Texas Department Of Agriculture’s Farm Fresh Network Reaches 100 Member Milestone (1/24/2019)

For Immediate Release:
January 24, 2019

AUSTIN – One hundred agricultural producers in Texas have joined the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Farm Fresh Network. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller created the Farm Fresh Network in 2015 to help connect Texans to local agriculture through nutrition programs administered by TDA. TDA will recognize the achievement at the TDA Community Nutrition Conference, February 11-13, 2019, in Georgetown, TX.

“The momentum we’ve achieved in only three years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Texas producers and our partners in child nutrition programs.” Commissioner Miller said. “Reaching this milestone is evidence of our continued success in bringing Texas farm fresh foods to child nutrition programs throughout Texas.”

The Farm Fresh Network is a part of Commissioner Miller’s Farm Fresh Initiative, which promotes the use of fresh, locally-grown Texas products in child nutrition programs. Schools, child care centers and summer meal program sponsors can use the Farm Fresh Network online map to find Texas producers who are currently selling or interested in selling their products to these TDA partners. Clicking on a map location displays contact information for the Farm Fresh Network member, as well as the product availability and the distribution radius.

“Becoming involved in the Farm Fresh Network allows me, as an olive grower, to expand my markets,” said Cathy Bernell, of Lone Star Olive Ranch.

The network is one way the Farm Fresh Initiative builds connections between local farmers and ranchers and the TDA partners operating federal nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. For more information about the Farm Fresh Network and the Texas Farm Fresh Initiative, visit Squaremeals.org/FarmFreshNetwork and FarmFreshFridays.org. Learn more about the Community Nutrition Conference at Squaremeals.org/CommunityInvolvement/Events.

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For media interviews with Commissioner Sid Miller on this or other issues, please contact:

Contact: Maddison Jaureguito

(512) 463-7899