The Virginia Farm to School Program provides fresh, locally grown food to students across all educational levels, as part of a national network committed to supporting local agriculture. The initiative integrates Virginia Grown products into school meals, providing nutritious food, while teaching students about food seasonality, the benefits of supporting local farmers, and the importance of reducing transportation and protecting farmland.

Virginia farmers and food producers can connect to schools and food distributors to get their products supplied to educational institutions. Contact VDACS Food Distribution Program Manager Jose Millan for information.

For more information or to get connected with schools, farms, or distribution partners, reach out to Jose Millan, Program Manager, Office of Food Distribution.

The Crunch Heard 'Round the Commonwealth

Every October, Virginia recognizes National Farm to School Month and celebrates with the "Crunch Heard 'Round the Commonwealth." Virginians make some noise for farm to school programs by taking a bite out of a fresh, Virginia Grown apple. This fun and engaging event highlights the importance of eating healthy, supporting local farmers, and enjoying local food heritage, like the diverse varieties of apples grown in the Commonwealth.

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Education's Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs (VDOE-SCNP), the tenth annual Crunch Heard ’Round the Commonwealth will take place during Virginia Farm to School Week on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

• Register and download the 2026 Crunch Toolkit

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Crunch, child nutrition program operators who register their celebrations by Friday, August 28 will receive free posters and stickers for all participating sites and students!

Email Sara Hazan, VDOE-SCNP Farm to School Specialist, for more information. And if you celebrate the Crunch, share the fun on social media with hashtags #VACrunch and #VAFarmToSchool.

Tools & Resources

• Local School Nutrition Program Contacts: Connect with your local school nutrition team.
• Resources for Teachers and Students: Agriculture educational materials.
• USDA: The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program: Federal support for farm to school efforts.

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