swag conference
TRANSCRIPT
Perry County SchoolsFarm to SchoolCafeteria-Classroom-Community
Why Farm to School?Perry County Farm to School Task Force was formed in
2010 with the following goals: Increase access to fresh, locally grown produce to students Provide classroom education on sound nutrition practices,
food systems, and agricultural sustainability Stimulate community-wide interest in school nutrition, local
food systems, and using agriculture as a means to economic development
Encourage increased consumption of fruits and vegetables Ultimately improve the health of Perry County citizens
Decrease prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Prevent morbidity and early mortality.
Schools Open a New Market for Producers
In 2014, Perry County Schools served:• 3612 lunches• 2708 breakfasts• 850 suppers
Our food budget is ~1.4 million• In 2014, 13% our food dollars were spent within
Kentucky ranking Perry County 7th in the state
USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant• Seven of our schools are offered fresh fruits and
vegetables for snacks throughout the day
Barriers
Time Purchasing from multiple local sources involves more
paperwork and takes more time finding local farmers
Distribution Perry County has 10 schools The two farthest schools are 108 miles apart Delivering to each school is not feasible when
delivering a single product at a time
Procurement Procedures USDA and State regulations
How to Deal with Barriers
Seek Help! Partnering with community organizations
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, UK Extension Agency, Eastern Kentucky University, and many more.
Perry County Schools applied for and received a USDA planning grant for 1 year Able to hire two project interns (Karyn Knecht and
Jason Brashear) and an AmeriCorps VISTA (Rachel Ackerman) to work full time on the Farm to School program.
• In 2014, locally grown apples, corn, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, green beans, watermelon, and milk were served in all 10 cafeterias
• A Farm Field Day was held at Holliday Farms, were 320 second and third graders rotated through stations learning about grain, vegetable, livestock, dairy, chicken/egg, and bees/pollination.
• In class cooking and nutrition education took place around the county, reaching 364 elementary students.
• Chef Jim Whaley visited a Perry County kitchen to share his tricks with the cooks when cooking with fresh, local ingredients
Farm to School 2014
Moving Forward
Perry County is committed to continuing Farm to School in order to: Provide fresh, great tasting food to students so
they are well nourished and ready to learn. Make students aware of where their food comes
from and why fresh food is important to their health.
Improve the community and local economy by providing a market for Kentucky farmers.