Downingtown gets farm to school grant

KENNETT SQUARE >> State Rep. Christina Sappey, D158th, of West Bradford, announced that Downingtown Area School District was awarded a state grant that will help improve access to healthy, local food in school and increase agriculture awareness.

Downingtown Area School District was awarded a $15,000 Farm to School Grant by the Pennsylvania

Department of Agriculture. The grant will be used to help with the procurement of local foods for cafeterias in five elementary schools.

“As a supporter of increasing agriculture education and awareness in our schools, I’m thrilled to see this grant awarded,” said Sappey. “It’s important that students learn the critical role that agriculture plays in our communities and our economy. Introducing young students to locally grown foods is an excellent way to start.”

Sappey said the grant builds on previous state investments made through the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, including Ag and Youth grants to the Chester County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Future Farmers and the Chester County Intermediate Unit last year. Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed a third round of funding for the 2021-22 state budget.

“I was proud to vote for the PA Farm Bill in 2019, and it’s exciting to see this funding support projects here in Chester County,” said Sappey, who serves on the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee. “Helping students understand where their food comes from can spark an interest in agriculture and encourage them to explore everything this important industry has to offer.”