Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program (FASLP)

Overview

<p>The FASLP purpose is to increase knowledge of agriculture and improve the nutritional health of children. The primary goals of the FASLP are to (7 U.S.C. 7633):</p> <p>1. Increase capacity for food, garden, and nutrition education within host organizations or entities and school cafeterias and in the classroom;</p> <p>2. Complement and build on the efforts of the farm to school programs implemented under section 18(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769(g));</p> <p>3. Complement efforts by the Department and school food authorities to implement the school lunch programs established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq,) and the school breakfast program established by section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773);</p> <p>4. Carry out activities that advance the nutritional health of children and nutrition education in elementary schools and secondary schools (as those terms are defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C 7801); and</p> <p>5. Foster higher levels of community engagement and support the expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities.</p> <p>Food and Agriculture Service Learning Programs are intended to increase knowledge of agriculture and improve the nutritional health of children, and to bring together stakeholders from the distinct parts of the food system to increase the capacity for food, garden, and nutrition education within host organizations or entities, such as school cafeterias and classrooms, while fostering higher levels of community engagement between farms and school systems. The initiative is part of a broader effort to not only increase access to school meals for low-income children, but also to dramatically improve their quality.</p> <p>The development of leadership skills, knowledge, and qualities are necessary to prepare students for agricultural and related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. Teaching applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities upon graduation.</p>