SC Farm to School Summit

Welcome to the SC Farm to School Summit!

Join us for the 2025 SC Farm to School Summit hosted by the South Carolina Department of Education, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and Clemson Extension. The day-long event will be held at the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center in Columbia, SC.

Participants will experience a fun-filled day of learning, networking, and helping to bridge the gap from farm to school. This event is the perfect opportunity for educators, school nutrition professionals, agricultural producers and community organizations to come together and discover ways to bring fresh, local produce into our schools.

From interactive speakers to action-oriented workshops, you'll leave feeling inspired, confident and ready to make a difference in your community. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of the farm-to-school movement in South Carolina!

Why Attend:

This year's SC Farm to School Summit theme is "Bridging the Gap from Farm to School." The focus will be on facilitating connections, providing support and resources, and empowering educators and farmers in our state to continue the Farm to School movement. The activities throughout the conference will provide all attendees with actionable takeaways, partnerships, and confidence to make a change in their schools and communities.

Who Should Attend:

• Educators and School Administrators- Discover creative ways to integrate local foods into your classrooms and curriculum.
• Nutrition service professionals, Farmers and Agricultural producers- Create a network of action items and resources to bring local foods to cafeterias and support local agriculture practices.
• Wellness & public health professionals, Extension Agents, Master Gardener Volunteers, Community Organizers, and Policymakers- Connect with educators and producers and learn how you can support farm-to-school initiatives in your area.

What to Expect:

8:30- 9:00 am Registration and Breakfast

9:00-9:30 am Welcome

9:30-11:30 am Morning Breakout Sessions

Nutrition Services Track:

• School Food Rocks
• Micro Purchases and Local Procurement

Schools and Education Track:

• How to Grow an Agriculture Program
• Let’s Build a Farm!
• Harvesting Healthy Habits: Community Partners Supporting Gardens

11:30 am-12:30 pm Lunch

12:30-2:30 pm Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Nutrition Services Track:

• Implementing a Harvest of the Month Program
• We Go Together Like Peas and Carrots- Food Safety and Food Waste

Schools and Education Track:

• Aquaponics
• How to Develop Future Farmers
• Innovative School Gardens

2:30-3:00 pm Closing Session

Please visit https://scfarmtoschool.com/initiatives/farm-to-institute-projects/summit/ for additional information about this event and ways to get involved. You can also reach out to schoolgardens@clemson.edu.