October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate connections happening all over the country between schools, food, and local farmers! This year, our theme is Growing for the Future.
Farm to school ensures that children and students eat healthy, fresh, and locally grown meals in schools, and that farmers earn a reliable source of income by feeding their community. Fresh, locally sourced meals from our CNP Farms nourish our bodies while also presenting a more sustainable option for our planet.
This October, we’re celebrating farm to school with our annual Healthy Kids Here Cookbook, Harvest of the Month videos, and our latest video series, Harvest in the Halls! Learn more about farm-to-school and find ways to get involved by visiting the National Farm to School Network’s website at farmtoschoolmonth.org.
School Farm Innovations
Founded in 2006, IDEA Public Schools is home to eleven campus farms in five Texas regions. IDEA CNP Farms is innovating farming practices for students while celebrating the natural landscape of each region. To date, IDEA CNP Farms has harvested 138,361 pounds of produce that has made its way to over 1 million student meals.
“We’re proud to provide opportunities for students to strengthen their understanding and bond with the outdoors,” said Jordan Roney, IDEA CNP Farm Manager at IDEA Elsa. “Most importantly, we’re proud that all students have equal access to fresh and healthy foods.”
Farm-to-School Success
Participating in farm programming offers students the opportunity to build a deep connection with the land we call home and to appreciate the abundance it provides through responsible environmental and soil stewardship.
The nutritional and educational benefits can create lasting benefits on mental health, food sustainability, and academic performance. Rocio Hernandez, IDEA CNP Farm Manager, firmly believes in the importance of having access to school farms or gardens at school.
“Students who participate in the maintenance, planting, care, and harvesting of the food and plants that they grow are more likely to eat the vegetables on their plate,” Hernandez said.
Healthy Kids Here
IDEA Public Schools promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all scholars by increasing access to health, wellness, and nutrition. IDEA’s cafeteria menus include fresh produce from IDEA CNP Farms, chef-developed recipes, and scratch cooking that includes locally grown, farm-fresh organic produce.
This year, 126 IDEA schools were named in Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s list of 2025’s Healthiest Schools. Read more about this honor and learn how IDEA is committed to creating healthy environments for students, staff, and families.
Learn more about IDEA Child Nutrition Program’s Farms and Cafeterias by visiting our website and Facebook page for menus, newsletters, and recipes in English and Spanish.
