What is Farm to School (F2S)?
Farm to School (F2S) is a growing movement designed to connect students, school communities, and local farms with the aim of improving student nutrition and academic outcomes, while strengthening local food systems and fostering community engagement. It goes beyond simply serving local food in school cafeterias; F2S integrates food, nutrition, and agriculture into everyday learning experiences through three key activities: agricultural education, school gardens, and local food procurement. By adopting this holistic approach, F2S helps students develop positive relationships with food, creating healthier, more engaged learners who are better connected to their communities.
The Lake Quinault School District is embracing this Farm to School model as a vital part of its commitment to fostering a healthy, sustainable food culture that enriches students' education and well-being. Inspired by the "3 Cs" approach developed by Vermont FEED, the Lake Quinault F2S program connects the cafeteria, classroom, and community in a unified effort to create a lasting impact.
The "3 Cs" of Farm to School
1. Cafeteria: Serving Local, Seasonal Foods
In the Lake Quinault School District, the school cafeteria is more than just a place to eat—it's a learning environment. By sourcing local, regionally produced, and seasonal foods, the district is creating a direct connection between students and their local food system. Locally grown produce and farm-fresh foods are regularly featured in school meals, offering students a chance to experience the flavors and nutrition of food grown in their own backyard.
By focusing on purchasing from local farms, the Lake Quinault School District helps ensure that students receive the freshest possible meals while simultaneously supporting local farmers and food producers. This not only enhances the nutritional value of school meals but also strengthens the local economy. The district’s partnerships with nearby farms are instrumental in creating a supply chain that brings farm-fresh food directly to students' plates, fostering a deeper appreciation for local agriculture.
2. Classroom: Hands-On Learning and Food Education
F2S in Lake Quinault schools goes beyond the cafeteria by extending learning into the classroom. Agricultural education and food-related learning activities are woven into the curriculum across multiple subjects, including science, math, language arts, and social studies. These activities engage students with hands-on projects, like growing food in school gardens, participating in taste tests, and learning to cook simple, nutritious meals. By experiencing the farm-to-table process firsthand, students gain a deeper understanding of food systems, nutrition, and healthy eating habits.
Nutrition education helps students make informed choices about their food, empowering them to adopt healthy lifestyles that will last well beyond their school years. Gardening projects, in particular, offer invaluable learning experiences, teaching students about biology, ecology, and the agricultural process in a tangible, memorable way.
3. Community: Strengthening Local Food Culture
A key aspect of the Lake Quinault Farm to School program is its integration with the wider community. Through community events like harvest festivals, farm tours, and school-based farmers markets, F2S builds relationships between local families, students, and food producers. These connections help students understand where their food comes from and foster a sense of pride and ownership in supporting local food systems.
Local farmers benefit as well, as they establish new markets and strengthen ties with the district. Meanwhile, parents and families are invited to participate in community dinners and service-learning projects, reinforcing the importance of healthy, sustainable food choices at home and in the broader community. The district is dedicated to making these connections as a way to promote lifelong wellness and support for local agriculture.
The Impact of Farm to School in Lake Quinault
The Lake Quinault School District’s commitment to the Farm to School program has far-reaching benefits for students, local farmers, and the broader community. By incorporating healthy, locally grown foods into school meals, the district is ensuring that students receive nutritious, fresh meals that fuel their learning and overall well-being. The hands-on learning opportunities help students better understand the importance of sustainability, agriculture, and making healthy choices. Additionally, the integration of local farms into the school’s food system strengthens the local economy and deepens ties between the school and the community.
Ultimately, the Lake Quinault Farm to School program is about more than just food. It’s about fostering a healthier, more connected community where students are empowered to make informed, nutritious choices that will positively impact their lives for years to come. By embracing the "3 Cs" model, the district is nurturing a future generation of environmentally conscious, health-focused, and community-minded leaders.
Below are some our our new lunch items we have been serving for lunch:
Taco Burger #1
Taco Burger #2
Chicken Torta
Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread