U.S. Schools Spent $1.8 Billion on Local Food
New data reveals over half of schools now use farm-to-school programs to source fresh food for students.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
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Should your local community prioritize sourcing food for schools from regional farm suppliers?
A new USDA Economic Research Service report found that participating schools spent $1.8 billion on local food products between 2022 and 2023. These programs currently serve as the most frequently enacted regional food policy across the country.
Why it matters
Expanding these initiatives requires overcoming significant logistical hurdles, as many communities lack the specialized supply chains needed to sort, process, and package local farm products for large-scale institutional use.
The USDA Economic Research Service analyzed school procurement pathways and found that schools spent $1.8 billion on local food from 2022 to 2023. While over half of all U.S. schools participate in these programs, the specific impact on food quality at the school level remains under study.
The players
USDA Economic Research Service
A federal agency that provides economic analysis and research to support public food and agricultural policy.
Becca Jablonski
A researcher focused on regional food systems who is scheduled to present new procurement findings at Climate Week NYC.
The details
Local food procurement requires robust infrastructure to aggregate, sort, and process goods before they reach school kitchens. The report details how schools navigate various supply chain pathways to incorporate regional products into their daily meal service. Many communities currently struggle to bridge the gap between regional agricultural producers and the stringent processing requirements of school food systems.
Timeline
Between 2022 and 2023, participating schools spent $1.8 billion on local food.
On September 24, 2026, a procurement dashboard will be presented at Climate Week NYC.
Health Landscape
This report highlights the evolution of the National Farm to School Program from a grassroots movement into a standard institutional practice. It tracks how regional food systems are attempting to integrate into the existing landscape of school-based nutritional care.
Increased local food sourcing in schools may provide students with fresher, seasonal produce options throughout the academic year. Parents interested in the origin of school meals can consult their local district's wellness policy or contact their child's school nutrition director.
The takeaway
The growth of farm-to-school programs demonstrates a significant shift in how public institutions source food for student health. Families should check their local school district website or annual wellness report to identify whether their schools participate in regional procurement programs.
What happens next
Becca Jablonski is scheduled to present a new food procurement dashboard at Climate Week NYC on September 24, 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on how institutional sourcing influences the quality of school nutrition, see our guide to Organic Food.
Live Poll
Should your local community prioritize sourcing food for schools from regional farm suppliers?
