Veteran Farmers & School Nutrition: Connecting Local Food to Indiana Schools

At Ease Orchard is proud to support a USDA-funded initiative that strengthens Indiana’s school nutrition programs by increasing access to locally grown food. This project focuses on bridging the gap between Veteran farmers and schools, creating meaningful connections that benefit students, farmers, and communities alike.

Supporting Schools with Fresh, Local Food

This program is designed to enhance school nutrition by integrating more locally sourced food into cafeterias across Indiana. By partnering with military veteran farmers, schools gain access to fresh, high-quality ingredients that support student health and well-being while also educating the next generation about sustainable agriculture and the importance of local food systems.

Opportunities for Veteran Farmers

Veteran farmers bring invaluable skills, dedication, and a deep sense of service to their communities. However, many face challenges transitioning to agricultural careers post-service. This initiative creates pathways for Veteran farmers to:

• Sell their products to schools through established procurement channels.

• Gain access to training and resources that help them navigate food safety, distribution, and marketing.

• Build lasting relationships with local schools and food service providers.

Why This Matters

By fostering connections between Veteran farmers and school nutrition programs, this project:

• Strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars within Indiana communities. Click here to see currently participating Indiana Farms.

• Promotes agricultural education by exposing students to where their food comes from and how it’s grown.

• Honors Veterans by supporting their transition into farming careers and recognizing their continued contributions to society.

• Improves food security by making fresh, nutritious, and locally sourced food more accessible to students.

Get Involved

At Ease Orchard is committed to making this initiative a success. Whether you’re a Veteran farmer interested in participating, a school looking to source local food, or a community member eager to support, there are ways to get involved.

For more information on how you can take part in this program, contact Rachel@ateaseorchard.com today!

Quick Resources:

Webinar for veteran farmers 

Procurement Toolkit

Protein Procurement Guide 

Procurement Info Webinar 

USDA Producers Guide

Farmer Resource Hub