You’re invited to the PA Farm to School Network’s (PFSN) September virtual open house on September 25th from 3-4:30 pm to discuss opportunities for your farm to school programming!

As the landscape of farm to school programs shift due to federal funding cuts and programming changes, we understand that the future of farm to school programming in PA feels uncertain at this time. Due to this uncertainty, we are excited to gather as a group of farm to school practitioners to share resources, inspiration, and opportunities to keep farm to school programming thriving despite the changes that have occurred over the past 6 months.

During the September open house, we will hear from Shane Kaplan from the PA Department of Agriculture about the upcoming PA Farm to School Grant, which is set to open this fall. The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program provides funds to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for kids. Schools are eligible to apply, and producers, community leaders, and anyone who is a farm to school stakeholder are encouraged to partner with their local school when applying for and implementing this grant. Shane will share how the grant funds can be utilized to enhance your farm to school programming, as well as some helpful details for submitting your application.

We will also hear from PA farm to school practitioners who have implemented effective programming and learn how you can get creative with your farm to school programming and support farm to school policy at the state level through the Keystone Fresh Act. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to connect with other farm to school practitioners from across the state.

Register to attend the virtual open house, held over Zoom, here!