National Farm to School Month

National Farm to School Month takes place every October across the United States. It is a month-long campaign designed to connect K–12 schools and early child care centers with local agricultural producers, fresh seasonal food, and hands-on agricultural education.

The movement began informally in the late 1990s as grass-roots partnerships between local farms and school districts were trying to reduce heavily processed cafeteria offerings.

In Iowa, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship established Iowa Local Food Day every October to coincide with National Farm to School Month. To participate, school cafeterias must serve at least two lunch or breakfast items sourced entirely from Iowa farmers and producers. Cafeterias spotlight a specific seasonal ingredient during October (such as winter squash, apples, or sweet potatoes), serving it in meals alongside taste tests, recipes for home, and educational flyers.