LIBERTY- Sullivan 180 is elated to announce its successful selection as the recipient of a $100,000 2023 USDA Farm to School Implementation Grant. Over the course of 24 months, the grant will fuel a series of transformative activities, all aimed at enhancing community health and well-being.
The first major initiative involves the establishment of the School Nutrition Action Coalition (SNAC) in collaboration with partners Cornell Cooperative, Harvest NY, A Single Bite, and the Sullivan County Youth Bureau. Monthly SNAC meetings will serve as a platform for closely monitoring and aligning grant activities with its objectives, fostering seamless communication, and ensuring a collective approach.
During the initial 18 months of implementation, Sullivan 180, together with school partners, will identify and implement Farm to School best practices within the nine Sullivan County School Districts. The impact of these practices will be showcased at a regional conference, with student ambassadors from schools leading the presentation; inspiring and driving change throughout the region.
The focus will also encompass fostering a stronger connection between schools and local producers. With the guidance of Cornell Cooperative Extension, and in partnership with the Catskills Food Hub, Sullivan 180 will work directly with school Food Service Directors to increase local procurement efforts. This will lead to more coordinated purchasing, processing, and distribution of local products. Additionally, the support to producers entering wholesale markets will be instrumental in enhancing aggregation/distribution patterns and equipping food service staff with valuable training on storage, preparation, and promotional techniques.
Recognizing the importance of youth involvement, Sullivan 180, with the support of school-based partners and the Sullivan County Youth Bureau, will develop and disseminate a dynamic youth-led campaign around Farm to School efforts. This campaign is intended to empower the next generation to become advocates for healthy eating and community engagement.
“Sullivan 180 is deeply grateful for the opportunity presented by the USDA Farm to School Grant. Through this opportunity we look forward to supporting local agriculture by fostering a sustainable connection between producers and our school cafeterias,” said Sandra Gerry, Sullivan 180 Founder and Board Member. “This will be a giant step toward offering healthy, nourishing breakfast and lunch options to our more than 10,000 Sullivan County school age children.”
For more information, contact Shanna Nigro-Gonzalez, Development Director at 845-295-2682 or Shanna@sullivan180.org.
