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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 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.
Applications are open now until November 22, 2024
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?
Equity - 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.
Cost: Participation cost is waived for this first cohort of Fundamentals
Meetings: Virtual via Zoom (must have dependable internet connection to participate). Participants are required to attend at least 4 of the 5 meetings synchronously (live). Meetings will be recorded.
Deadline to apply: November 22, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: December 13, 2024
Monthly Time Commitment: 2 hour required meetings plus 2 additional hours encouraged for individual work to best take advantage of the program
Session Dates: Session will be the third Tuesday of the month, from January through May. Calendar invites will be sent to all participants at the beginning of the program.
Office Hours (Optional): Optional office hours will also be offered to participants the week following sessions for participants to ask questions and talk with Fundamentals staff.
David Hutabarat
NFSN Partnerships Director
david@farmtoschool.org