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CHAPTER 04: PRIORITY OUTCOMES, INDICATORS AND MEASURES83further developed 72 . To date, approximately 140TDR programs are in place in the U.S. with varyingdegrees of success in preserving existing rurallands 72 .• Measure 3.1: This indicator and related measureis included because similar to maintaining anagricultural base, food production requirescontinued healthy workers.Cross-Sector Connections from EnvironmentalQuality OutcomesWith Community Economic DevelopmentWhen a school district purchases sustainablyproduced foods, it supports economic viability forthose growers or ranchers in the region who maynot have as many market opportunities. If the farmto school activities are successful at reducing foodand total solid waste collected at schools, this isgood for the environment and economical. Thesesaved dollars can be used in other ways that supportthe program, such as purchasing more local foods.In Davis, California, the saved revenues throughrecycling and composting programs were used tohire recycling coordinators in the schools to keepup the momentum and keep educating children andteachers about how they can reduce waste 73,74 .members to learn how to grow, tend, harvest andprepare their own food. This additional local foodaccess can support healthy eating behaviors outlinedin the public health section. School gardens also canhelp participants be physically active during someperiods of the year, such as harvesting or turningcover crops into the soil.With EducationEducational activities link with environmental qualityoutcomes through awareness and an increasein knowledge facilitated through environmentaleducation topics covered as part of farm to schoolcurriculum and gardening.With Public HealthReducing the use of antibiotics in meats procured forschool meals can reduce related human health issuesof antibiotic-resistant infections. There has been arise in the use of nontherapeutic antibiotics in animalproduction, which may be a contributing factor toincreases in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria thatcontribute to illness in human populations 75,76 .Reducing the use of pesticides or herbicides usedin food production can reduce the potential offarmers, farm workers and their families’ exposureto chemicals and thereby their risk for developingrespiratory illness, skin conditions or other relatedillness 77–84School yards that include gardens may provideanother access point for families and communityNATIONAL FARM TO SCHOOL NETWORK