Utah's Farm to Fork initiative is working to strengthen community connections to fresh, healthy food and local producers by transforming how schools and early childhood programs purchase food and approach agricultural education. The joint initiative aims to build a strong local food economy to support healthier children and adults while providing thriving opportunities for Utah's farmers and ranchers.
State Agencies Partner for Nutrition
The Utah Farm to Fork movement is a collaborative effort led by three primary state agencies: the Utah State Board of Education, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS). By combining expertise in child nutrition with strong ties to local agriculture, the group works to ensure sustainable, locally sourced food reaches Utah's youth.
According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, the program connects schools with local farmers and food producers to increase the amount of Utah-grown food in school meals. Beyond the cafeteria, the initiative provides hands-on learning opportunities for students to connect with the state's food system.
Leadership and Mission Goals
The initiative's mission focuses on empowering teachers and caregivers to integrate food-based learning and agricultural education across various subjects. The vision for the program includes ensuring everyone has access to nutritious, local food and utilizing school and community gardens as spaces to grow food and bring people together.
Key leadership for the initiative includes Natalie McHale, the Farm to School Marketing Specialist for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, who focuses on creating events and spreading awareness. Dani Perez serves as the Farm to School Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Programs, overseeing local food procurement processes and school nutrition grants, such as the Fresh Fruit & Veggie Program. Cheryl Saunders, the Early Childcare Nutrition Specialist for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on developing health-focused programs for childcare providers, including the TOP Star program.
Evolution of the Utah Network
The movement has evolved significantly since the late 1990s, growing from a handful of schools to a presence in over 42,000 schools across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. In Utah, the network began forming between 2011 and 2015, initially focusing on school food service through a listserv and an initial conference.
Following a period of restructuring in 2017, the network pivoted in 2018 to focus on practical solutions, including the launch of mapping and database projects and a centralized resource website. Between 2019 and 2022, the network worked with the Local Food Advisory Council to pursue legislative funding for reimbursement programs and state support positions. Despite pandemic-related challenges, the network secured grants in 2021 to launch the Harvest of the Season program and began a state-funded Local Food Reimbursement Program for schools purchasing Utah-grown unprocessed foods.
Seasonal Food Celebrations
To increase awareness of these initiatives, the program hosts several annual promotions throughout the year. In April, the 'Raising the Steaks' event celebrates Utah's meat products, including beef, bison, lamb, turkey, pork, and fish. The celebration highlights the diversity of Utah's livestock, noting that Sanpete County has a higher population of turkeys than people, and Utah's trout farms produce items ranging from smoked trout to caviar.
During the months of June and July, the 'Squash Summer Hunger' celebration highlights Utah's abundance of zucchini and other summer squash. In October, the 'Apple Crunch' encourages schools, preschools, and families to celebrate National Farm to School month by eating Utah-grown apples. Finally, in November, 'Harvest Gratitude Day' invites middle and high school students to connect with producers through live virtual farm tours and real-time Q&A sessions.
Economic Development and Grants
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food also manages several grant programs to support the state's agricultural and food industries. These include the Resilient Food System Infrastructure Grant, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and the Utah Food Security Grant, which covers expenses for processing equipment, coolers, and other infrastructure costs.
Other programs like 'Utah's Own' and 'Agritourism' further support the state's food economy by connecting consumers with local producers and offering resources for on-farm experiences. These efforts aim to expand Utah's food supply and support long-term industry success through increased market opportunities and consumer awareness.
