We support, promote, and advocate for
local food and local producers.Miranda Capriotti | Outreach & Education Manager | Farm to School Coordinator | miranda@eastendfood.org
The East End Farm to School Project is a cooperative effort between Bridgehampton, Riverhead, Southampton, Tuckahoe and Westhampton School Districts serving approximately 10,000 Long Island students. The purpose of this program is to increase the volume and variety of local and regional food products included on school lunch menus. The Project works in conjunction with schools, farms and key stakeholders to create access to locally-sourced nutritious foods and provide education to promote the health and wellness of students, staff and the greater community.
The East End Farm to School Project is one of 16 programs throughout the state to receive funding through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Farm to School Initiative. This is the third time the state has awarded the Project with grant funding, signaling confidence in the program's impact and viability.
In the previous 2020-2022 grant cycle, the East End Farm to School Project:
Provided monthly local food tastings to approximately 10,000 East End students
Launched an online ordering and distribution system to generate thousands of dollars in revenue for East End farms through wholesale purchases for school cafeterias
Participated in a meeting with New York State Governor Hochul's office, advocating for Long Island Farm to School funding and policy updates
Contracted with renowned Chef Dan Guisti's Brigaid to train food service staff how to prepare scratch-made meals with locally-grown ingredients
Secured funding for school gardens at Southampton and Tuckahoe Districts
Secured funding for new kitchen equipment at Southampton Intermediate School
On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing and implementing farm to school programs. USDA's Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional and local organizations as they initiate, expand and institutionalize farm to school efforts that promote healthy economies and healthy communities.
The New York State Farm to School Program was created to connect schools with local farms and food producers to strengthen local agriculture, improve student health and promote regional food systems awareness. The Department provides financial assistance to New York State schools through New York State’s Farm to School program. It also provides technical and promotional assistance to schools, farms, distributors and other supporting organizations to bring more local, nutritious and seasonally-varied meals to New York students.