Ann Arbor Farm to School Collaborative
Established in 2006, the AAPS Farm to School Collaborative is made up of district staff, parents, community partners, Chartwells (food service), and students. We work together to promote student wellness and create connections between local agriculture and AAPS.
The primary focus areas for our work are supporting school gardens, sourcing local foods into AAPS, and educating students, parents, and staff.
Are you a school gardener in Ann Arbor, or want to be one? Join the School Garden Grow Group! This supportive group of school gardeners meets twice a year to learn about various aspects of school gardening. Information on free/low cost seeds, seedlings, gardening tools is also shared. Learn more by emailing Neha Shah at shahn@a2schools.org.
The primary focus areas for our work are supporting school gardens, sourcing local foods into AAPS, and educating students, parents, and staff.
Are you a school gardener in Ann Arbor, or want to be one? Join the School Garden Grow Group! This supportive group of school gardeners meets twice a year to learn about various aspects of school gardening. Information on free/low cost seeds, seedlings, gardening tools is also shared. Learn more by emailing Neha Shah at shahn@a2schools.org.
What is Farm to School?
According to the National Farm to School Network (farmtoschool.org), Farm to School enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools.
Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local communities and contributing to vibrant communities.
Farm to school implementation differs by location but always includes one or more of the following:
- Procurement - local foods are purchased, promoted and served in the cafeteria or as a snack or taste-test
- School gardens - students engage in hands-on learning through gardening
- Education - students participate in educational activities related to agriculture, food, and health, and nutrition.
The AAPS Farm to School Collaborative uses this model to set goals, form partnerships, and implement Farm to School strategies.
October is Farm to School Month!
A wide range of events will highlight the importance of local agriculture and healthy eating habits in our schools. Throughout the month of October, students will be tasting different varieties of in-season Michigan produce during their lunch hour, courtesy of Chartwells and Project Healthy Schools.
The National Farm to School Network and AAPS celebrate National Farm to School Month!
October is National Farm to School Month, a time to lift up the connections happening all over the country between students and local food. Whether you’re an educator, farmer, food producer, parent, student, food enthusiast or advocate, everyone can celebrate! Here are a few ways you can kick off National Farm to School Month:
Download free National Farm to School Month materials and resources, including their Farm to School Month Celebration Toolkit, stickers, posters, coloring sheets, bookmarks and more. Share these materials to help spread the word about farm to school.
Shout out about farm to school and share what you’re doing for National Farm to School Month with the hashtags #F2SMonth and #farmtoschool on social media. They will be re-sharing their favorite posts from you all month!
National Farm to School Month is a time to be inspired, get involved, and take action to grow farm to school and farm to ECE efforts in our community. No action is too small, and there are 31 days to take advantage of! Be sure to check out their blog all month long for inspiring stories and to discover new resources. Explore more ways to celebrate!
What can you do locally? Help out with our programming!
Please email Neha Shah for more information at shahn@a2school.org.
October is National Farm to School Month, a time to lift up the connections happening all over the country between students and local food. Whether you’re an educator, farmer, food producer, parent, student, food enthusiast or advocate, everyone can celebrate! Here are a few ways you can kick off National Farm to School Month:
Download free National Farm to School Month materials and resources, including their Farm to School Month Celebration Toolkit, stickers, posters, coloring sheets, bookmarks and more. Share these materials to help spread the word about farm to school.
Shout out about farm to school and share what you’re doing for National Farm to School Month with the hashtags #F2SMonth and #farmtoschool on social media. They will be re-sharing their favorite posts from you all month!
National Farm to School Month is a time to be inspired, get involved, and take action to grow farm to school and farm to ECE efforts in our community. No action is too small, and there are 31 days to take advantage of! Be sure to check out their blog all month long for inspiring stories and to discover new resources. Explore more ways to celebrate!
What can you do locally? Help out with our programming!
- Lend a hand in AAPS school gardens and help our gardens grow.
- Volunteer at a tasting event any time during the school year.
- Donate to The Agrarian Adventure to support their Farmer in the Classroom Programming.
Please email Neha Shah for more information at shahn@a2school.org.
