HELENA, Mont. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released its Farm to School Census showing more Montana schools are serving local foods now than in previous years.
During the 2013-2014 school year, 40 percent of Montana districts reported purchasing local foods, tending school gardens, and providing comprehensive food education. That’s up from 38 percent during the 2011-2012 school year.
“Farm to School is a win-win for our children and our food producers,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau said. “Schools are buying more than $1.6 million in local foods, which supports our Montana businesses. In turn, our students have more access to healthy food choices, strengthening their bodies and brains.”
Seventy-three percent of Montana school districts participated in the USDA’s Farm to School Census.
Montana Farm To School By The Numbers
- $1,616,182 spent on local foods
- 76 districts participate in Farm to School
- 9,453 students engaged with Farm to School
- 23 percent of school districts’ food budget spent on local foods
- 55 edible school gardens
- 80 percent of school districts have a salad bar
Schools across the United States purchased $789 million in local foods from farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food processors and manufacturers in school year 2013-2014, according to results from the USDA Farm to School Census. That represents a 105 percent increase over the 2011-2012 school year when the first census was conducted.
To learn more or to start a Farm to School program visit opi.mt.gov/Farm2School.
Join farm to school champions across Montana for the Farm to School Summit on September 22-23, 2016 at Montana State University in Bozeman.
Source: OPI Farm to School