5 Ways to Support Vermont Farm to School on FTS Awareness Day

Posted on February 9, 2016

Tomorrow is Farm to School Awareness Day – the most important day of the year to send a message to our legislature and the public about how Farm to School is advancing our kids, our schools, our communities, our economy, our health, our landscapes, and our lives.

Join us at the State House in Montpelier to celebrate Farm to School and share the message in person. Even if you can’t make it, you can still support our critical statewide Farm to School programs.

Here are five ways to support Farm to School this Wednesday:

  1. Come hear talks by leading Farm to School supporters.
    Join us at the State House Cafeteria from 4-6 pm for presentations by students and Farm to School leaders. We’ll hear from Milton High School, Vermont Agency of Education Secretary Rebecca Holcomb, Agency of Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross, and others. Roam the room and check out displays and digital stories, and show your support for Farm to School. Check out a sneak preview of some new Farm to School stories here!

     

  2. Email your legislators in support of Farm to School bills S.169 and S.202.
    Two bills are underway in the State House this session, and we could use your support. Send a message to your legislators and ask them to support funding of S.169, an act relating to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program. Changes to this Farm to School bill will expand grants and technical assistance to early educators to grow Farm to Preschool. And S.202, is an act to establish a universal school meals pilot program that can help ensure all of our children receive the nutrition they need. Even better, invite your legislators to a farm to school lunch or activity at your school! Find your legislators here.
     
  3. Listen to students.
    Many students will be at the State House on Wednesday to talk about their experiences with Farm to School. Come hear their stories and learn about the exciting projects they are spearheading around the state. Catch them speaking at a hearing at 10:30 AM in Room 11, or during the 4 pm celebration. Can’t make it? Spend 10 minutes and ask students in your school why Farm to School matters to them.
     
  4. Cheer on the Farm to School grantees.
    The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets will be awarding the 2016 Farm to School grants in a ceremony starting at 4:40 PM. Support this year’s award winners, or read up online about the dozens of projects this program has supported. 
     
  5. Share your story.
    Want to make sure Farm to School continues to get the support and resources we need to help grow healthy kids and communities? The most important thing you can do is to share your story. Take 2 minutes and record a video on your smartphone, post a photo, or write a comment. Tell us what Farm to School has done for you, your school, your kids, or your community. Post it up on our Facebook page or on social media with the hashtag #VTFarmtoSchool.