About Us
OUR MISSION –
Connecting Illinois Farms and Chefs to the CPS Community
Working with local farms, chefs, and nutrition experts, CPS Farm to School aims to get students invested in the food they eat. We believe that all kids deserve access to healthy food, and that real-life connections to local food sources enrich communities. By getting kids involved through educational activities, student-inspired meals, monthly theme foods, visits from farmers and chefs, and more, we strive to help students establish a lifelong love of eating local, healthy food.
LEADERSHIP STATEMENT –
Working to Bring Healthy, Local Food Onto Our Community’s Plates
The Farm to School program connects Chicago Public School communities with fresh, healthy food and local food producers. Our goal is to enrich children’s bodies and minds while supporting local farmers and food producers by bringing local food into the dining center. The program influences food purchasing to allow students to gain access to healthy, local foods. The program also creates hands-on learning activities through school gardens, farm visits and integration of food-related education into the classroom. The program expands opportunities for learning by incorporating school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to School empowers CPS children and families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.