November invites us to pause: to look back on a season of growing, learning, and connection, and to express gratitude for the people who make this work possible.
At the heart of any farm to school related efforts are all of you-the farmers, educators, food service staff, students, community members, and many more who come together to nourish both body and spirit. Every seed planted, meal shared, and story told is a reminder of how powerful our local food systems can be when we work in partnership.
And right now we are also seeing how fragile those systems can be and how deeply our communities depend on them.
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, many states-including Pennsylvania-have announced that SNAP benefits will not be issued or will be significantly reduced or delayed. Over 2 million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP, totaling more than $366 million each month in food assistance. Nationwide, nearly 42 million people depend on these benefits to stay nourished. The WIC program is also facing disruption.
This unprecedented situation highlights something farm to school practitioners already know: access to good food is essential, not optional. And when systems falter, communities step up-schools, farms, educators, and families come together to ensure no one goes hungry.
We encourage everyone to share food access resources widely during this time:
- For help finding nearby food resources and food bank locations:
Even in challenging times, gratitude is what sustains us, and the farm to school community across Pennsylvania continues to embody that spirit every day.
These stories remind us that gratitude is not just something we feel-it’s something we grow together. As we reflect together, we invite you to pause and consider:
- What are you grateful for?
- What has been the most rewarding part of being involved in Farm to School?
- Can you recall a moment when you made an impact on someone else–or when someone helped you?
- How do you show appreciation in your work and community?
- We’d love to hear your responses and celebrate them. Here are a few ways to share:
Ways to Participate and Take Action
Share Your Story: The PA Farm to School Network is celebrating by hosting its second National Farm to School Month Storytelling Contest. We encourage you and your young ones to get creative! Your story can highlight your entire program or focus on one aspect, such as a farm field trip or an event that you held. Check out last year’s submissions for some inspiration! No idea is too small. Submit your story by 11:59 pm on November 14, 2025 to be entered into the raffle to win some excellent prizes.
Advocate for Local Food by Telling Your Story! Sharing your farm to school program and activities with local legislators is a great way to advocate for farm to school. Use this simple how-to guide to help you contact your legislator directly and share your story! Read about the legislative hearing that took place in October.
Apply for the PA Farm to School Grant
The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program is open! The grant offers up to $15,000 to support projects that connect children with fresh, local food and Pennsylvania agriculture. Schools and early education sites can apply for funding to support teacher training, local food purchasing, school gardens, farm field trips, and hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen student and community connections to the food system. Applications Due Friday, November 14, 2025, 5:00 PM
In gratitude and in solidarity, we thank you all. Every farmer, educator, child, and family who continues to cultivate connection in the face of challenge. Together, we are sowing seeds of resilience, ensuring that gratitude grows into action and that every community is nourished.