USDA says Schools across the United States purchased $789 million in local foods in the school year 2013 - 2014. The new data represents a 105 percent increase over the 2011 - 2012 school year when the first census was conducted. USDA says the results show the deepening commitment of schools nationwide to bring local food into the cafeteria. Schools report that farm to school programs can increase the number of students purchasing school breakfast and lunch, improve consumption of healthier foods at school, and reduce plate waste. The census data shows that school gardens, which can be both teaching tools and sources of fresh produce, have nearly tripled over the past two years. At the national level, 42 percent of school districts that responded to the census are operating farm to school programs as of the 2014-2015 school year, and another 16 percent – more than 2,000 districts – have plans to start in the future.
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