Farm To School Program

The Virginia Farm to School Program provides fresh, locally grown food to students across all educational levels, as part of a national network committed to supporting local agriculture. The initiative integrates Virginia Grown products into school meals, providing nutritious food, while teaching students about food seasonality, the benefits of supporting local farmers, and the importance of reducing transportation and protecting farmland.

Virginia farmers and food producers can connect to schools and food distributors to get their products supplied to educational institutions. Contact VDACS Food Distribution Program Manager Jose Millan for information.

Pioneering Local Food Initiatives in Virginia

Virginia led the charge in establishing the Farm to School Taskforce in 2007. The state took another significant step in 2009 by celebrating its first Virginia Farm to School Week. These early initiatives have paved the way for increased collaboration between schools and local farmers, encouraging a culture of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture.

Connecting Farmers and Schools: A Seamless Partnership

The Virginia Farm to School Program fosters relationships between local farmers, food distributors, and educational institutions. The Office of Food Distribution plays a central role in connecting these groups, making it easy for farmers to sell their produce, meats, and products to schools, and for schools to purchase fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

How Can You Get Involved?

Farmers and Producers: Interested in selling your products to schools?
Schools and Distributors: Looking to purchase local produce for your cafeterias?

For more information or to get connected with schools, farms, or distribution partners, reach out to Jose Millan, Program Manager, Office of Food Distribution.

The Crunch Heard 'Round the Commonwealth

Every October, Virginia recognizes National Farm to School Month and celebrates with the "Crunch Heard 'Round the Commonwealth." Virginians make some noise for farm to school programs by taking a bite out of a fresh, Virginia Grown apple.

This fun and engaging event highlights the importance of eating healthy, supporting local farmers, and enjoying local food heritage, like the diverse varieties of apples grown in the Commonwealth.

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Education's Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs (VDOE-SCNP), the tenth annual Crunch Heard ’Round the Commonwealth will take place during Virginia Farm to School Week on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Crunch, child nutrition program operators who register their celebrations by Friday, August 28 will receive free posters and stickers for all participating sites and students!

Email Sara Hazan, VDOE-SCNP Farm to School Specialist, for more information. And if you celebrate the Crunch, share the fun on social media with hashtags #VACrunch and #VAFarmToSchool.

Tools & Resources

Local School Nutrition Program Contacts: Connect with your local school nutrition team.
Resources for Teachers and Students: Agriculture educational materials.
USDA: The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program: Federal support for farm to school efforts.

Contact

Keisha Williams
804-786-2776
keisha.williams@vdacs.virginia.gov

Jose Millan
804-786-0532
jose.millandiaz@vdacs.virginia.gov