May 2018
Farm Fresh Spotlight Story

FarmFreshFriday.org is now mobile friendly!
 
Take Farm Fresh Fridays with you wherever you go. The Texas Farm Fresh Fridays website is now mobile friendly so you can access all resources no matter where you are or what device you're using.



Farm Fresh Network Member Spotlight
SAVE THE DATE

Farm Fresh Network members are invited to join the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in Austin for the first Business of Numbers & Nutrition Conference June 14, 2018. You will be TDA's special guest on one day of this conference that brings together school business officials and their nutrition program colleagues. You will join school districts, TDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Education Agency as we explore new ways for you to connect with Texas school nutrition programs. Register here to attend. 

Farm to School Spotlight
TDA Accepting Applications for the Urban Schools Agricultural Grant Program

Applications must be received by TDA before 5 PM CST) on Wednesday, May 30, 2018. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
 
The Urban Schools Agricultural Grant Program provides funding for agriculture-related programs at public elementary and middle public schools in urban districts with student populations of 49,000 or more. Nonprofit organizations that have the support of a Texas public elementary or middle school also are eligible to apply. The funds can be used for school vegetable gardens or any other project that provides children with a deeper understanding of agriculture. The Urban Schools Grant Program Ideas list offers general suggestions for projects that can be tailored to fit with your needs and the grant parameters.

The program provides up to $2,500 each for the funded elementary and middle school's agricultural demonstration projects.

Click here for information, instructions and applications.

Farm to Child Care Spotlight

Application Due: received by TDA before COB (5:00 p.m. CT) on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. 
 
The Establishing the 3E's program incentivizes the creation of new nutrition programs in any child care institution or community organization. This program is geared toward 3-5 year old children and is a competitive grant.

Past grantees have received funds that improve the quality of menu offerings, increase physical activity, and introduce students to farm to child care activities such as garden based learning and taste testing local products.

Find success stories from past participants on SquareMeals.org .


The purpose of the Healthier CACFP Recognition Award is to expand and complement established efforts to improve early child care menus, nutrition education, physical activity and the child care environment. To participate in the Healthier CACFP Recognition Award, independent and sponsoring CACFP child care contracting entities must apply and be awarded the
Farm to Summer Spotlight
Sign up to Participate in the SFSP Farm Fresh Challenge

TDA is bringing the Farm Fresh Challenge to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Contracting entities (CE) statewide will be able to participate during the summer challenge period June 11-22, 2018.

SFSP CEs earn Farm Fresh Challenge recognition for taking steps to connect participants to local foods and education. For more information about the challenge for Summer Meal Programs visit Squaremeals.org/FarmFreshChallengeSFSP .

If you are a partner organization and interested in promoting the Summer Farm Fresh Challenge, TDA has developed a Copy-Paste Promo Kit with  text that can be copied and pasted into newsletters and social media posts. Download high quality images from the graphics locker!



Free Resources Support Farm Fresh Challenge Participation

TDA encourages summer meals program sites and sponsors to educate students about the importance of eating local foods. This year, they can participate in the Summer Farm Fresh Challenge by offering fun and educational activities. Visit TDA's Farm Fresh Challenge resource page for practical activities to do during the Summer Farm Fresh Challenge.

Contact TDA
Emilee Case
Coordinator for Farm Fresh Projects

Beatrice Watson
Farm Fresh Specialist

Email us or call
 (877) TEX-MEAL
Connect with Others
Texas Statewide Network
This LinkedIn Group is an online network connecting schools, child and adult care centers, producers, support organizations and community members with important information about expanding local food efforts in Texas.
 
Join Today!

Texas Farm Fresh Network
Use this tool to connect with Texas food companies that currently sell or are interested in selling to schools, child care centers and summer meal programs. Company listings include contact information, product availability and distribution radius.
Funding Opportunities
Financial support from organizations may help establish or advance local Farm Fresh initiatives.
 
Go here  for a list of opportunities from TDA, USDA and other organizations.






TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COMMISSIONER SID MILLER


P.O. Box 12847 | Austin, Texas 78711
Toll free: (877) TEX-MEAL | For the hearing impaired: (800) 735-2989 (TTY) 


This product was funded by USDA. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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