Farm Fresh New London

The following description is a summary of our farm to school plan funded by a 2014 USDA Farm to School Program grant: Ledge Light Health District, FRESH New London, and community partners will implement the “Farm Fresh New London County Schools” to increase the consumption of locally grown fresh food in the twenty school districts in New London County, Connecticut. By building the capacity of the 75 farmers in the county to participate in farm to school programming, and by connecting farmers and school food service directors, Ledge Light Health District and partners will support farms and schools in overcoming existing barriers. The parties will work together to develop an electronic purchasing portal to facilitate farm to school purchases in the county. Ledge Light Health District will also build demand for fresh local food among school children and parents through a social marketing campaign, presentations to the Board of Education, town councils, and parent and community groups, and by conducting experiential learning activities.