Program Overview

Purpose

This resource is for any organization, business or school seeking to motivate and empower students to increase consumption and enjoyment of local agricultural products in Louisiana. This tool kit will help guide you to use the resources available through Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program and implement a successful Louisiana Harvest of the Month program.

Electronic versions and updates of the Louisiana Harvest of the Month Tool Kit are available on the Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program website at www.SeedstoSuccess.com.

Description

The Louisiana Harvest of the Month program (LA HOM) is designed to bring fresh local agricultural products into participating schools and communities. Each month, one Louisiana agricultural product is highlighted throughout the school. The product is purchased through the school and served in the cafeteria as a meal, snack or taste test. LA HOM allows schools and districts to start small and grow at a rate at which they feel comfortable and confident. If you currently have any of these types of programs or would like to, Louisiana Harvest of the Month can serve as a complement to any work already being done. Any or all of these elements paired with Harvest of the Month strengthen the ability to increase local agricultural product consumption in schools while supporting local farmers and the community.

The objective of the Louisiana Harvest of the Month Tool Kit is to:

• Increase access to local fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products through school meal programs, classrooms and gardens.
• Increase knowledge and familiarity with local agricultural products.
• Increase morale and knowledge among food service staff.
• Provide a significant financial opportunity for local farmers.
• Increase meal participation.
• Create an opportunity for students to try local products and develop a preference for them.

The Louisiana Harvest of the Month Tool Kit is composed of four key elements: engagement, education, recipes and promotion. These elements are most effective when used together but can be used separately in a variety of settings.

For more information, please see PDF.