Perry County SchoolsFarm to SchoolCafeteria-Classroom-Community

Why Farm to School?Perry County Farm to School Task Force was formed in

2010 with the following goals: Increase access to fresh, locally grown produce to students Provide classroom education on sound nutrition practices,

food systems, and agricultural sustainability Stimulate community-wide interest in school nutrition, local

food systems, and using agriculture as a means to economic development

Encourage increased consumption of fruits and vegetables Ultimately improve the health of Perry County citizens

Decrease prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

Prevent morbidity and early mortality.

Schools Open a New Market for Producers

In 2014, Perry County Schools served:• 3612 lunches• 2708 breakfasts• 850 suppers

Our food budget is ~1.4 million• In 2014, 13% our food dollars were spent within

Kentucky ranking Perry County 7th in the state

USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant• Seven of our schools are offered fresh fruits and

vegetables for snacks throughout the day

Barriers

Time Purchasing from multiple local sources involves more

paperwork and takes more time finding local farmers

Distribution Perry County has 10 schools The two farthest schools are 108 miles apart Delivering to each school is not feasible when

delivering a single product at a time

Procurement Procedures USDA and State regulations

How to Deal with Barriers

Seek Help! Partnering with community organizations

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, UK Extension Agency, Eastern Kentucky University, and many more.

Perry County Schools applied for and received a USDA planning grant for 1 year Able to hire two project interns (Karyn Knecht and

Jason Brashear) and an AmeriCorps VISTA (Rachel Ackerman) to work full time on the Farm to School program.

• In 2014, locally grown apples, corn, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, green beans, watermelon, and milk were served in all 10 cafeterias

• A Farm Field Day was held at Holliday Farms, were 320 second and third graders rotated through stations learning about grain, vegetable, livestock, dairy, chicken/egg, and bees/pollination.

• In class cooking and nutrition education took place around the county, reaching 364 elementary students.

• Chef Jim Whaley visited a Perry County kitchen to share his tricks with the cooks when cooking with fresh, local ingredients

Farm to School 2014

Moving Forward

Perry County is committed to continuing Farm to School in order to: Provide fresh, great tasting food to students so

they are well nourished and ready to learn. Make students aware of where their food comes

from and why fresh food is important to their health.

Improve the community and local economy by providing a market for Kentucky farmers.