October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities, and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.
At the core, farm to school is built for and by communities, with all of us working together to cultivate a better future for us all. Farm to school brings together a community of individuals across sectors, generations, and interests—farmers, parents, students, advocates, teachers, food service workers, and lawmakers—who all share a common vision of an abundant, nourishing, and equitable food system.
Throughout October, our activities will be focused on celebrating achievements, sharing stories of collaboration and community, and highlighting progress toward racial equity in farm to school, so that we can continue to grow stronger, together.
Celebrate with Us!
National Farm to School Month is a great opportunity to plan a new farm to school activity, organize a special celebration of your current efforts, or initiate a new partnership. The Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is dedicating the week of October 16-20, 2023, to celebrate all things Farm to School! This week-long celebration highlights the incredible connection between our schools and local agriculture. Join us for a week filled with exciting activities that are designed to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of where our food comes from. Each day during this week will feature a new way to celebrate.
Below are some extra ideas on how you can celebrate with us all month long.
Schools and early care and education sites
- Organize a farm tour or trip to the local farmers’ market.
- Promote National Farm to School Month on the school menu and in the cafeteria.
- Do a taste test or feature a local item that is in season.
- Serve a meal that is 100% locally sourced.
Families and businesses
- Cook with seasonal products as much as possible.
- Most state departments of agriculture or Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters offer a regional crop calendar.
- Volunteer at your local school to support a school garden or classroom educational activity.
Spread the Word
Highlight your farm to school activities in your newsletters, website or blog, and materials that go home to parents like school lunch menus. Invite media & policymakers to visit your school, farm or other sites; participate in Farm to School Month events and activities.
Join the movement by using the hashtags #F2SMonth and #OKFarmtoSchool in your social media posts. Tag @oklahomafarmtoschool in your posts so we can share your content! Follow @farmtoschool on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X to see highlights of National Farm to School Month celebrations across the country.
