Farm to School Program Soars in Greene County New York 

Paul Ventura, Food Service Director at Greenville Central School, was inspired by the Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation and Development Council's idea to develop a Farm-to-School program -- last year's pilot program met with tremendous support from the students who appreciated the fresh produce choices from farms in "their backyard

Thanks to the former Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) program coordinator Mark Grennan and Greenville Central School District Food Service Director Paul Ventura, 1,600 elementary, middle, and high school students now enjoy fresh onions, peppers, corn, beans, fruits, and other produce purchased from farms in Greene County, New York.  Ventura’s background as a chef inspired his interest in having fresh produce for school meals so when he was approached by Mark Grennan of the Hudson Mohawk RC&D with the idea of buying from local farms instead of larger vendors who typically supply schools, he decided to develop the Farm-to-School program to incorporate fresher food in the cafeteria.

Irene and Jim Story, owners of Story Farm, display some fresh strawberries they sell at a fruit stand near the farm -- the Storys are proud to be participants in the Greenville Central School's Farm-to-School program

The RC&D council put Ventura in contact with local farmers to discuss food variety, availability, and delivery options. The owners of two farms and an orchard agreed to work with Ventura on making the program viable. “The farmers offered excellent quality food at competitive prices,” Ventura said.

“This program would have been a struggle for the average food service director,” said Grennan.   “They wouldn't go out and make contacts with farmers, develop a relationship, or pick up produce like Paul.  It takes a little higher commitment to purchase locally.”

Learn more about NRCS in New York.

The program not only provides fresh produce for Greenville Central’s food service but also instills pride in the youngsters who know that the vitamin-rich fruit and vegetables offered for lunch come from their own “backyard.”
Your contact is Kristen Skopeck, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 315-477-6524.