The National Farm to School Network is an organization that brings heathy foods grown in local farms to school children nationwide. It also teaches children about the process foods go through from farm to a person’s  and the importance of having heathy eating habits. At the same time, it provides a new direct market for farmers in the area and assist the environment by lessening the impacts that transporting food long distances has on the environment.

“More than 30 million children eat a school lunch five days a week, 180 days a year. If a school lunch can taste great, and support the local community, it is a win-win for everyone,” The organization’s website, farmtoschool.org, sums up its purpose.

The National Farm to School Network began when the organization decided to support local farms and improve students health by reducing childhood obesity by providing healthy meals. The Farm to School program consists of not only providing farm fresh foods but also teaching about waste management programs, such as composting, and provides educational oppurtunities such as planting school gardens, cooking demonstrations and providing farm tours.  The program desires to help students understand how the food they consume inpacts their bodies, the environment, and their communities.

During the 2002-2003 school year, 900 classrooms in 41 LAUSD schools participated in the LAUSD Fresh From the Farm Project but no schools have participated in the program since, even though the program still exists.