USDA Launches 2023 Farm to School Census to Evaluate Program Reach and Impact

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the initiation of the 2023 Farm to School Census, a crucial survey aimed at gauging the reach and effects of farm to school initiatives throughout the nation. Conducted every few years, the Census serves as a vital tool to assess the extent of local food sourcing, the presence of school gardens, and the integration of agricultural education in schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.

Since its inception in 2013, the USDA has executed this extensive survey thrice, with the previous one in 2019 witnessing a substantial response from two thirds of the school food authorities (SFAs), covering all 50 states and territories including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. Findings from the last Census revealed that farm to school practices are not only widespread but also on an upward trajectory, significantly impacting students’ lives and learning.

In an unprecedented move, the 2023 iteration of the Census will introduce a “sharable” format, empowering SFAs to join forces with partners actively involved in school garden projects, farm excursions, and curriculum design, to provide a holistic account of their farm to school engagements. The USDA is actively encouraging these collaborations to ensure a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of farm to school initiatives’ current state.

The success of the 2023 Census hinges on robust participation, and the USDA is reaching out for community support to amplify the survey’s completion. Detailed information and support materials are readily available on the USDA’s 2023 Farm to School Census Resources page. This collective effort aims to forge a detailed understanding that can enhance and shape the future of the Farm to School program.