Farm to School is connecting school dining services with local farms. Slow Money SLO has partnered with school districts throughout the Central Coast to bring the area's bounty to our kids.
Farm to School: how it started and how it's going!
In the summer of 2023, Farm to School hired Wise Studio to produce and edit this video in an effort to tell the community a little more about Farm to School - who is involved, why they do it, and a brief progress report!
We want to thank all of the farms and schools featured in the video, and acknowledge that there are PLENTY more working hard in Farm to School behind the scenes! The map below outlines all our program participants!
Special thanks to Wise Studio for their excellent work, and to the CDFA Office of Farm to School for funding the project!
FARMERS
Farm to School helps to connect farmers to school food service buyers through farmer-to-buyer mixers and virtual events. Through relationship building, Farm to School works to understand farmers' challenges and barriers to sales, and find solutions that ease commerce. Farmers who would like to learn more about Farm to School, please follow below!
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
In partnership with leading Central Coast school districts, Farm to School is working toward streamlined ordering processes, field trips, nutrition education, and/or virtual events. School districts who are interested in learning more about the numerous benefits of Farm to School, follow below!
FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRESS
We have seen tremendous growth in Farm to School efforts since we began in the 2020 - 2021 school year. A huge round of applause to our incredible school districts and local farmers for their dedication to bringing fresh, healthy food to our students!
IN THE COMMUNITY
San Luis Coastal USD Presents to the SLO Food System Coaltion
Erin Primer, Director of Food Services & Nutrition for San Luis Coastal USD, gave a presentation in Novemer 2020 to attendees of the Food System Coalition General Meeting. Her report gave an overview of her district's farm to school efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrating National Farm to School Month on KCBX Radio
Claire Tuohey-Mote, Farm to School Coordinator joined Kayla Rutland of City Farm SLO and Taryn Mohler of Harvestly on the radio with Dr. Consuelo Meux to talk about Farm to School Central Coast and the collaboration between the three organizations.
San Luis Coastal USD Buys Rare Jujubes from Local Ranch
In February 2021 Farm to School Central Coast connected San Luis Coastal USD to Rock Front Ranch, grower of an unusual fruit called jujubes. The district sent the nutritious treats home to families the week of Lunar New Year.