NEA prison, school district leading state’s new farm-to-school meal program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - A Northeast Arkansas prison and a school district are at the forefront of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ new farm-to-school food program.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ facilities in Newport will grow and harvest fresh produce for the Marion School District.

Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, corn, watermelon, strawberries, potatoes, onions, squash, okra, pumpkins, and blueberries are just some of the fresh fruits and veggies MSD students will find on their breakfast and lunch trays in the upcoming school year.

“Combatting food insecurity — especially among kids — is a top priority for my administration, and this program can be a model for our state,” said Governor Sanders.

“This pilot program exemplifies the kind of cross-agency innovation that supports both student success and community well-being,” said Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “By bringing fresh, locally grown food directly to our schools, we’re not only strengthening nutrition and wellness in the classroom — we’re also making real-world farm-to-school connections. We’re proud to partner in this effort to combat food insecurity and support our students in every way possible.”

The program was created by the governor’s faith-based initiatives office in partnership with the ADC, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and the Arkansas Department of Education.

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