SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan 180 was selected for a $100,000 USDA Farm to School Implementation Grant for 2023.

Over the course of 24 months, the grant will enhance community health and well-being, according to a news release from Sullivan 180.

The first major initiative involves the establishment of the School Nutrition Action Coalition (SNAC). Partners include Cornell Cooperative, Harvest NY, A Single Bite and the Sullivan County Youth Bureau. 

During the initial 18 months, Sullivan 180 and school partners will figure out the best way to bring kids to healthy food in the nine Sullivan County school districts.

A regional conference will follow, and student ambassadors will show how this would work, “inspiring and driving change throughout the region,” a spokesperson wrote.

The program will create a stronger connection between schools and local producers, according to the release. Partners include Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Catskills Food Hub plus school food service directors, and the goal is to get more local food into schools. 

A youth-led campaign will be developed around Farm to School efforts. The campaign, according to the news release, is intended to empower the next generation to become advocates for healthy eating and community engagement.

“Sullivan 180 is deeply grateful for the opportunity presented by the USDA Farm to School Grant,” said Sandra Gerry, founder and current board member of Sullivan 180. “Through this opportunity, we look forward to supporting local agriculture by fostering a sustainable connection between producers and our school cafeterias. This will be a giant step toward offering healthy, nourishing breakfast and lunch options to our more than 10,000 Sullivan County school-age children.”

For more information, call development director Shanna Nigro-Gonzalez at 845/295-2682 or email Shanna@sullivan180.org. 

Sullivan 180 is working to build a healthy community, one degree at a time, through people, places and policy with support from Bold Gold Media Group, the River Reporter, the Sullivan County Democrat, Manor Ink and WJFF Radio Catskill. Learn more at www.Sullivan180.org or www.Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.