About the New York Farm to School Institute
The New York Farm to School Institute is a year-long professional development opportunity for food service staff, educators, administrators, and community partners in New York schools to develop and refine their Farm to School programs, and to help bring more New York grown food into the cafeteria and classroom. This ongoing training and educational program will assist participating schools in creating successful Farm to School programs and connecting with farmers. Upon completion of the Institute, schools become alumni members of a NY Farm to School Institute Network – continuing to share best practices and resources with others championing farm to school for years to come.
Our program offers a direct opportunity to improve the health of students and strengthen the agricultural economy by bringing farm fresh local foods into school cafeterias statewide. Key features of the NY Farm to School Institute include:
- A two-day kickoff retreat in August 2024 at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction, NY
- Bi-monthly workshops for school teams
- A Farm to School action plan development and implementation award
- Coaching and peer networking for one year
- A celebratory Spring 2025 gathering in the Hudson Valley
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Sample Schedule
A year of participation in the NYFTSI
See the schedule
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Testimonials
What past participants have to say about their experience
Read the testimonials
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Success Stories
What participating schools have accomplished
See the stories
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Past Participants
See the Map
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Informational Webinar
Watch the Informational Webinar
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FAQ
See the answers to common questions
Questions?
Contact the FINYS team at [email protected] or 518-581-0078 for additional information or further questions about FINYS or the NY Farm to School Institute.
The New York State Farm to School Institute is a project of Farm to Institution New York State (FINYS), a collaborative initiative led by American Farmland Trust.