New USDA Initiative Connects Farmers and Schools

By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) participated in a national event at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) where federal officials unveiled the new Harvest to Hallways initiative, a program designed to strengthen school meal programs while creating more opportunities for American farmers.

KEDC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Hutchinson, Deputy Director Dr. Jim Evans, and Grants Director Wendy King attended the announcement, which was led by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The event brought together farmers, educators, school nutrition professionals, students, parents, chefs, and other stakeholders from across the nation.

“If we want to Make America Healthy Again, we have to start with our children, and that means improving what we put on their lunch trays every single day,” said Secretary Rollins. “Harvest to Hallways is about bringing more American agriculture into the school cafeteria.”

“Every school meal should make a child healthier,” said Secretary Kennedy. “We are putting the updated Dietary Guidelines into action by bringing real, nutrient-dense food back to school cafeterias and giving schools the tools to serve it affordably.”

The initiative includes several investments aimed at improving school nutrition and expanding local food purchasing. Plans include up to $70 million for school kitchen equipment and infrastructure improvements, $25 million in additional Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, expanded support for local food procurement, and greater assistance for schools serving meals aligned with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The program also includes a $30 million investment in research focused on cost-effective ways to improve school meal nutrition.

The announcement highlighted Kentucky’s leadership in connecting schools with local agriculture. School districts in Union County have successfully used local procurement programs to purchase Kentucky-raised beef, supporting both student nutrition and local farmers.

KEDC officials said they look forward to exploring how the new federal investments and resources can benefit Kentucky schools, strengthen local food systems, and create additional opportunities for students, families, and agricultural producers across the state.

Photo Credit: usda