The Salamanca City School District is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as part of its Farm-to-School initiative. This grant will fund the creation of a food truck designed to support the district’s efforts to broaden the procurement and use of locally sourced produce and meats.
The new food truck will not only serve as a mobile hub for promoting fresh, local food but will also provide hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in business, culinary arts, and cultural events. Students will gain real-world experience in areas such as food preparation, event management, and entrepreneurship, with a special focus on building connections to the local agricultural community.
"We are thrilled to be one of 16 recipients of this grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets,” said Assistant Superintendent Karen Magara. "This project will allow us to expand our partnerships with local farmers, enhance our students' educational experiences, and bring fresh, nutritious food to our community in a creative and engaging way."
The food truck will also play a role in cultural events, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage of the Salamanca community. It will support the district’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and sustainability through the use of locally sourced ingredients.
This initiative is part of a larger state-wide effort led by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which recently awarded over $1.5 million to 16 Farm-to-School programs across the state. These grants are aimed at increasing access to fresh, local foods in schools while supporting local farmers.
For more information on the Farm-to-School program and other grant recipients, please visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website at https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/state-agriculture-commissioner-announces-over-15-million-awarded-16-farm-school-programs.