Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, secured $300,000 to fund the pilot program in the 2016-17 state budget. The Adirondack North Country Association has been selected to oversee the farm-to-school pilot program.
"We recently had a similar meeting in Canton earlier this month, and I was very encouraged by the number of farmers that attended that session. It provided a great opportunity for our school food service managers and producers to network, discuss the program and get a better understanding of each others' needs. I'm anticipating the meeting in Jefferson County will be equally successful in accomplishing those same goals," Assemblywoman Russell said.
The meeting will be held from 1 - 3 p.m. Friday at the Watertown Central School District Office, Wiley Building, 1351 Washington St.
Joshua Bakelaar, local economies and agriculture director for the Adirondack North Country Association, said the meeting is designed to connect farmers interested in the potential new market with participating schools.
"We'll hear what products schools are looking to buy and what products farmers will have available this fall at this meeting. Any farm in New York State is eligible, and schools are allowed to purchase all New York State grown products except fluid milk under this pilot program," Mr. Bakelaar said.
Contact Mr. Bakelaar at jbakelaar@adirondack.org or at 518-891-6200 for more information.
Mr. Bakelaar said approximately 15 schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties have expressed an interest in participating in the pilot program.
Each school will get an allotment of funds ranging from $2,750 to $40,000 for the school year tied to a formula that includes the number of meals served in each school's cafeteria the previous school year.
Jefferson County schools that have expressed an interest in the program include Alexandria, Indian River, Lafargeville, Lyme, South Jefferson and Watertown.
Participating schools can use up to 20 percent of their funding to develop a farm to school program, train staff, engage students and families and develop local food related infrastructure.
Assemblywoman Russell’s farm-to-school pilot program is part of her larger “Drive for 25” initiative, which is also supported by the New York School Nutrition Association.
That initiative would provide increased state funding of up to 25 cents more per lunch for schools that meet set goals for expanded usage of local food products.
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell recently hosted a roundtable meeting in Canton to discuss the rollout of a farm-to-school pilot program in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. A similar meeting is planned for Friday in Watertown.