Food for a Better Future

GCPS’ Farm to School program is an example of districtwide effectiveness, providing a high return on investment for our schools and local farmers. This nationwide program was established to help provide healthy and nutritious food to schoolchildren while also providing local farmers with consistent and dependable outlets for their products. GCPS has been participating since the 2009–10 school year and has been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for its robust program that supports communities across our state and plays a vital role in fueling Georgia’s Future. (According to the U.S. Farm Bill, local food is a product that is raised, produced, distributed, and transported within 400 miles of its origin.)

And Farm to School means fresher, local food is on the menu in our schools! The program allows students to make informed food choices and experience locally grown fresh and nutritious produce while stimulating local and regional economies.

Research shows that when young children are exposed to nutrition-promoting local foods, they are more willing to try and like healthy foods. The students also get an opportunity to learn about what is produced locally throughout the year and taste high-quality local offerings. In January, we featured local Bibb lettuce, and in February, we featured fresh local strawberries. In March, our farm-to-school efforts center on green beans.

GCPC believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental, and social success, we need to create positive, safe, and health-promoting learning environments at every level, in every setting, and throughout the school year. We also believe that investing in school health and nutrition positively affects children’s academic outcomes. Our Farm to School program is just one example of how our district is sustaining the legacy of excellent performance while responding to the diverse needs of a growing community.