School Meals

Oct 2024

At Edible Schoolyard New Orleans (ESYNOLA), a signature program of FirstLine Schools, farm to school programming goes beyond growing food—it connects students to the rich agricultural and culinary heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana. One of the most cherished traditions at Edible Schoolyard New Orleans is Watermelon Day, a celebration that has been going strong for nearly 20 years.

Oct 2024

As part of our ongoing series for National Farm to School Month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kyle Foley, Sustainable Seafood Director at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI). Learn more about how Maine is incorporating local seafood into school cafeterias!

Oct 2024

Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate the rich culture of the community, and this year, several National Farm to School Network (NFSN) Partners are celebrating through food, agriculture, and education. Our Partners are not only feeding students, but also connecting them to their cultural roots through vibrant, nutritious meals and interactive learning.

Aug 2024

Over the next few months, NFSN will be sharing highlights and insights from the Farm to School Coordinators Project. To kick us off, we are excited to introduce current Farm to School Coordinator and current Farm to School Community of Practice member, Maryssa Wilson from Sidney Central School District in New York.

Jun 2024

As we celebrate World Environment Day, it's important to reflect on sustainable practices that not only nourish our bodies but also nurture the planet. In a world where taking care of our environment is more important than ever, NFSN is excited to share a little bit about one of our developing projects at the intersection of school-based agriculture and agroforestry: school food forests.

May 2024

In honor of School Lunch Hero Day, we want to highlight the perspectives of child nutrition professionals who are doing the on-the-ground work of farm to school. As our movement continues to grow, thousands of school nutrition directors recently expressed their plans to buy locally sourced ingredients, incorporate scratch-cooking into their menus, and get students interested in nutrition.

Mar 2024

Guest blog by Edible Schoolyard New Orleans

Feb 2024

In this article, we aim to showcase a selection of graphics employed by state advocates, highlighting the mutual benefits of farm to school programs and School Meals for All policies. These visuals serve as powerful tools in illustrating the symbiotic relationship between farm to school initiatives and the broader goal of ensuring access to nutritious meals for all students.

Feb 2024

National Farm to School Network launches a new project, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and Life Time Foundation, to enhance the well-being of children, fortify family-run farms, and foster thriving communities.

Oct 2023

National Farm to School Network spoke to a current Farm to School Program Specialist, Janelle Manzano from the San Diego Unified school district, to illuminate what the Farm to School Coordinator role may look like in practice. Read on to learn more about Janelle’s unique role and how it supports her community. 

May 2023

National Farm to School Network is excited to announce that we have joined the National Healthy School Meals for All Coalition to call on Congress to make nationwide free school meals for all students a reality.

Dec 2022

California’s free school meal program has changed my life and transformed the school day for six million students in our state. Without the burden of being responsible for buying and creating nutritional meals for myself, I can better focus on my education and positions as a student leader. Therefore, I believe all states should follow in the footsteps of California.

Sep 2022

For the first time in 50 years, the White House is leading a summit on hunger, nutrition, and health to tackle hunger and diet-related diseases in America. National Farm to School Network is excited and grateful to be at this summit to discuss transformative change.

Jul 2022

Last year in California, the Healthy School Meals for All legislation was passed. This means the state will cover the cost of two nutritious meals each day for all children beginning in the 2022-23 school year. Just as every child receives a textbook, each will receive a meal as well with hopes to reduce hunger and remove stigma for students in accessing meals.

Jun 2022

Groups like the National Farm to School Network have been campaigning to ensure that our school meals are aligned with values like economic justice and respecting workers and educators. The measures in Colorado will lead the way, nationally, on these issues, and inspire states across the country to follow suit. Schools will be able to provide healthy meals and do more scratch cooking.

May 2022

Through the pandemic, we’ve learned how crucial school food is to America’s food supply. We’ve also learned how many school-age children and families depend on these meals. And we’ve learned how important our school food professionals are. Scratch cooking makes staff feel appreciated for their effort, and children are well-nourished and ready to learn.

May 2022

Millions of American children could go hungry this summer unless Congress acts soon. That’s because an end looms on June 30 for a series of special COVID-era waivers. Among other things, they allow schools to serve free meals to all students. But eliminating the waivers risks more than hunger, it also jeopardizes other gains made in child nutrition programs under the waivers.