Since the 2003 pilot to bring local apples and cider to the state’s K-12 schools, NH Farm to School (NHFTS) has been working to establish farm-to-school connections within communities across NH. Coordinated by Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø's Sustainability Institute, NHFTS helps to fulfill our mission to the public good. NHFTS continues today with other procurement efforts, establishes school gardens, and works to establish new farm-to-school connections with growers and schools in other parts of the state.
The Sustainability Institute coordinates Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Farm to School. Since 2003, NH Farm to School (NHFTS) has been working to establish farm-to-school connections within communities across the Granite State. Starting as a pilot to introduce local apple products into K-12 schools, NH Farm to School now continues with other procurement efforts, establishing school gardens, helping to coordinate gleaning work, advocating for agriculture and nutrition education.
The NHFTS Program serves as a facilitator engaging farmers, distributors, food service directors, teachers, health educators and administrators in adopting farm to school practices. How do we do this? We:
- Help negotiate simple, affordable systems for purchase of NH grown and produced foods by K-12 schools or distributors serving those schools;
- Create, collect, and distribute support and educational materials tailored for individual stakeholders and program partners;
- Provide and present information on how to integrate farm to school connections into curriculum and school policies; and
- Work with stakeholders and media to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of farm to school efforts.
