A review of activity at the state level shows growing support for farm-to-school programs, says a report by the National Farm to School Network. “Over the last decade, the movement has grown from a few programs in a handful of states to more than 40,000 schools across the country,” says the organization. It says 39 states and the District of Columbia support farm-to-school through grants, online directories to connect schools and local producers, and local preference laws that encourage schools to buy food locally. During 2014, eight states enacted legislation to encourage, establish or fund school gardens. The farm-to-school movement has three components: local purchase of food, school gardens for first-hand experience growing food, and education in food, agriculture and nutrition.
The report is available here.