Since the 2003 pilot to bring local apples and cider to the state’s K-12 schools, NH Farm to School (NHFTS) has been working to establish farm-to-school connections within communities across NH. Coordinated by UNH's Sustainability Institute, NHFTS helps to fulfill our mission to the public good. NHFTS continues today with other procurement efforts, establishes school gardens, and works to establish new farm-to-school connections with growers and schools in other parts of the state.
The Sustainability Institute coordinates New Hampshire Farm to School. Since 2003, NH Farm to School (NHFTS) has been working to establish farm-to-school connections within communities across the Granite State. Starting as a pilot to introduce local apple products into K-12 schools, NH Farm to School now continues with other procurement efforts, establishing school gardens, helping to coordinate gleaning work, advocating for agriculture and nutrition education.
The NHFTS Program serves as a facilitator engaging farmers, distributors, food service directors, teachers, health educators and administrators in adopting farm to school practices. How do we do this? We:
- Help negotiate simple, affordable systems for purchase of NH grown and produced foods by K-12 schools or distributors serving those schools;
- Create, collect, and distribute support and educational materials tailored for individual stakeholders and program partners;
- Provide and present information on how to integrate farm to school connections into curriculum and school policies; and
- Work with stakeholders and media to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of farm to school efforts.
