Ontario is kicking off the third year of an innovative pilot that brings schools and local farmers together to raise funds for schools with healthy foods.
The Fresh from the Farm healthy fundraising pilot project promotes local food, healthy eating and student engagement within28 school boards across the province.
Since 2013, more than 150 Ontario schools have participated in Fresh from the Farm. They have collectively distributed over 130,000 kilograms of fresh, local fruit and vegetables to Ontario families, and raised more than $125,000 for school initiatives.
Fresh from the Farm is committed to helping:
- Encourage healthy food choices
- Provide opportunities for learning about agriculture and food in the classroom
- Support local economies
- Align with Ontario’s School Food and Beverage Policy and Ontario’s Local Food Act
- Create great profit for schools – 40 per cent of all sales go directly to the school
Connecting students, farmers and communities is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts
- In 2015, the Fresh from the Farm program will be available to schools within 28 school boards. By 2017, the pilot is expected to expand to all schools across the province.
- The program offers two fundraising bundles. Bundle A includes fresh Ontario carrots, onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, and Bundle B includes delicious, locally grown apples.
- Fresh from the Farm is a collaborative initiative between the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, and Dietitians of Canada.
Additional Resources
- Fresh from the Farm
- Eligible Schools for 2015
- Local Food Week June 1–7, 2015
- Foodland Ontario
- ontario.ca/agriculture-news
Quotes
“Fresh from the Farm provides schools with an innovative fundraising program that celebrates food, agriculture and healthy eating. Providing opportunities for children and schools to connect with farmers and learn where their food comes from helps them understand the value and importance of local food.” – Jeff Leal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“We are pleased to be part of this creative fundraising program that will help to promote student well-being. Through this initiative, students will learn about healthy eating that will support their growth and learning, and help them reach their full potential.”- Liz Sandals Minister of Education
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