The GFA FTS Working Group serves as a facilitator and liaison in support of the Greenwich Public Schools farm to school programs. Our efforts culminated in connecting GPS Food Service with Biden's USDA Local Food For Schools Program (LFSIP). The funding totaling $29,000 for the 2024 - 2025 school year is an unprecedented investment in students health and the CT food economy. LFSIP enabled GPS to successfully procure from the Northwest Connecticut Regional Food Hub.
As defined by the National Farm To School Network: Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with nutritious, culturally appropriate food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites. Students gain access to local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.
Farm to school implementation differs by location but always includes one or more of the following:
- Procurement: Local foods are purchased, promoted and served in the cafeteria or as a snack or taste-test;
- School gardens: Students engage in hands-on learning through gardening; and
- Education: Students participate in education activities related to agriculture, food, health or nutrition.
Priorities
who
we
are
SUPPORT
New Lebanon Elementary's
Farm To School Program
CONVENE
Panel Discussions + 'Farmer + Student Talks'
NETWORK WEAVE
GPS
Local Food Procurement
CONNECT
Connectivity + Communications between FTS partners within Greenwich +
CT FTS Collaborative
ADVOCATE
School Meals for All +
FTS Policy
Learn more here.
PROJECTS
Through a competitive grant process, in the Spring of 2025 New Lebanon Elementary was accepted into the NORTHEAST FARM TO SCHOOL INSTITUTE! This is an exciting development for New Lebanon's farm to school program, as it will help build on its garden and zero waste initiative. A cohort of 6, comprised of administrators, teachers and community partners will participate in a three training in Vermont at the end of June. They will return with a New Lebanon Elementary Farm To School Action Plan!
ABOUT the Northeast Farm to School Institute --
The Institute goes beyond learning the basics of farm to school and early childhood. We help teams build the relationships, skills, and connections you need to implement robust farm to school programs that align with your school’s priorities.
Farm to school supports youth in connecting the dots of where their food comes from and how their food choices impact their bodies, the environment, and their communities at large.
Since 2010, the Northeast Farm to School Institute has been bringing teams together to build relationships, skills, and a collaborative action plan for their schools. With the support of a coach, teams spend the school year putting their plans into action and strengthening their capacity to impact classrooms, cafeterias, and communities, with change that lasts.
ABOUT the Northeast Farm to School Institute --
The Institute goes beyond learning the basics of farm to school and early childhood. We help teams build the relationships, skills, and connections you need to implement robust farm to school programs that align with your school’s priorities.
- Build a whole-school team: Forge strong cross-departmental relationships that enable classroom teachers, administrators, and child nutrition staff to build shared leadership and capacity for the long haul.
- Create an action plan: Develop a values-based, school-wide farm to school action plan that integrates curriculum, local procurement, youth voice, and family and community connections.
- Work with your coach: Your team is paired with an experienced coach from your state’s network. You’ll collaborate with your coach throughout the school year to implement and adapt your action plan to meet your school’s emerging needs.
- Build your skills: Engage in hands-on, role-specific workshops and meet with technical assistance providers to support your action plan.
- Network with peers: Build valuable connections with experienced practitioners, other teams, and like-minded community partners who can provide support, resources, and inspiration.
Farm to school supports youth in connecting the dots of where their food comes from and how their food choices impact their bodies, the environment, and their communities at large.
Since 2010, the Northeast Farm to School Institute has been bringing teams together to build relationships, skills, and a collaborative action plan for their schools. With the support of a coach, teams spend the school year putting their plans into action and strengthening their capacity to impact classrooms, cafeterias, and communities, with change that lasts.