Furthering Healthy Food Systems in California

Publication #1, Spring 2013: Farm to School Efforts: Innovations and Insights, by Tim Galarneau, Suzanne Millward, and Megan Laird, CASFS and the Food Systems Working Group

In this paper we review the benefits and challenges of Farm to School efforts, and describe some of the innovative ways that Food Service Directors (FSDs) on California’s Central Coast are working to overcome several of those challenges by forming effective partnerships with food banks, produce distributors, and other school districts. We also describe how efforts to formalize a regional school food alliance as well as share innovations via California- =wide FTS trainings have further contributed to advancing FTS programs. We close with suggestions for “next steps” to consider in developng effective FTS efforts.