Indiana Grown for Schools

The Indiana Grown for Schools Network is a statewide initiative that was the product of a 2018-2020 USDA Farm to School Grant, received by the Indiana State Department of Health. In partnership with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Purdue Extension, this grant funded the creation of this website and the Indiana Grown for Schools Buyer’s Guide.

Indiana schools are responsible for the care and education of nearly 1.2 million students each year. Children spend nearly half their waking hours and consume more than half of their daily food at school. Because of this, schools are the best place to help students learn to make healthy choices that will last a lifetime. Through access to local foods and education, we can improve the health of children while creating strong local economies and engaged communities.

Vision

We envision an Indiana food system that engages young people, farmers, school systems and whole communities in farm to school activities, to create a new generation of food citizens.

Mission

Indiana Grown for School Network is a collaborative effort to foster the relationships necessary to sustain farm to school activities in every Indiana county. By supporting local farmers and school communities, we forecast the emergence of agricultural leaders who understand the interconnectivity of food systems, resulting in healthier families, communities, and economies. Our Network seeks to expand and strengthen programming to 1) increase local foods served in schools, 2) create or sustain school gardens, and 3) incorporate nutrition education in the classroom.