Farm-to-School Coordinator
Coordinates agricultural procurement and educational programs to connect local farms with school districts.
Overview
The role involves balancing administrative duties with active community engagement and field visits to local farms. Daily work revolves around managing the logistical bridge between small-scale agricultural producers and the rigid procurement requirements of large institutional kitchens. This requires a rhythm of cyclical planning tied to both the academic calendar and regional growing seasons, necessitating high levels of organization and adaptability.
Success in this career depends on the ability to translate technical agricultural data into actionable educational and nutritional plans. Those who thrive in the role typically possess a deep interest in public health and sustainable food systems, combined with the interpersonal skills required to manage diverse stakeholders from cafeteria staff to local government officials. The work solves the dual problem of improving student health outcomes and providing stable market channels for local farmers.
responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Manage procurement contracts between local farmers and school district food service directors.
- Develop and integrate agricultural lesson plans into the existing kindergarten through grade twelve curriculum.
- Organize experiential learning opportunities such as farm tours, tasting events, and school garden activities.
- Monitor and report on program performance metrics including local spend percentages and student participation rates.
- Write and manage federal, state, and private grants to secure funding for program expansion.
- Facilitate communication between school boards, parents, and agricultural producers to align program goals.
- Ensure all local food procurement complies with USDA and state-level food safety and nutrition standards.
Qualifications
- A bachelor degree in nutrition, agriculture, public health, or a related field is required.
- Extensive knowledge of institutional food procurement regulations and food safety standards is essential.
- Professional experience in project management within an educational or agricultural context is necessary.
- Proven ability to manage budgets and execute grant-funded programs is required.
- Strong proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools is mandatory for tracking program impact.
Nice to have
- A master degree in public policy or agricultural economics is highly regarded.
- Existing relationships within the regional farming community or state agricultural extensions are beneficial.
- Experience in community organizing or public advocacy within the food systems sector is preferred.
- Certification in school nutrition or sustainable agriculture is an advantage.
Work environment
- The role is typically hybrid, split between office-based administrative work and site visits to farms and schools.
- Collaboration occurs daily with diverse groups including school administrators, kitchen staff, and independent farmers.
- Work hours generally follow the standard school week, though seasonal events may require weekend or evening availability.
- Local travel is frequently required to visit production facilities and attend regional food hub meetings.
- Tools utilized include procurement software, project management platforms, and nutritional analysis databases.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation often includes standard public sector or non-profit benefits packages and pension plans.
- Career progression typically leads to roles such as Director of School Nutrition or Regional Food Systems Manager.
- Professional development is often supported through state-level agricultural conferences and specialized training.
- Opportunities exist to transition into food policy advocacy or large-scale institutional sustainability consulting.
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