies and programs (examples: Connolly and Wen, 2022; Kashyap et al., 2024)

The Census allows the farm to school and ECE movement to grow strategically, quickly, and efficiently. Census data is used to ensure financial investments are effective and reach all kids across the nation. Please take time this week to share your personal story of how you use the Census and what it means for your work.