Farm to School and Healthy School Food Initiatives: A Review of Literature and Evaluation Efforts

School districts, local communities, states, and the federal government are investing more funds, time, and energy into farm to school programs and healthy school food initiatives. This is evidenced by the growth of such... [ view full abstract ]

School districts, local communities, states, and the federal government are investing more funds, time, and energy into farm to school programs and healthy school food initiatives. This is evidenced by the growth of such programs as the Chef Ann Foundation, National Farm to School Network, FoodCorps and Nutrition Educators from Offices of Extension among others. As the movement grows, the body of research and evaluations of these efforts also expand. This presentation seeks to provide a review of the literature regarding farm to school and healthy school food movements. Reviewing not only local sourcing of menu items and nutrition education in the classroom, but also the role of school gardens, the connection these efforts have to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and the connection to academic success, this presentation seeks to provide an overview of the research. These movements are centered on reducing childhood obesity, improving overall health outcomes and increasing local economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers in our communities.