WSDA Receives Farm To School Grant Money

On Monday, the USDA announced 65 projects would receive funding through farm to school grants designed to increase the amount of local foods served in schools.  The USDA awarded $5 million to 42 states as well as Puerto Rico, nationwide, with grants range from $14,500 to $100,000.

Here is the Northwest the Washington State Department of Agriculture will receive $96,625 to  establish a statewide Washington Farm to School Network.  The goal is to provide a framework for communication and coordination among farm to school programs across the state.  The Network will support new and existing farm to school programs by increasing access to support and collaboration as well as identify existing gaps in current resources and services

The only program awarded funding in Oregon was in Lane County.

According to the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census, schools with strong farm to school programs report higher school meal participation, reduced food waste, and increased willingness of the students to try new foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Visit the USDA's Website for a complete breakdown of the projects awarded funding.

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