Farm to school (F2S) programs have potential to create substantial positive impacts on an array of F2S stakeholders, including kids, schools (foodservice and education), early care and education (ECE) programs, agricultural producers, families and communities. Benefits exist in the areas of public health, economic development, education, environment, equity and community engagement.
This Christmas break, challenge yourself to take time to play with your child and be present with them. Remember that experiences, no matter how big or little, will be the memories you and your child will remember for years to come!
There are so many opportunities to squeeze in activity during the day. The current Physical Activity Guidelines say that any activity counts towards meeting the recommended 150 minutes of activity each week. So, get creative, find what you enjoy and keep your body moving as much as possible every day.
![Two young girls enjoying healthy snacks after school. Courtesy: Bob Nichols, USDA [CC BY 2.0].](/sites/default/files/2019-11/W-00442-00-school-healthy-snacks-nutrition.jpg)
This activity is appropriate for Pre-K-2nd grade (ages 4-7) and can be used by classrooms, small groups, or individuals.
Childcare outside the home is relatively common in the United States, as a majority of children ages two-to-five attend some type of childcare and spend roughly 30 hours per week in others care. Due to this, both parents and early childhood educators are responsible to ensure children are receiving the nutrition they need for proper childhood development.
The USDA has approved the serving of food in South Dakota at school sites and non-congregate settings while public schools remain closed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Different communities throughout the state are using programs to provide meals to kids that may not have access to food while school is closed.
The At-Risk Afterschool Meal Program is a part of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) that focuses on getting children a nutritious meal after the bell rings. For some, this may fill the gap that may occur from lunch that day until the next morning at breakfast.
National School Lunch Week is October 14–18, 2019. During National School Lunch Week, schools around the country celebrate all of the ways a school lunch can positively affect a child’s life, both at school and at home.
This summer, communities across South Dakota will be serving free meals to children, to ensure good nutrition and growth. The USDA Summer Meals Programs works with the South Dakota Department of Education, Child and Adult Nutrition Services office to make sure that when school lets out children are well-nourished throughout the summer.
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 and early childhood education settings.