📢 Momentum for farm to school policy continues to grow! Over the past few years, we’ve seen incredible growth in farm to school and universal school meal policies across the US. We just launched the newest edition of the State Policy Handbook and Database with the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School, which demonstrates this growth: https://lnkd.in/e96R9wpM Here’s a snapshot of where we stand: ✅ 809 farm to school bills and resolutions introduced since 2002 across 48 states, DC, and two US territories. ✅ 45 states, DC, and two territories have successfully passed farm to school policies. ✅ 296 bills related to farm to school were introduced between 2021-2023 alone—more than a third of all bills introduced in the past two decades. ✅ Universal school meals are gaining ground: Since 2021, 32 states have introduced 86 bills, and 8 states (CA, CO, ME, MA, MI, MN, NM, VT) now have permanent programs in place. ✅ Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) is growing—18 states introduced 39 farm to ECE-related bills between 2021-2023, making up 13% of all farm to school legislation. We also found that policy is increasingly supporting: 🍎 Local food purchasing incentives to help schools buy fresh, local foods. 💼 Workforce protections for the child nutrition professionals who keep meal programs running. 🏫 Kitchen infrastructure funding to improve meal prep capacity and bring scratch-cooked, high-quality food to school cafeterias. The momentum is real, but we’re also navigating an uncertain policy landscape. With shifting priorities at the federal level, state-level work is more important than ever. Farm to school and ECE policies have a proven track record of benefiting all kids, farmers, and local economies. By strengthening local coalitions, advancing smart state policies, and working together across sectors, we can ensure this progress continues. Check out the new edition of the Handbook here: https://lnkd.in/e96R9wpM What farm to school policy changes are you seeing in your state? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️
