"Farm to School" program is expanding in Iowa

Decorah High School's "Farm to School" chapter will soon be getting more company.  Schools in Burlington, West Liberty, Clear Creek Amana and Marshalltown will join Decorah and 10 other schools to bring to 15 the number of school districts with such programs in Iowa.
The Iowa Farm to School Program began in 2007.  The goal of the program is to link elementary, secondary, public and non-public schools with Iowa farmers; provide schools with fresh and minimally processed Iowa—grown food for inclusion in schools meals and snacks and encourage children to develop healthy eating habits.

Each chapter is eligible to receive up to $4,000 to support their activities. The program was implemented to allow communities and individual school districts the opportunity to create a local food procurement program that is personalized to meet the district's individual needs.  Chapter funds are to be used for the purposes of nutritional education as well as the purchase of local fruits and vegetables.