Farm to School connects students with local farms through school meals, nutrition education, and hands-on learning. It helps students discover where their food comes from while supporting Alabama farmers and local communities.

Farm to School can look different in every school. It might include a taste test featuring a locally grown fruit, a classroom lesson on Alabama agriculture, a school garden, or a conversation with a local farmer. Each activity helps students better understand the journey from farm to table.

How Alabama Extension is Helping Celebrate Farm to School

Alabama Extension partners with schools and communities to promote Farm to School month through education, outreach, and hands-on learning. Nutrition and wellness efforts connect students with where their food comes from and encourage healthy habits. This October, Extension and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) will highlight Farm to School with resources and social media, sharing ideas for teachers, families, and communities to celebrate local foods and integrate agriculture into daily learning.

Activities may include the following:

• Sharing information about seasonal Alabama produce and how it grows.
• Encouraging students to try new fruits and vegetables through classroom activities and taste tests.
• Providing nutrition education that connects food choices with health and wellness.
• Promoting school gardens, farm visits, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
• Sharing resources and ideas that help schools and communities celebrate Alabama farmers.

“Farm to School is a wonderful way to help students connect what they learn about nutrition with the food grown right here in Alabama. When students have opportunities to explore local foods, try something new, and learn how food grows, they can build healthy habits while gaining a greater appreciation for the farmers and communities that help feed us.” — Erin Reznicek, EFNEP program coordinator

Working Together Across Alabama

Farm to School is a team effort. Alabama Extension is proud to promote the program alongside the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Alabama State Department of Education to promote local agriculture and food education.

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries leads the Alabama Farm to School Program, connecting farmers with schools and providing resources such as Harvest of the Month lessons, virtual farm tours, and additional school nutrition materials.

How to Get Involved

You don’t have to be a farmer or a teacher to celebrate Farm to School month. Families, schools, local businesses, and community organizations can all help make a difference.

• Try something new
  Encourage students to taste a locally grown fruit or vegetable. Ask where it came from, how it grows, and what it tastes like.
• Get growing
  Start a small school or home garden. Even a container of herbs or a few vegetables can help children learn how food grows. 
• Meet local farmers
  Visit a farmers’ market, explore a local farm, or learn about the farmers who grow food in your community.

Community members can also share Farm to School activities on social media, thank local farmers, and encourage schools to explore opportunities to purchase Alabama-grown products.

Find Farm to School Resources

Looking for ways to get started? Check out the state and national Farm to School program websites for ideas, activities, and resources for celebrating.

For the Alabama Farm to School website, visit https://agi.alabama.gov/fts/. For the National Farm to School Network visit https://www.farmtoschool.org/.