Forestville Central School will receive $100,000 of state money for its Farm to School community/school engagement project in partnership with Pine Valley Central School.

The local grant is part of a $1.5 million program for 16 farm-to-school projects to increase the use of New York farm products in schools and boost the agricultural economy. As part of Round 5 of the Farm-to-School program, the projects will benefit more than 120,000 students in 144 school districts across the state.

“This is a win-win that provides students with nutritious meals while also strengthening New York farms,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “I’m proud to see the growth of this initiative that will also help encourage healthy habits in every corner of this great state.”

The Farm-to-School program increases the volume and variety of locally grown and produced food in schools, provides new markets for New York’s farmers, improves student health, and educates young people about agriculture. The program also supports the expansion of the NY Thursdays Program, a school meal initiative that uses local, farm-fresh foods on Thursdays throughout the school year.

The funding will be used to hire Farm-to-School coordinators; train food service staff; provide nutrition education in classrooms and cafeterias; purchase equipment to support food preparation; and support the purchase of more local farm products, such as fruits and vegetables, dairy, and beef used in school lunches.

Forestville and Pine Valley partner to serve four schools, benefiting 996 students and 18 farmers.