Your Farm to School Questions Answered
Have you ever been curious about buying produce locally but still have lots of questions? We talked with Sydney Turnipseed, Associate Director of the Mississippi Farm to School Network, to get some insight. The Mississippi Farm to School Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is making connections between cafeteria, classroom, and the community—a winning combination. Sydney’s enthusiasm about local procurement is contagious. We couldn’t wait to share what we learned from her about everything from the benefits of buying local produce, how to get started, and best practices of successful programs. What are some of the key benefits for schools and their students when they buy from local farms? The benefits are many! Local food is fresher and more nutritious, food waste is reduced, meal costs can be lower, and participation higher. It’s fun for staff and kids due to experiential learning, like farmers coming in and speaking to students. Also, locally g...