October is National Farm to School Month

Over the past decade, the farm to school program has grown dramatically across the U.S. In 2010 Congress declared October National Farm to School Month -- an important tool to helping fight obesity and food insecurity. The theme for 2016 is "One Small Step," a reminder that although getting started may seem difficult, there are simple ways to become involved in our local communities.

Farm to School Month is about connecting farms and schools in a variety of ways, including:

• Providing an opportunity for kids to learn how to make healthy choices
• Encouraging kids to try new foods, especially fruits and vegetables
• Educating the next generation through school gardens, farm field trips, cooking, nutrition classes, etc.
• Increasing the amount of fresh, healthy food choices for kids
• Creating new markets for local and regional farmers
• Providing local farmers with a place to share their knowledge of growing food

National Farm to School Network offers free resources on its website and has representatives in EVERY state to help connect schools with local farmers. For more information about farm to school in your state, and to learn what you can do to help, visit farmtoschool.org.