NEWESD 101 Farm to School Team Brings Fresh Ideas Home from National Conference
Posted on 01/02/2026
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NEWESD 101’s Farm to School team recently traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to attend the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, a national gathering focused on strengthening the connection between schools, students, and local food systems.
Throughout the conference, team members participated in a variety of breakout sessions aligned to the topics they support most in their day-to-day work. Session themes included state policy across the nation, creating unlikely partnerships, farm to school value-chain success stories and examples, and strategies for building successful school garden programs that connect not only to the kitchen, but also to STEM learning. The team also explored student-led initiatives, food justice, and additional approaches that help schools expand access to fresh, local foods while deepening student engagement.
The conference also provided valuable time to reconnect with colleagues from across Washington state. The attached photo features the extended Washington state farm to school crew, a group that remains deeply engaged in this work and excited to continue building relationships that support school nutrition teams, educators, and community partners.
NEWESD 101’s Farm to School program helps schools and districts strengthen local procurement efforts, grow partnerships, and create meaningful food and learning experiences for students across northeast Washington.
Learn more about NEWESD 101 Farm to School