Farm to Students: Fresh, Local Foods Bringing Schools Closer to Communities
Community
Fresh, local foods are in high demand, and whether it’s at home or away, diners are craving a closer connection with what they eat. The school cafeteria is no exception, and Chartwells is bringing that local experience to life by serving fresh and local products to students across the country.
It begins by working closely with local farmers and distributors to bring fresh products straight from their farms to our schools. Through these partnerships, Chartwells has the insights to know when seasonal products are becoming available, and lets our menu planners forecast their needs to feature fresh products from local farms all year long. While fresh fruits and vegetables are a consistent local highlight, local in the school cafeteria can include everything from produce to dairy, protein, and more.
“Having locally sourced, farm-to-table foods reflected in our menu is something I deeply appreciate, and I know our community and students enjoy the fresh taste.” – Hockinson School District
As we celebrate Farm to School Month this October, Chartwells is creating unique Farmers Markets for students, offering education about where their food comes from, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local farmers. By integrating the markets into a school setting, we’re making healthy living more accessible and engaging for students of all backgrounds. In addition to trying fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local offerings that may be unfamiliar to students, these events teach kids how they can incorporate healthy eating habits outside of school. Additionally, Farmers Markets support nutrition, financial literacy, and math education in a fun and hands-on way.
Strong partnerships with local farmers, distributors, and suppliers play an even more essential role in school meal programs with the latest updates to regulations. While USDA’s Buy American provision on domestic purchase requirements has been in place for years, there is now even greater emphasis on the rule, with the newest changes taking effect this school year. Chartwells has consistently prioritized our purchase of local and domestic products and invested in the technology and tools to monitor domestic purchasing and ensure a district’s program remains compliant. As the new limits take effect, our team is supported by a strong network of local and domestic suppliers to continue to provide students with an exceptional dining experience.
Great meals begin with the best ingredients, and Chartwells is helping kids learn that fresh and local foods are the foundation to sustainable, healthy habits – and communities.
Click “Get Started” above to learn more about the local experience we can bring to your students.