Dig In! October is Oregon Farm to School Month

Autumn in Oregon isn’t just about falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. It’s also the time when our schools buzz with an extra dose of agricultural excitement. That’s right, folks – October is Oregon Farm to School Month, and it’s serving up a feast of fun, learning, and local flavors!

What’s All the Fuss About?

Farm to School Month is a celebration of the connections between our classrooms, cafeterias, and local farms. Picture school lunches featuring ingredients sourced from Oregon’s farms. Imagine students trading textbooks for trowels as school gardens bloom across the state. This is the essence of Farm to School Month – a time when kids discover that healthy eating can be both delicious and fun!

What’s on the Menu?

Farm to School Month is packed with activities that’ll make you wish you were back in school (if you’re not already). Here’s a taste of what’s happening:

• Oregon CRUNCH: On October 17th, students across the state will simultaneously bite into locally grown produce, celebrating Oregon agriculture and highlighting Oregon farmers!
• School Garden Adventures: From planting to harvesting, kids are getting their hands dirty and loving it.
• Farmer Visits: Local agricultural heroes are stepping out of the fields and into classrooms to share their stories.
• Cooking Classes: Students are donning chef hats and learning to whip up delicious dishes with local ingredients.
• Farm Field Trips: Nothing beats seeing where food comes from firsthand!

How Can You Get Involved?

You don’t need to be a student or teacher to join the Farm to School fun:

• Parents: Volunteer in school gardens or help organize farm field trips.
• Farmers: Connect with local schools to supply fresh produce or host field trips.
• Community Members: Advocate for Farm to School programs in your area or donate to support these initiatives.
• Everyone: Spread the word! Share your Farm to School experiences on social media with #OregonF2S.

The Bigger Picture

The impact of Farm to School programs extends far beyond the lunch tray. When schools buy local, our farmers and food producers thrive, boosting the local economy. Fresh, nutritious food helps students grow strong and stay focused, leading to better health outcomes. And let’s not forget the environmental benefits – shorter food travel distances mean a smaller carbon footprint.

But perhaps the most beautiful outcome is the way these programs strengthen community bonds. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and Farm to School initiatives are creating connections between students, teachers, farmers, and families.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Harvest for Schools Program supports these efforts by connecting farmers, fishers, ranchers, and processors with child nutrition programs. Schools interested in sourcing local products can access the Oregon Harvest for Schools Directory, a free resource listing eligible local products: https://directory.oregonharvestforschools.com

Ready to Dig In?

This October, keep your eyes peeled for Farm to School activities in your area. Whether you’re crunching into a local apple, volunteering in a school garden, or simply spreading the word, you’re part of a movement that’s growing a healthier, more connected Oregon.

Visit https://oregonfarmtoschool.org/about-us/farm-to-school-month/ to learn more about Oregon Farm to School Month and find events in your area. Let’s make this October the most delicious, educational, and locally-sourced month yet!