Search our Resource Database
Use the quick guide to search through our resource database. You can search by topic, setting, or keywords in order to find exactly what you are looking for. Choose a filtering mechanism above to get started.
Connect with your state
Farm to school is taking place in all 50 states, D.C. and U.S. Territories! Select a location from the list below to learn more or contact a Core Partner.
Fundamentals of Farm to School & Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Fundamentals was created in response to feedback from State agency employees expressing a need for foundational training in farm to school and early care and education (ECE) as part of their onboarding. Many farm to school and ECE professionals enter their roles without prior background in farm to school and food systems, and there is currently no standardized method for acquiring knowledge of farm to school and ECE concepts.
To address this gap, the National Farm to School Network, in collaboration with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Community Food Systems Division (CFSD), developed the Fundamentals of Farm to School & Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Training and Handbook. This initiative aims to support the onboarding of new employees in state agencies and other statewide organizations and to provide a refresher course for those already familiar with farm to school or CACFP practices, facilitating and expanding knowledge in this critical area.
Fundamentals Cohort Representation by State
The first cohort of the Fundamentals of Farm to School and CACFP for 2025 is underway, representing 34 states and territories across the country!
Topics Covered
Basics of Farm to School/CACFP - An overview of the history and benefits of farm to school as well as the core elements of farm to school (procurement, school gardens, education). For CACFP, we will provide an overview of the same pillars, with a focus on procurement of food through the CACFP and a CACFP educator lens.
Who are the Stakeholders? Who are the various stakeholders from the farm side of the spectrum to the school/ECE and child nutrition programs side, from the local to state to national level? How can you better understand and engage with them, understanding their language and context?
Community - Who is part of your farm to school/ECE community? What factors make it easier or harder for them to engage? How can you make sure they are represented and supported?
Your Role - In addition to learning about farm to school/CACFP, Fundamentals will also support your critical and strategic thinking, understanding that there isn’t only one way of doing farm to school/CACFP work. We will explore examples of strategies and actions other states are doing.
Who is it For?
- Individuals who are or will be working on farm to school or farm to CACFP under a state agency, federal government, or Extension. Other institutional employees or those who work at different scales (e.g. locally or regionally) are also welcome to apply.
- Participants do not need to do farm to school/CACFP full-time, but it should be a regular part of their work.
- Participants may be new to farm to school and/or CACFP or may benefit from a formal refresher.
- Selection committee will aim to have a cohort that represents as many states and territories as possible.
- Cohort will be capped at 50 participants.
For more information, please contact:
Sunny Baker
NFSN Senior Director of Policy & Programs
sunny@farmtoschool.org