UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program - Farm to School and Community

Program Type: 
Support Organization, Academic Classrooms, School Cafeterias, Kitchen Classrooms, Garden Classrooms, Farm Based
Grade Level/Age Group: 
High School, Middle School, Upper Elementary, Lower Elementary, Pre-Kindergarten
Year Founded: 
2012
About the Program: 

Our Farm to School and Community (F2SC) program makes Florida-grown foods more accessible to SNAP-eligible people in Florida. The F2SC team approaches Farm to School holistically by partnering with a variety of stakeholders throughout the food system. We work with local partners — schools, farmers, businesses, farmers markets, food service professionals, non-profit organizations — and state and federal agencies to improve the health of Florida citizens, while benefiting farmers and the local economy.

Some of our projects include:

  • Developing school and community gardens.

  • Bringing fresh Florida-grown foods into school cafeterias and other markets.

  • Promoting the use of SNAP EBT cards at farmers markets.

  • Offering training and support for teachers, gardeners, food service professionals, and farmers.

Mission: In collaboration with our local, state, and national partners, the Farm to School, Farm to Community team creates policy, systems, and environmental changes that encourage life-long healthy eating habits for Florida's limited resource residents.
Vision: All Florida residents are engaged in a food system that provides access to affordable and nutritious food while supporting a healthy community, economy, and environment.