Senator Gallivan says State Funding will Increase Locally Grown Foods in School

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) is urging area school districts to take advantage of a new funding opportunity through New York State aimed at connecting schools with local growers and food producers.  Under the Farm to School program, $350,000 in grants is now available to help Pre-K through grade 12 schools provide more locally grown food in school meals.

“Farmers across Western New York produce a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Gallivan said.  “Helping local schools obtain healthier meal options will not only benefit students, it will strengthen our agricultural industry and support growers and food producers.  It’s also a great way to make sure students know where their food comes from.”

Funding for the Farm to School program was announced by Governor Cuomo as a way to strengthen connections between farms and schools and to increase the amount and variety of specialty crops procured by school districts across the state.  Schools can apply for grant funding to employ a local or regional farm to school coordinator, to train food service staff in procurement and preparation of locally produced crops or to purchase equipment needed to store, prepare and serve local products.

Ongoing discussions between New York State growers and various state agencies have centered on ways to streamline the purchasing and delivery process and to better connect farmers with the state’s more than 700 schools. 

School districts must apply for funding by October 19.  The state will announce the grant recipients in November.

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