Jersey Fresh Farm to School

09/11/2026

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Lima Family Farms in Hillsborough!

This family owned farm raises grass-fed beef, pastured pork and poultry, and free-range eggs, while also connecting students and the community to agriculture through farm visits.

Farms like Lima Family Farms help bring Farm to School from the farm to the classroom and cafeteria!

09/04/2026

Just in time for the new school year, we’re bringing back our Farmer Friday series and celebrating the farmers and agricultural educators who help connect New Jersey students and communities to agriculture.

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Muddy Paws Farm Rescue! 🐐🐓🐖

Muddy Paws provides a forever home for rescued farm animals while creating opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experiences. Their school field trips give students the chance to meet rescued animals, explore the farm, and discover the natural world along the Rancocas Creek.

What better way to kick off a new school year than with a reminder that learning can happen beyond the classroom, and sometimes, it has four legs! To find out more: https://www.muddypawsfarmrescue.org/

06/23/2026

Final Reminder! For all school districts participating in the NJ Farm to School Procurement Initiative the deadline for reimbursement is June 30th.

06/12/2026

Sweet as honey and making a big impact! At just 13 years old, NJ's Farm to School Summer Top Tomato, Addison Miller, is inspiring fellow students through beekeeping and pollinator education. Congratulations to this young leader who's creating quite the buzz!
https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/farmtoschool/home/top-tomato/approved/20260529.shtml

05/27/2026

🐟 Reel progress at Plainfield Public Schools!

Through the New Jersey Farm to School Procurement Initiative, Plainfield Public Schools has purchased locally sourced seafood for student meals.

District Chef & Food Service Director Andre James recently purchased 600 pounds of Black Whole Sea Bass to prepare and serve on school menus.

Photo 1, pictured from left to right: Esaias Jackson, Nelson Madison, William Harcum, and Chef Andre James.

Photo 2, Brick Wenzel owner/operator Americas Gleaned Seafood

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DY2VEwawGpq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

05/27/2026

Do you know a farm or farmer making a positive impact in our schools?

Each year, the NJ Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program recognizes a farmer who exemplifies Farm to School through education, partnerships, and providing local products to schools across New Jersey.

See link below to nominate a farmer
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0cN2UAI4n0uzauCkG9ZCp0tCGiJqeUFNs4nQtu1YH2VUQUlIRDdKWU9ZUEtWMzdLV0NLRUxWTkk5MS4u

05/19/2026

Farm to School is more than just fruits and vegetables! 🐄🥩

Through the New Jersey Farm to School Procurement Initiative, schools across the state are purchasing local beef for school meals — supporting New Jersey farmers while bringing fresh, local products to students’ trays.

05/18/2026

Fresh from New Jersey farms to Camden school cafeterias!

Students in the Camden City School District enjoyed locally grown New Jersey asparagus served in a delicious puff pastry recipe.

Supporting local agriculture means fresher food for students, stronger connections to where food comes from, and investment in New Jersey farmers.

05/12/2026

🌽 FIELD TO TRAY: CONNECTING SCHOOLS TO LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS 🍎

Two chances to join this free, hands-on PD workshop exploring local food systems and farm to school connections! Great for educators and food service staff looking for ideas to bring local foods and agriculture education into schools.

📍 July 20 — Surf City Farmers Market & Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School
📍 August 20 — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County & Trenton Farmers Market.

Sign up at links below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A5A92EA0FCC70-63822713-field #/
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A5A92EA0FCC70-63823841-field #/

When: August 20, 2026 Where: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County & Trenton Farmers Market Time: 9:00AM - 3:00PM PD Hours: 6 hours Cost: Free of Charge Join us for a hands-on professional development workshop focused on local food systems and their role in schools. This interactive day wil...

05/08/2026

🚨 Reminder for NJF2SPI participants: the funding deadline is May 15, 2026.

To remain eligible for continued participation in the NJ Farm to School Procurement Initiative, school districts must:
✔️ Make at least one eligible purchase
✔️ Submit for reimbursement by May 15, 2026

NJDA will begin reallocating unused funds after the deadline to help ensure all program funds are fully expended by June 30, 2026.