Action Plan and Planning Report
We are proud to present our completed Farm to School Planning Report and Action Plan. Download them below! |
Presentation
We presented the completed Action Plan to the Urbana School District 116 Board of Education on October 19, 2021, to favorable reception. You can watch our presentation (~30 minutes) below. |
Planning Report and Action Plan:
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USD116 Farm to School Planning Report and Action Plan (PDF) | |
File Size: | 7226 kb |
File Type: |
Summary of Work
Completed
With support from USDA Farm to School grants, including an Action Planning Grant, Edible Garden Turnkey Grant, and Implementation Grant, we have been able to:
In Progress (2023)
In year 1, with support from a USDA Farm to School Implementation Grant, we are working toward our goal of institutionalizing the Farm to School program within district culture and policy by creating dedicated Farm to School roles within the district and developing dedicated programs and systems to support widely-accessible programming opportunities. This includes:
Year 2 (2024)
During year 2, we plan to continue working to expand program accessibility to ensure all students can be engaged in inclusive, diverse Farm to School programming. We also intend to develop and expand opportunities for local food access within Urbana classrooms and cafeterias. Towards these aims, the school district, Farm to School Steering Committee, and Farm to School Leadership Team will collaborate to:
Year 3 (2025)
During year 3, we plan to continue collaborating with district administrators and teachers to build food, agriculture, and nutrition education into core subject curricula and the school food system. The school district, Farm to School Steering Committee, and Farm to School Leadership Team aim to:
Completed
With support from USDA Farm to School grants, including an Action Planning Grant, Edible Garden Turnkey Grant, and Implementation Grant, we have been able to:
- Develop a comprehensive Action Plan towards the adoption of a Farm to School program that provides students opportunities for healthy eating, agriculture and nutrition education, and garden-based learning
- Develop safety and management plans for edible grow spaces at all Urbana schools
- Install 4 new edible grow spaces at Urbana schools to expand access to school garden programming.
In Progress (2023)
In year 1, with support from a USDA Farm to School Implementation Grant, we are working toward our goal of institutionalizing the Farm to School program within district culture and policy by creating dedicated Farm to School roles within the district and developing dedicated programs and systems to support widely-accessible programming opportunities. This includes:
- Developing a part-time Farm to School Coordinator position and multiple Garden Coordinator positions to integrate the Farm to School program into district-wide policy and culture
- Developing Farm to School lesson kits, resources, and activities and establishing systems for maintenance and use
- Collaborating with the USD116 Wellness Committee to execute the USD116 Wellness Policy with an eye to increased local food access
- Developing edible grow spaces at remaining Urbana schools to ensure equity of access
- Develop opportunities for students to visit and/or learn about individuals, businesses, and organizations that are key players in the local food system.
Year 2 (2024)
During year 2, we plan to continue working to expand program accessibility to ensure all students can be engaged in inclusive, diverse Farm to School programming. We also intend to develop and expand opportunities for local food access within Urbana classrooms and cafeterias. Towards these aims, the school district, Farm to School Steering Committee, and Farm to School Leadership Team will collaborate to:
- Support local producers in becoming GAP certified, thereby meeting a significant requirement for their products to be served in schools;
- Involve school district families and community members further in Farm to School activities
- Expand opportunities for in-school and after-school Farm to School programming and resource access for teachers.
Year 3 (2025)
During year 3, we plan to continue collaborating with district administrators and teachers to build food, agriculture, and nutrition education into core subject curricula and the school food system. The school district, Farm to School Steering Committee, and Farm to School Leadership Team aim to:
- Develop a system for including locally sourced ingredients in school meals and snacks
- Equip instructional and support staff with resources, supplies, trainings, and options to implement Farm to School activities inclusively and holistically; and
- Maintain a robust and ongoing marketing campaign to ensure students, staff, and the community stay informed of and engaged in the program.