About FRESH TRAYS
The FRESH TRAYS Farm to School Program connects Texas farmers, ranchers, and fishers with schools, including early childcare centers, to boost the availability of local fresh foods served to children and youth. This program ensures that fresh, nutritious, and locally sourced foods make their way into the hands of children.
Increasing the Number of Texas Farm to School and Early Childcare Ready Producers
The mission of FRESH TRAYS is for Texas Farmers Ranchers and Educators Serving Healthy Texans to Reconnect Agriculture to Youth in Schools (FRESH TRAYS) in order to make a positive impact on our health, community, and economy. The vision is to nourish Texans with fresh, locally sourced foods.
Sourcing locally ensures our youngest Texans receive fresh, nutritious food. By eating locally, we support our communities and local economies, reduce food safety risks, explore unique flavors and seasonal specialties, and help our local producers thrive.
The FRESH TRAYS program will tackle schools’ logistical challenges, seasonal changes, budget constraints, food safety, educational integration, and community engagement, while meeting producers’ needs.
Training County Extension Agents to Educate Producers About Farm to School & Early Childcare
The FRESH TRAYS program will provide an 8-hour educational series to County Extension Agents across Texas called ‘Train the Trainer.’ Then, the County Extension Agents will offer a variety of educational programs to local producers including:
- A one-day workshop
- Lunch-n-Learn series
- Additional multidisciplinary programs
County Extension Agents will also host networking events where local producers will have an opportunity to meet with local school districts, early childcare centers, and other related affiliates such as processing and distribution organizations, food hubs, non-profits, potential funding entities, and more to make meaningful business connections.
The FRESH TRAYS programs will measure:
- Designated Farm to School producers
- Agent, producer, and school connections
- Producer to school and business connections
- Percentage of Texas schools engaged
- Percentage increase of locally sourced foods
The Farm to School Advantage: A Win-Win for All
The Farm to School movement is a win-win for everyone involved. Kids gain hands-on learning experiences and develop healthy eating habits. Farmers, ranchers, and fishers benefit from significant local food purchases, providing stable markets and long-term revenues. Schools and early childcare centers see increased community support, lower meal costs, and reduced waste, while enjoying the flexibility to offer fresh, local foods. Communities thrive as these connections strengthen local economies and foster a resilient, sustainable food system.
About Texas Department of Agriculture's
Farm Fresh Initiative
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Farm Fresh Initiative is a statewide movement championed by Commissioner Sid Miller to connect young Texans with locally grown food and agricultural education. The programs and efforts within the Texas Farm Fresh initiative help schools, care centers, and other child nutrition support organizations:
- Serve more local products in meals and snacks
- Incorporate nutrition and agricultural education
- Support Texas Farmers, Ranchers, and agricultural producers
- Participate in Farm to School and Early Care activities
Find out more about TDA’s Farm Fresh Initiative at www.FarmFreshTexas.org. Join our Texas Farm to School statewide network at www.FarmFreshNetwork.org
About Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a unique education agency with a century-long legacy of improving lives across Texas. Through a statewide network of professional educators, trained volunteers, and local offices in every county, we deliver innovative, science-based solutions that address the intersection of health, agriculture, and the environment. Our grassroots approach ensures that our teams, deeply rooted in the communities they serve, can provide tailored support and solutions. Anchored by twelve districts and research centers, we are committed to proactively addressing the unique challenges of every region in Texas.
This project is funded by USDA.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
