Cultivating Connections: Plumas County's Farm-to-School Transformation

In a remarkable display of community collaboration, the Lost Sierra Food Project (LSFP) is celebrating National Farm to School Month this October by highlighting its transformative partnerships, impressive accomplishments, and engaging activities that are forging powerful connections between local produce, local children, and local communities.

Empowering the Next Generation through Farm-to-School Initiatives

Nurturing a Thriving Farm-to-School Movement

Over the past decade, the farm-to-school movement has experienced a remarkable surge across the United States, reaching millions of students in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. This groundswell of support underscores the growing recognition of the vital importance of family farms and access to local, fresh produce for the well-being of children and the communities they call home.

Bringing Farm-to-School to Plumas County

Since April 2023, the LSFP has been working in close partnership with the Plumas Unified School District, Plumas Charter School, and the Feather River Food System Collaborative to bring farm-to-school activities to the students of Plumas County. Fueled by two Farm to School Incubator Grants from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, these collaborative efforts have paved the way for a range of transformative initiatives.

Empowering Students through Hands-On Experiences

At the heart of the LSFP's farm-to-school initiatives are the immersive experiences that connect students directly with the land and the food they consume. Over the past year, 435 students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade have visited the LSFP's Rugged Roots Farm, where they have had the opportunity to witness the farm cycle firsthand. From sowing sunflower seeds and planting garlic to transplanting strawberry runners and gleaning flowers for hospital patients, these hands-on activities have ignited a deep appreciation for the origins of their food and the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Fostering Healthier Choices through Taste Exploration

Alongside the farm visits, the LSFP has also collaborated with the Feather River Food System Collaborative to bring the "Try It Thursdays" program to school cafeterias across Plumas County. This initiative has exposed students to a diverse array of farm-fresh produce, including offerings from the LSFP's Rugged Roots Farm, alongside produce from two other local Plumas County farms. By encouraging students to explore and taste these nutritious options, the program aims to inspire healthier food choices and a deeper understanding of the benefits of locally sourced ingredients.

Strengthening the Farm-to-School Supply Chain

The LSFP's commitment to the farm-to-school movement extends beyond just engaging students. The organization has also worked closely with the Plumas Unified School District's nutrition services team, facilitating a productive dialogue and on-site visits to Rugged Roots Farm. These interactions have helped the LSFP better understand the needs and challenges faced by school cafeteria staff, enabling them to explore ways to enhance the integration of local, fresh produce into school meals.

Investing in the Future: Expanding Capacity and Reach

The LSFP's farm-to-school initiatives are just the beginning of a transformative journey. In 2025, the organization plans to upgrade its infrastructure with the goal of increasing key crop production for the Plumas Unified School District, while continuing to support cafeteria managers in incorporating that produce into their meals. By strengthening the supply chain and expanding their reach, the LSFP aims to bring the benefits of farm-to-school programs to even more students across Plumas County in the years to come.

Celebrating the Broader Impact of Farm-to-School

The LSFP's farm-to-school efforts are part of a larger movement that is creating a more just and equitable food system. As Jessica Gudmundson, co-executive director of the National Farm to School Network, explains, "Farm to school is an important tool in creating a just food system that provides nourishing food to all kids. There are important economic benefits, as well. In the most recent USDA Farm to School Census, schools reported purchasing $1.26 billion in local food from farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food processors in their communities."By fostering these vital connections between local producers, school districts, and the communities they serve, the LSFP is not only nourishing the bodies and minds of Plumas County's students but also contributing to the broader transformation of the food system, one school cafeteria at a time.