Creating a Cost Neutral, Program-Funded Local Food Purchasing Incentive within the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
March 19, 2026 2:00PM - 2:45PM
Learn how the New Jersey Department of Agriculture developed a first-of-its-kind, cost-neutral local food purchasing incentive within the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Flexibility within the program’s allocation structure allowed the state to create a simple model that financially incentivizes schools serving New Jersey-grown produce at least twelve times per year. This innovative approach stretches program dollars, has resulted in more purchases from local farms, and connects classroom nutrition education with farm to school learning through the “Jersey Tastes” campaign. An added advantage is that state agency administration for this program is already covered by the USDA. Join us to hear how this replicable strategy can strengthen local farming economies without additional state funding.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture Speakers:
- Nicole Broadwater, Farm to School Coordinator
- Michelle Murdock, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Coordinator
This project is co-facilitated by National Farm to School Network, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
Print
Email