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Texas Farm Fresh Gets a New Look
In April 2021, the Farm Fresh Initiative at the Texas Department of Agriculture began a comprehensive review of existing branding for everything under the Farm Fresh umbrella, including the Farm Fresh Challenge and the Farm Fresh Network. The goal was to develop a new look that represents the spirit of the Farm Fresh Initiative and its broad range of work. We are delighted to share the new Farm Fresh logo with you! The new logo will be gradually introduced on Farm Fresh materials as new resources are created and as existing resources are refreshed.
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The October Farm Fresh Challenge is on!
Schools across the state are showing their Texas pride this month by bringing local foods to their students! Schools participate in the Farm Fresh Challenge by featuring local foods in school meals, providing educational activities designed to build student understanding of and appreciation for Texas agriculture, and sharing these experiences with the community on social media. Schools earn TDA recognition by meeting these challenge parameters — Eat Local, Teach Local, and Be Social. Follow schools’ Farm Fresh Challenge adventures on social media by searching for #farmfreshtexas
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Farm to Child Care Spotlight
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Webinar for Early Childhood Educators: Teaming Up to Raise a Generation of Veggie Lovers
On October 13, 2021, the Partnership for a Healthier America’s Veggies Early and Often Initiative is hosting a webinar discussing the important role of early childhood educators in helping to raise a generation of healthy, adventurous, veggie-loving eaters. Register for the webinar using this link.
To learn more about what vegetables are in season now in Texas, visit the Farm Fresh Seasonality Wheel. For a taste of all there is to discover in October, you’ll find veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, and green beans are in season!
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TDA Young Farmer Grant Program Fall Application
Are you currently creating or expanding an agricultural business in Texas? Consider applying for the 2022 Young Farmer Grant (YFG) program. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is now accepting applications for this grant. YFG is administered by TDA under the direction of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance in the form of dollar-for-dollar matching grant funds to individuals who are engaged or will be engaged in creating or expanding an agricultural business in Texas and are at least 18, but younger than 46 years of age at the time of the grant application submission deadline. To access the grant application instructions and submission portal, visit the grant webpage. Applications must be received by November 4, 2021.
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USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program
The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers markets, and producers for taking measures to protect workers against COVID-19. Funds will be used to issue grants for costs incurred between January 27, 2020, and December 31, 2021. This round of PRS funding is targeted to small businesses in certain commodity areas, farmers markets, and small specialty crop producers to address the costs they incurred to keep workers safe and help keep the U.S. food supply intact during the crisis. The application period opened on October 6, 2021 and closes on November 22, 2021. Funding requests may range from $1,500 to $20,000. For more information, visit the grant program website.
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Contact TDAEmilee Case, Coordinator for Special Programs
Hanneke Van Dyke, Farm Fresh Specialist
Toll Free: (877) TEX-MEAL
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Connect with Others
This LinkedIn group is an online network connecting schools, child and adult care centers, producers, support organizations and community members with important information about expanding local food efforts in Texas. Join Today!
Use this tool to connect with Texas food companies that currently sell or are interested in selling to schools, child care centers, adult care centers and summer meal programs. Company listings include contact information, product availability and distribution radius.
Financial support from organizations may help establish or advance local Farm Fresh initiatives. This list includes opportunities from TDA, USDA and other organizations.
Interested in learning more about Texas products?
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TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COMMISSIONER SID MILLER
This product was funded by USDA.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. |
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