Over the past decade, the farm-to-school movement has exploded across the United States, reaching millions of students in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and U.S. Territories. From school gardens and farm field trips to local food on cafeteria trays, farm-to-school practices helps students learn where their food comes from and encourages them to make healthier choices.   

School Farm Innovations 

This month, Child Nutrition Program Director of Farms, Deborah Ray and Child Nutrition Program Farm Manager, Rocio Hernandez, joined Allen Williams, Director of Educational Habitat, Landscaping, and Gardens at Region One Educational Service Center for this year’s South Texas College School Nutrition Food Show and Conference.    

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 diversity of each region. To date, IDEA CNP Farms has harvested 120,000 pounds of produce that has made its way to over 500,000 student meals.   

Farm-to-School Success 

Ray, Hernandez, and Williams presented best practices in farm-to-school success, how school districts can launch campus farms, and the positive impact of farms in school communities.   

Participating in farm programming offers nutritional and educational benefits that can create lasting benefits on mental health, food sustainability, and academic performance. Hernandez 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,” says Hernandez.  

Healthy Kids Here   

IDEA Public Schools promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all scholars by increasing access to health, wellness, and nutrition. Cafeteria menus include fresh produce from IDEA CNP Farms, and school meals that include locally grown, farm-fresh organic produce.  

In partnership with IDEA CNP Farms, Senior Child Nutrition Program Executive Chef Daniela Villarreal and Culinary Coordinator Stephanie Buentello bring the harvest to your home with their monthly “Harvest of the Month” video series and newsletter.  

Check out October’s Harvest of the Month with Daniela and Stephanie’s tasty recipe for pumpkin spice pancakes and visit the IDEA Child Nutrition Program website for past newsletters and recipes in English and Spanish.