News
Illinois “Farm to School” program gaining momentum into new year
The executive director of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association says more children are eating fresh foods thanks to the state’s Farm to School program.
Raghela Scavuzzo says the program is gaining momentum heading into the new year.
“The State Board of Education entered into a cooperative agreement where the first few years there was $7.3 million that every school that’s in the feeding program there could apply for food to buy from local farmers.” She says, “It also received secondary funding, so we’re going to see that continue.”
She tells Brownfield steps are being taken to make the program permanent.
“Last year, the state of Illinois also agreed to establish a farm to school coordinator at the State Board of Education as a permanent position instead of just a contracted position.” She says, “We’re currently looking at what that looks like.”
Scavuzzo says the program not only gives students fresh food options, but also provides reliable markets for specialty growers throughout the state.
AUDIO: Raghela Scavuzzo – Illinois Specialty Growers Association
Fantastic interview!
Thank you Raghela- looking forward to the continuation of food groups/orgs/programs/farms working together to connect food opportunities to each and move local foods across the board in Illinois.