By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska Regional Food Systems Initiative (NERFSI) is teaming up with the Nebraska Department of Education to host the Farm to School Summit in Kearney on October 17-18. The summit will introduce a statewide network to establish strong connections between schools, farmers, and communities, promoting sustainable farm-to-school initiatives.
The summit is a result of a two-year USDA grant aimed at expanding farm-to-school programs across the state. The event will provide insights from two years of listening sessions and feedback from schools, farmers, and community leaders, addressing both the successes and challenges of these programs.
"We want participants to understand that they are not alone in this journey," said a representative of the organizing team. "Schools and farmers who have initiated farm-to-school programs will have access to support and resources to help them succeed."
The summit will feature sessions on topics such as connecting farmers to schools, budgeting for farm-to-school programs, growing food on campus, and incorporating hydroponics and small-scale farms into classrooms. The event aims to move beyond the basics and dive into the practical details of how to make farm-to-school initiatives work at the school level.
These programs not only provide schools with fresh, locally grown food but also educate students about agriculture and nutrition. However, many schools and farmers are unsure how to start.
The summit will also introduce a new network that combines an online platform with in-person meetings, offering resources like webinars and collaboration opportunities. Stakeholders across the state will engage with communities to answer questions and address specific needs.
The Nebraska Farm to School Summit is open to farmers, schools, community leaders, and anyone interested in supporting local food systems. The event provides a rare opportunity for participants from across the state to gather, share ideas, and strengthen Nebraska’s farm-to-school efforts.
Photo Credit:farm-to-school
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General