Student Benefits

• Fruit and vegetable consumption:  Increased +0.99 to +1.3 servings per day 

• Physical activity:  Increased physical activity 

• Health: Minimized risk of childhood obesity and diet-related diseases such as diabetes

• Food system awareness: Increased knowledge about gardening, agriculture, healthy food, local food, seasonality

• Food choices: Willingness to try new and healthy food; choosing healthier options in the cafeteria and at home

• Academic achievement: Overall improvement in both grades and test scores (K-12)

• Social-Emotional Wellbeing:  Improved life skills, self-esteem, social skills and other types of personal growth

• Advancing Equity: Reducing health and educational inequities among low-income communities and communities of color; leveraging community engagement in environmental issues
  

School Benefits

• Meal participation: Average increase of 9% (range 3% to 16%) 

• Meal cost: Lowers school meal program costs

• School food environment: Increased offerings of fruits and vegetables; positive cafeteria atmosphere; school wellness policy adherence 

• Food service staff: Improved morale; increased knowledge of local food

• Educators: Positive diet and lifestyle changes; greater intent to integrate farm to school activities in the classroom

• Learning opportunities: Greater opportunity for hands-on, active and experiential learning opportunities
  

Community Benefits

• Farmer’s Income: Average increase of 5%

• Farmer Improved Markets: Increased diversification and new opportunities

• Local economy: $0.60-$2.16 economic activity generated for every $1 spent

• Job creation: Each new farm to school job contributes to the creation of additional 1.67 jobs

• Parents and families: Increased food security and positive diet changes; increased student participation in meals at home



• Food waste and transportation: Decreased food waste; decreased air pollution