The 2020 Farmers Co-Op is proud to announce that our Farm to School program has expanded to serve 15 school districts across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. This milestone means thousands of students are now enjoying fresh, locally grown produce from cooperative farmers—and learning about where their food comes from.
More Than Just Food
Farm to School isn't just about getting vegetables into cafeterias. It's about building connections between students, farmers, and the land. When children know their carrots came from a farm just miles away, grown by a farmer who looks like them, something powerful happens.
"Seeing students get excited about vegetables is amazing," shared one participating farmer. "But hearing them ask questions about farming, about the land, about how food grows—that's the real impact."
Program Highlights
Harvest of the Month
Each month, participating schools feature seasonal produce from cooperative farms. Students learn about:
- What vegetables are in season and why
- How farming works and who grows their food
- Nutrition and healthy eating habits
- The importance of supporting local agriculture
Farm Visits
Several districts have organized field trips to member farms, giving students hands-on experience with agriculture. These visits help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world food production.
Cafeteria Integration
School nutrition staff work with our team to incorporate cooperative produce into existing menu plans. We provide guidance on:
- Seasonal availability and substitutions
- Storage and preparation best practices
- Recipe ideas that appeal to students
- USDA compliance and documentation
Impact by the Numbers
Since launching the expanded program:
- 15 school districts now participate
- 50+ cooperative farmers supply produce
- Thousands of students served each week
- 3 states represented (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi)
What Districts Are Saying
School nutrition directors have praised the program for its reliability and impact:
"The quality of produce has been excellent, and knowing we're supporting local farmers makes it even better. Our students are eating more vegetables than ever."
"The educational component sets this apart. It's not just procurement—it's a whole curriculum connection."
Looking to Expand
We're actively seeking new district partners. If your school or district is interested in Farm to School, we'd love to talk. Our team works with you to:
- Assess your needs and capacity
- Develop a customized sourcing plan
- Provide educational materials and support
- Coordinate logistics and delivery
For Farmers
Member farmers interested in supplying Farm to School markets should contact their regional coordinator. We're always looking to expand our producer network to meet growing demand.
Farm to School represents everything the 2020 Farmers Co-Op stands for: connecting communities, building equity, and creating sustainable markets that benefit farmers and consumers alike. Here's to feeding the next generation—and inspiring some of them to become farmers too.