What are some of the challenges facing Farm to Cafeteria programs?
Despite all their benefits, farm to cafeteria projects can be challenging to establish and maintain. They often require extra labor, staff training, new equipment, and changes in the way food is delivered, packaged and procured. Local food can be more costly, over against subsidized school lunch programs procured in bulk and “cheap” fast food with its hidden health coats. These extra costs, the mismatch between the school calendar and the growing season in colder climates, and staff inertia are all potential barriers to the growth of farm to cafeteria projects.
