Farm Fresh Sharing is a feature where we spotlight Contracting Entities (CEs) from Texas and across the country who take part in farm to school activities and answer questions from you. The goal of this section is to make connections between CEs and producers, answer questions about Farm Fresh programming, and share success stories. If you are interested in sharing your experiences and inspiring other CEs, please fill out this survey.
March brings the opportunity to highlight Frankston ISD. Located just southwest of Tyler, Frankston ISD is a small district using the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to provide meals to all students at no cost in the 2023-24 school year.
Q: How often do you serve local foods in your cafeterias?
A: Weekly
Q: Have you noticed an increase in meal participation and higher opinions about school meals since you began serving local foods?
A: Yes, in (meal) participation for eating fresh local produce.
Q: What TDA resources, other than the Farm Fresh Network map, have you used to help you with Farm Fresh programming?
A: DOD Program and our distributor's weekly email about local produce available.
Q: What inspired you to start Farm Fresh programming?
A: The Farm Fresh Challenge.
Q: What motivates you to continue and expand your current Farm Fresh efforts?
A: For one, the students like fresh produce and two, I feel like the more we can help our local farmers, the better for them.
Q: Have you or are you able to support other districts with implementation of Farm Fresh programming? (Support includes mentoring, sharing information, answering questions, etc.)
A: Absolutely.
Q: A frequent reason for not using local producers is the procurement process. What would you say to other CEs who are afraid to make mistakes in procurement?
A: I am one of those. I would say to contact the local producer, ask questions such as, "Are there other districts in the area you service?" Contact the districts that they service and ask questions. And also contact your local ESC.
Q: What resources would you recommend for them to be more comfortable with local food procurement?
A: The ARM (Administrative Review Manual), your local ESC, and contact some Food Service Directors in your area who procure local foods.
Q: What would you like other CEs, your students' families, and Texas producers to know about Farm Fresh Programming in school meals?
A: With the Farm Fresh Program our students are eating more locally. Our participation as far as eating fresh fruits and vegetables has increased. It's important for our students to also know where the items come from. Not just a store. But a farm.
Q: How long have you been participating in Farm Fresh Programming?
A: Since 2017
Q: What is your students' favorite local product that is part of a menu item?
A: Watermelon and oranges
Q: What kind of educational activities have you been able to implement as part of or related to the Farm Fresh Initiative?
A: Coloring handouts, surveys, fruit of the month, Farm Fresh Fridays.
Q: How do you promote the local products you use?
A: Signage, sometimes handouts
Q: What advice would you give a CE trying to decide if/how to participate in Farm Frsh programming?
A: Once you start looking at your menu, you'll find items that are already local. Adding fresh produce to the mix will bring you right up there. We dropped some canned fruit and added fresh fruit which turned out to be a great move.