TDA’s 2024 Texas Farm Fresh Challenge for Schools Launched

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller this week kicked off the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) 2024 Texas Farm Fresh Challenge (press release).

Image: Texas Dept. of Agriculture

This annual event shines a spotlight on schools and childcare centers that go the extra mile by serving Texas grown products, incorporating agricultural education, and sharing their efforts on social media. Aligning with National Farm to School Month, October in Texas is all about celebrating healthy school meals and honoring the hardworking farmers, ranchers, and producers who make it possible.

Nearly $14 Million Last Year

Last year, the Farm Fresh Challenge drove nearly $14 million in spending on local Texas products — an impressive 31.5 percent increase from 2022. Participants also helped add 41 new agricultural producers to the TDA Farm Fresh Network, which now boasts over 250 Texas producers ready to supply schools and childcare centers with fresh, local fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and more for federal nutrition programs.

For 2024, the Challenge introduces an exciting new recognition tier — Cream of the Crop — designed to reward participants who go above and beyond in incorporating even more Texas-grown items into their meals.

To help schools and childcare centers reach any level of recognition, TDA offers curated Texas recipes, a newly launched Success Guide with step-by-step strategies, a tracking tool for monitoring progress, and additional educational resources like flashcards, word games, and coloring pages. These materials complement TDA’s existing social media toolkit and promotional stickers and buttons, making participation both fun and engaging for students.

More info:
SquareMeals.org/FarmFreshChallenge.