eval report cover.indd - New Jersey Farm to School Network Wiki

Review of Farm to School Evaluation Literature►and liability protection; 3) costs for local produce compatible with districts’fi n ancial realities; and 4) access to local fruits and vegetables that have beenfurther processed.A regional study was conducted in four Midwestern states - Iowa, Kansas, Nebraskaand Minnesota in the years 1999-2000 to determine existing purchasingpractices of school food service and to identify benefits and obstacles topurchasing from local growers or producers. 41 The study found that one-third ofrespondents indicated that they had purchased from local growers and producerswith the most common purchase being fresh produce items. Good publicrelations and aiding the local economy were perceived as strong benefits ofpurchasing locally, whereas lack of year-round availability of local product, andinability to obtain an adequate supply were cited as obstacles.28 Bearing Fruit: Farm to School Evaluation Resources and Recommendations