The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has been awarded a $667,700 grant from the USDA to support a Farm to School project involving high school FFA chapters. The project will provide funding to school districts to purchase walk-in coolers and freezers to store locally grown food, as well as equipment for FFA chapters to introduce or build upon hydroponic systems, plasticulture, and traditional agricultural practices.
The project is one of 103 across the nation awarded a combined $10.7 million by the USDA under the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program. These investments help schools and communities across the country connect students with local food, support local farmers, and improve the health of students.
Farm to School programs have been shown to have several benefits, including:
Increased access to fresh, healthy food
Improved nutrition and academic performance of students
Support for local farmers and businesses
Increased environmental awareness
The Kentucky Farm to School project is a great example of how Farm to School programs can benefit students, schools, and communities. The project will help to ensure that more Kentucky students have access to fresh, healthy food, while also supporting local farmers and businesses.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Kentucky, Education