Farm to School

FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) wants people to think “fresh and local” when they think about the food that is served in FCPS cafeterias.  From a five year plan to implement salad bars in every elementary school, to a grilled-to-order BBQ menu to fresh salads and sandwiches for secondary school students, FNS is working diligently to change perceptions of school food.

While helping students become lifelong healthy eaters, FNS is also working to develop a Farm to School plan for FCPS. As a recipient of a 2019-2020 USDA Farm to School Planning Grant, FNS is developing a Farm to School Strategic Plan that involves local procurement, Farm to School curriculum integration, and the development of a Garden to Cafeteria program in FCPS schools. FNS builds relationships with local growers and nonprofits in support of this work. This section of the website will be updated as Farm to School in FCPS continues to grow!

Garden to Cafeteria

Garden to Cafeteria is on hold for the 2023-24 school year. Updates are coming in the future – check back on this page to learn more.

FCPS’ Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)—together with Get2Green—is working to support FCPS schools in creating Garden to Cafeteria (GTC) programs that will promote the use of school garden produce in the cafeteria.

Extensive research on school gardens and fruit and vegetable intake among children has shown that children are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables when they have participated in the growing process themselves. School garden programs foster positive food environments for children, where they are connected to—and more likely to consume—fresh fruits and vegetables. Our goal is to engage students in making meaningful connections to how healthy food is grown for—and eaten in—the cafeteria.

To start a Garden to Cafeteria Program at your school, please start by reading the FCPS Garden to Cafeteria Program Guide. For resources for your existing Garden to Cafeteria Program, please see the FCPS Garden to Cafeteria Resource Folder. For workshops and other gardening resources, please refer to the Fairfax Food Council.