As kids and caregivers prepare for the hustle of back-to-school season, school lunch menus are poised to feature a healthier, more local twist thanks to the efforts of the Cornell Farm to School Program and the New York State 30% Initiative.
The Cornell Farm to School program, developed by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Harvest NY, and its team of farm to school procurement specialists, aims to increase the use of New York-grown, raised, and produced food in school cafeterias. By promoting purchasing opportunities for fresh, minimally processed items grown across the Empire State, the initiative strives to support community well-being and sustainability while serving nutrient-rich meals.
“This program represents a win-win solution,” said Cheryl Bilinski, a local food systems specialist and director of Cornell's Farm to Institution efforts. “Not only are we providing high-quality meals for children, but we’re also reinforcing local agricultural systems.”
At the heart of the local-food momentum is the New York State 30% Initiative. Administered by New York’s State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the program is designed to incentivize school food authorities (SFAs) to source a minimum of 30% of their lunch ingredients from local farms and food processors. Schools hitting the target receive additional state reimbursements to ease budgetary constraints and make innovative food service practices more accessible.
According to the Cornell Farm to School Program’s recent report for the 2023-24 school year, the number of qualifying SFAs continues to rise, as schools recognize the dual benefits of improving local economies and bolstering child nutrition.
A robust analysis performed last year indicates growing enthusiasm for the initiative, despite challenges such as planning logistics, costs, and supplier relationships. Key findings from the report include trends in NY food product purchases and successful procurement methods employed by various SFAs.
Bilinski credits the success to collaboration and detailed strategic planning. CCE has trained and supported school districts with practical tools for procurement, supply chain engagement, and program evaluation.
“Cornell serves as the nexus between the farm and the school—understanding both the opportunities and constraints on each side,” said Bilinski. “At the heart of our work is relationship-building, creating the trust needed to provide expertise and deliver practical solutions that help partners overcome farm-to-school local procurement hurdles.”
SFAs participate in the 30% NY Initiative for both practical and values-driven reasons. Many are motivated by the added reimbursement, but just as important are their commitments to serving healthier meals, supporting New York farmers, and boosting local economies. Food service staff passion, administrative support, and community encouragement also play a big role in helping schools take part.
While the 30% Initiative has ignited significant support, ongoing research by Cornell Farm to School underscores areas for attention: scaling systems at larger districts, addressing affordability for economically disadvantaged SFAs, and adapting to year-round growing conditions.
As school buses take to the roads again, programs like Cornell Farm to School showcase how academic institutions can lead local change. By setting an example of how collective action supports nutrition, education, and sustainable agriculture, New York schools continue to help define the role of food in fostering healthier generations.
Said Bilinski: "My hope is that we continue to see Cornell Farm to School as a powerful lever for positive community change—where students increasingly and consistently enjoy nutrient-rich, scratch-cooked local foods that nourish their minds and bodies, learn about New York’s rich and diverse food system, and where farmers and food producers gain business viability through these vital market opportunities. This work directly aligns with CCE’s mission, bridging education, agriculture, and community development to build resilient, thriving local food systems."
For more information on how you can support farm-to-school efforts in your local district, visit the Cornell Farm to School Program Website.
