USDA Secretary Perdue Promoting Schools as Market

One of the primary jobs of the USDA is to find new, or expand markets for U.S. producers, but Secretary Sonny Perdue said don’t assume that’s always going to be overseas.

“One market we also want to expand is locally grown food. You tap into this valuable source to feed the children you serve.”

That farm to school program can provide valuable opportunities for producers according to Perdue.

42,000 schools currently have or participate in some sort of farm-to-school program, but Perdue said there’s room to expand.

“Over 23.6 million students learn the benefit of farm fresh food. These students gain an increased understanding of the miracle of life and where their food comes from.”

There are also 7,000 schools with gardens where the students grow their own food.