Oswego County Farm-to-School Workshop: Bringing Local Farms And School Districts Together

by Contributor | April 21, 2023 10:52 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County will be hosting a free farm-to-school workshop on Wednesday, May 24 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at CiTi BOCES, 179 County Route 64, Mexico. The purpose of the event is to bring together local farms and school districts to learn about the New York State Farm-to-School Program.

Over the past few years, farm-to-school programs have grown across the state as school districts and agricultural producers share a common goal: to increase student access to local foods while strengthening local economies.

The NYS Farm-to-School program works by school districts purchasing a higher percentage of food from local farms and in return, receiving a higher reimbursement from NYS Ag & Markets. By selling to local schools, agricultural producers are introduced to a steady market that could provide year-round sales. This, in turn, can help build greater farm resilience and a strong local economy.

The NYS Farm-to-School Program is a win for everyone: students, farms, school districts, and the local economy. The workshop will provide an overview of the components of the NYS Farm-to-School Program, including how schools purchase food and how producers can get more involved.

The guest speaker will be Lizzy Cooper, Central NY Farm-to-School Coordinator with Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, a team that focuses on Growing New York’s Farm and Food Economy. Cooper helps work with producers, community partners, and school food authorities to increase the quantity and variety of local foods served in K-12 schools and institutions in the region.

There will be time for questions and networking between farmers and school district employees. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration is required.

Please go to: thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2023/05/24/oswegocounty-farm-to-school-workshop or scan the QR code.

For further information, please contact Joshua Vrooman, Agriculture Community Educator, at [email protected] or 315-963-7286 ext. 200.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County office if you have any special needs. For more information, please call 315-963-7286 or go online to www.thatscooperativeextension.org.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/oswego-county-farm-to-school-workshop-bringing-local-farms-and-school-districts-together/

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