NORWICH – Thanks to a recent grant from New York State, DCMO BOCES will be able to continue their farm-to-school program, providing local, healthy meals while supporting regional farmers.

The local program, now in its third year, is available in 14 school districts in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties through a partnership between DCMO BOCES and its community partners, Rural Health Network of South Central NY and Sidney Central School District.

The $94,615 grant was part of $1.5 million awarded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to organizations across the state in support of the Farm-to-School program. The funding is intended to help schools connect with local farmers, increase the use of locally grown food on school menus, and improve student health, while providing increased economic benefits to New York’s farmers. With the grant, DCMO BOCES will support a Farm-to-School coordinator to oversee and implement regular NY Thursdays (where menus feature locally-produced foods), as well as support for other projects like school garden programs, farm visits for program managers, taste tests, and other related initiatives. Program partners will collaborate to develop, process, and distribute local products to be featured on lunch menus through the expanded NY Thursdays program.

According to Heather Rion, Farm-to-School Coordinator for the local partnership, the program serves over 10,000 K-12 students enrolled in 14 participating districts who will become more aware of NY farm products through NY Thursdays. “This program commits to an investment in small, rural schools and farms that have seen continued disinvestment,” she said. “By increasing the volume and variety of local products served on the students' trays in this region, the program team ensures high-quality and nutrient-dense meals for students.”

DCMO BOCES is a regional provider of educational services to students and schools, including adult learning programs, and operates school campuses in Sidney Center and Norwich. To find out more about their services and programs, visit www.dcmoboces.com.

- Information from DCMO BOCES