Farm to School in Merced County
The Merced County Farm to School project has some unique circumstances that set it apart from other Farm to School projects in California. Residents in this area is very low average income, with 97 percent of the children at this school participating in a free or reduced-price lunch. The entire food service operation is done on a contract basis with Marriotts Ð a corporate model for the industrialization of the school food system and an unlikely ally. Additionally, this project will not be intensively managed by CAFF.To date, however, the progress made has been substantial. The food service director, a Marriotts employee, is very interested in child nutrition, supporting local businesses where possible and providing the best, most nutritious and appealing food possible within his budget. He is eager to work with us. CAFF´s role in this case will be to help put local farmers and the food service director in touch with one another to establish a delivery system to bring fresh, local produce to the school.
Beyond that, a coalition of parents and teachers has formed under the leadership of Healthy Start and CAFF. This coalition will host a farmers´ market salad bar and an information table at "Back to School Night" in September. We are also making plans for educational events for the after-school program that would address local agriculture, food and nutrition.
For more information, please contact North San Joaquin Valley Regional coordinator, Gwen Huff, at (559) 268-2696 or e-mail gwenguitar@earthlink.net.
