OMAHA- The Nebraska Department of Education and several state partners are launching a new program aimed at getting local farm food to school cafeterias. The Farm to School Network involves the department, the Center for Rural Affairs and Nebraska Extension, plus organizations Buy Fresh Buy Local and No More Empty Pots.

A farm-to-school program is when schools serve locally grown or locally produced fresh foods — such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey and meat — to students. A development and advisory committee has been formed to build the network, which will be a “collective action plan that will move farm-to-school forward in Nebraska,” according to a press release.

The network will release an annual report in summer 2025, according to the Education Department. The program is being funded by network partners and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The network will host virtual and in-person listening sessions from Tuesday to Oct. 18 for community members interested in helping.

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