Due to a lapse in federal funding, this USDA website will not be actively updated.
Once funding has been reestablished, online operations will continue.
Farm to Institution programs give farmers and ranchers the opportunity to develop new markets and sell to local K-12 schools, hospitals, colleges, cafeterias or government agencies.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food and Nutrition Service. Office of Community Systems.
Access The Farm to School Program: 2012-2015: Four Years in Review". Review the 2015 Farm to School Census results. View videos, webinars, and how-to guides; utilize the USDA Farm to School Planning Toolkit; and find Federal, state and local programs or government contacts.
UEPI. Center for Food and Justice.
Highlights U.S. state farm-to-school programs; discusses related national policies; describes case studies, surveys and evaluation tools; and identifies funding opportunities.
ATTRA - A National Sustainable Agriculture Assistance Program.
A guide to information and resources that farmers, school administrators, food-service managers, and community members can use to start or expand a farm-to-institution venture. Updated in 2013, the guide covers models of Farm to Institution programs, program implementation and considerations, existing supportive policies, and more.
Michigan State University and C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems.
This guide poses questions and considerations to address when planning a farm-to-institution venture. Includes sample forms, self-assessments, questionnaires, and sections on preparing marketing materials and on developing contracts.
Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Provides farms, schools, families, and communities with resources designed to help them establish connections and learn about selling to schools and institutions.
USDA. Agricultural Marketing Service.
The USDA supports the development of farm-to-institution relationships. The interactive Compass Map shows "USDA and other federal investments in local and regional food systems since 2009, along with data such as farmers markets, food hubs, and meat processors."