Publications:
The Oklahoma Farm-to-School Report contains a full analysis of survey answers as well as an examination of the importance of increasing local consumption of locally produced foods.

The Oklahoma
Food Connection:
A Directory of Agricultural Producers, Crops, and Institutional Buyers is the first step towards connecting farmers and public institutions.

State Food Policy Council cooperative partnership Frequently Asked Questions Farm to School Pilot Program (FAQ) Farm to School FAQ 2006 Essay Contest: "Get Healthy with Oklahoma Farm-to-School"

The Oklahoma Food Policy Council

The council was established on October 16, 2001. Fifteen Oklahomans representing diverse groups with an interest in Oklahoma’s food system make up the council. Members represent farming and ranching, food processing, retail foods, education, and the media; as well as tribal, conservation, religious, and anti-hunger organizations.

Food policy:
Decisions made by a government or institution, which shape the type and cost of foods used or available, influence the opportunities for farmers and employees, or affect the food choices available to consumers.

A food policy council can:
• Bring to the table a broader array of interest and voices
• Examine issues with fresh eyes
• Employ a more comprehensive approach to analyzing issues

Farm-to-School
For its first project, the council examined the potential for increasing the amount of Oklahoma grown and/or processed foods purchased by public institutions in the state. A survey of institutional food service directors was devised and mailed to 638 institutions. Due to the positive response, a pilot farm to school project is set for the fall of 2004.

Contact the Council at the Kerr Center
918.647.9123
PO Box 588
Poteau, OK 74953
apoole@kerrcenter.com

The Okla. Food Policy Council is a joint project of the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Okla. Dept. of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, with support from Drake University and the USDA Risk Management Agency.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S.Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.