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Oklahoma's Farm-to-School Program Sees Significant Growth

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/30 .. m-to-school-program-sees-significant-growth.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 10:06 GMT by The Oklahoman
      Locales: Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

Oklahoma City, OK - January 30th, 2026 - Oklahoma's Farm-to-School program is experiencing a period of substantial growth, rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the state's efforts to improve student health, support local agriculture, and strengthen community ties. What began as a pilot initiative has blossomed into a widespread program impacting schools and farms across Oklahoma, and recent developments signal an even more significant expansion on the horizon.

The program, initially launched five years ago, directly connects Oklahoma schools with local agricultural producers, ensuring that students have access to fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables in their school lunches. This isn't merely a substitution of ingredients; it represents a fundamental shift in how schools approach food sourcing and nutrition education.

Beyond the Lunch Tray: A Holistic Approach

Sarah Miller, now the Senior Director of Child Nutrition for the Oklahoma Department of Education, highlights the program's multi-faceted benefits. "We initially focused on simply getting more fresh produce into schools," she explained. "But we quickly realized the potential to create a holistic system - one that benefits student health, stimulates the local economy, and educates the next generation about the origins of their food."

The expansion announced this week is fueled by a substantial increase in legislative funding, authorized by House Bill 2025 and signed into law last month. This new funding isn't simply about purchasing more produce. It's allocated to several key areas: expanding the program to reach an additional 200 schools by the end of the 2026-2027 school year, providing logistical support for transportation and storage of fresh produce, and crucially, investing in educational resources for both students and school staff.

Farmers Reap the Rewards

The economic impact on Oklahoma's agricultural community is proving to be significant. The program's emphasis on sourcing produce from farms within a 100-mile radius of schools minimizes transportation costs and ensures freshness, but also provides farmers with a stable and reliable market. This guaranteed demand allows farmers to plan their crops effectively, invest in their operations, and contribute to the overall economic health of rural communities.

John Davis, a third-generation peach and plum farmer in western Oklahoma, has been a participant in the Farm-to-School program since its inception. "Before this, we were at the mercy of fluctuating market prices and long-distance buyers," Davis stated. "Now, we have a consistent partner in the schools, which allows us to make long-term investments in our farm and ensure the quality of our crops. It's allowed us to hire additional seasonal workers and even explore organic farming practices."

Classroom to Farm: Integrating Agriculture into Education

The educational component of the program is proving equally vital. Schools are creatively integrating the fresh produce into their curriculum, teaching students about agriculture, nutrition, and the importance of supporting local businesses. Field trips to local farms are becoming increasingly common, allowing students to see firsthand where their food comes from and meet the farmers who grow it.

Innovative programs are emerging, such as school gardens where students actively participate in growing their own produce, and culinary classes that focus on preparing healthy meals using seasonal ingredients. Several districts are even piloting "farm-to-school taste tests" where students sample new fruits and vegetables and learn about their nutritional benefits.

Addressing Critical Issues

The expansion of the Farm-to-School program comes at a crucial time. Oklahoma continues to grapple with significant rates of childhood obesity and food insecurity, particularly in rural and underserved communities. State health officials believe this program is a powerful tool in addressing these challenges.

"We're not just feeding children; we're educating them about healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime," Miller emphasizes. "By connecting them with local farms and fresh produce, we're fostering a sense of appreciation for healthy food and empowering them to make informed choices."

Looking ahead, the Oklahoma Department of Education is exploring opportunities to expand the program to include other locally sourced products, such as dairy, eggs, and meat. They are also working with partners to develop a statewide farm-to-school certification program, recognizing schools and farmers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable and healthy food practices. The future looks bright for Oklahoma's Farm-to-School program, promising a healthier and more sustainable future for the state's children and communities.