Farm to School Meals

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Richmond, E. (2015).  More students are eating locally sourced food. The Atlantic. Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/10/farm-to-school-gains-momentum/411562/

Emily Richmond’s article, “More students are eating locally source foods,” she explains the rising interest in bringing locally sourced food and the positives and negatives associated.   In fact, the article states that there has been a 55% increase of locally food eaten in the 2013-2014 school year than in the 2011-2012 year.  The School Nutrition Association does not like these new changes. They claim that fewer students are buying the lunches and that the kids do not like the new foods, creating a problem with foods being thrown out.  These claims are inconsistent with census respondents, whom have stated the benefits of the initiative being one or more of the following- “Less plate waste; improved acceptance of the healthier school meals; increased participation in school meals programs; lower school meal program costs; and increased support from parents and community members for the healthier school meals” (Richmond 2015).
There seem to be many benefits of the farm to school programs.  The School Nutrition Association seems to be against the initiative, most likely related to the time and resource commitments.  The vast health benefit, even just nutrition awareness, is worth the cost for schools.  Many times children are resistant to change, but just because students may not be used to the new program, does not mean the school should immediately throw in the towel.  It is evident that the program is just taking off by the increase of participation over the years and the reports of other schools planning on incorporating this program.
-Danielle Gabrish

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