Bristol Township School District Receives PA Farm Bill Farm-to-School Grant

Bristol Township School District (BTSD) is receiving a $15,000 grant to purchase locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables, state Representative Tina Davis announced.

PA Farm Bill Farm-to-School Grant is funding the award. Funded projects connect local farmers to schools to supply fresh, in-season products to be served in cafeterias, expanding market opportunities for farmers. Other projects support school gardens, field trips, and other hands-on agriculture education, enriching early awareness of career opportunities.

This grant is going to fund the planned “Farm Fresh Spotlight” program at Armstrong and Franklin middle schools, according to the Bristol Township School District.

“The grant is a win-win for the local community,” Davis said. “Our school children learn healthy eating habits at an early age while supporting our local farms.”

The district’s plan is to partner with local vendors, farms, and farmers to supply the schools with Pennsylvania-grown fruits, vegetables, and possibly some dairy products to be placed on the school menu.

BTSD plans to complement this initiative by offering educational materials to students that teach them about the food’s origins. The overall intention of the program is to bring students closer to their local food system and focus on healthy eating habits.

Davis represents the 141st District, comprising Bristol Borough and Bristol Township in Bucks County.