In cooperation with FNS, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and National Farm to School Network (NFSN) will build on the current Bringing the Farm to School (BTFS) training program. Updates to the current BTFS program will improve support and training for agricultural producers who want to sell their products to nearby schools. BTFS connector events will connect producers with school buyers.
Project Goal
Provide producers with information, relationships, and support to sell local produce to schools for use in school meals.
Activities
NCAT and NFSN will create a guide on how regional and state producer organizations can host events that connect producers and schools. NCAT and NFSN will help producer organizations plan and host the events. They will also help producer organizations use the BTFS Producer Workbook to enter into sales agreements with schools.
Key Milestones
- January – August 2024: Create new resource “Bringing the Farm to School Connections-Best practices for producer, distributor and school buyer connector events.”
- Spring 2024: Establish partnership agreements with producer organizations.
- Spring 2024: Work with partners to form BTFS State Connector Teams in the seven FNS regions.
- Ongoing starting October 2024: Provide technical assistance using the BTFS Producer Workbook, which has been customized to support producers through multiple facets of selling to schools.
- December 2024 – May 2026: Assist BTFS State Connector Teams in planning and implementing producer trainings and connector events.