ALBANY, N.Y. (RFD-TV) — Efforts are gaining momentum to expand the amount of locally grown food served in New York State institutions, including schools, hospitals, and care facilities that provide meals to millions of residents each year.
Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust (AFT) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the organization is helping strengthen the connection between local farms and institutional food programs through the Farm to School initiative.
In her interview with RFD-TV News, Exline explained that the Farm to School program plays a key role in supporting local farmers while ensuring students have access to fresh, nutritious food. She emphasized that purchasing from nearby farms keeps food dollars within local economies and helps sustain family farms across the state.
AFT supports these efforts by helping schools source local products, offering guidance to farmers looking to work with schools, and advocating for policies that make local food procurement easier.
Exline encouraged farmers interested in participating to reach out to their local Farm to School coordinators or contact American Farmland Trust for resources and assistance in navigating contracts, supply logistics, and compliance requirements. She says the growing program is a win for both students and farmers—creating stronger food systems, healthier meals, and more resilient rural communities.
Let’s meet an inspiring young farmer leading the Tennessee FFA this year, but now has his sights set on the National stage.
September 22, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
September 22, 2025 01:06 PM
·
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
September 22, 2025 12:30 PM
·
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
September 22, 2025 10:21 AM
·
While symbolic, the WTO’s youth hackathon reflects growing calls for creative approaches to food trade and security, with potential implications for reducing losses, expanding biofuel markets, and stabilizing grain flows.
September 19, 2025 03:08 PM
·
Chad Collin, founder of The Quack Pack USA, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share his expertise in training Border Collies to serve as indispensable farm and ranch dogs.
September 19, 2025 02:56 PM
·
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
September 18, 2025 01:39 PM
·
Katelyn joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast and share her ag journey.
September 17, 2025 02:42 PM
·
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across the U.S. for the week of Monday, September 15, 2025.
September 15, 2025 01:52 PM
·
