Bringing Local Bounty to School Plates: Farm to School Thrives in Livingston, Montana

Nestled in the heart of Montana's Paradise Valley, Livingston is a charming town where community spirit runs deep. This spirit extends to the way Livingston nourishes its future generation – through the innovative Farm to School program of Park County (F2SP).

F2SP is a non-profit organization with an impactful mission statement: "Placing healthy, local and sustainable food on the plates and minds of all Park County." Since its inception in 2007, it has blossomed into a program that fosters healthy eating habits in children, strengthens the local food economy, and connects the community to its agricultural roots.

Photo provided by f2spc.org

Farm to School's Flourishing Programs

They cultivate a diverse range of programs that engage students, schools, and the community at large. Here's a glimpse into some of their most impactful initiatives:

• Learning Farms and Gardens: They transform schoolyards into vibrant "outdoor classrooms." These Learning Farms and Gardens serve as educational havens where students get their hands dirty, learning about planting, tending, and harvesting fresh produce.
• Lunch in the Park: Ensuring access to nutritious meals throughout the year is a priority for Farm to School. During summer months, their Lunch in the Park program delivers free, healthy lunches to children under 18 at parks and schools across Livingston. This program combats childhood hunger while promoting healthy eating habits.
• Community Garden: They manage the Livingston Community Garden, providing residents with an opportunity to grow their own food and connect with fellow garden enthusiasts. This fosters a sense of community ownership over local food production.

Photo provided by f2spc.org

The Ripple Effect of Farm to School

The impact Farm to School extends far beyond school cafeterias and garden plots. Here's how the program creates positive ripples throughout Livingston:

• Supporting Local Farmers: they partner with local ranchers, farmers, and food businesses. This strengthens the local food economy by creating a reliable market for fresh, high-quality produce.
• Building a Culture of Health: By exposing children to fresh, local food, they cultivate a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating habits. This can lead to healthier choices and reduced risks of chronic diseases later in life.
• Environmental Education: Farm to School’s programs promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness. Students learn about the importance of soil health, water conservation, and the delicate balance of our food system.

How You Can Get Involved: Nourishing the Future Together

Farm to School thrives on community involvement. Our ERA Livingston office recently had the pleasure of volunteering for Farm to School to help prep they’re garden for the Summer planting season. We want to give a shoutout to Deb Kelly, Jon Ellen Snyder, Julie Kennedy, Jessie Sarrazin, Baylor Carter, Tom Gierhan, and Melody Christopher for their hard work!

There are many ways you can contribute to this impactful program:

• Volunteer: Lend a helping hand at the community garden, participate in school garden projects, or volunteer during Lunch in the Park events.
• Become a Member: Join F2SP as a member to show your support and stay informed about upcoming events and initiatives.
• Donate: Financial contributions allow F2SP to expand its programs and reach more children in the community.

Livingston's Farm to School program is a shining example of how a community can come together to nourish its future. By supporting local agriculture, promoting healthy eating, and fostering environmental responsibility, Farm to School is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future for Livingston's children.

Consider sharing this blog post to raise awareness about Farm to School programs and inspire similar initiatives in your community!