Supporting Florida’s Agricultural Future
Empowering Communities with Farm Fresh Meals
At American Farm to Institute (AFTI), our advocacy efforts are centered around creating sustainable, locally sourced meal programs that benefit both Florida’s communities and its agricultural economy. One of our primary initiatives, the Florida Agricultural Reimbursable Meals to Institutions Incentive, is a testament to our commitment to this cause.
The Initiative: Florida Agricultural Reimbursable Meals to Institutions Incentive
This initiative is a collaborative effort between farmers, AFTI, and school districts to provide locally sourced foods to schools and healthcare facilities across Florida. By focusing on the procurement of agricultural products grown within the state, we aim to deliver healthy, farm-fresh meal components to Florida’s consumers while simultaneously bolstering the local agricultural economy.
Key Goals
Provide Nutritious Meals: Ensure that students and patients in Florida receive healthy, locally sourced meals that support their well-being.
Support Local Farmers: Secure reimbursement funds that enable Florida farmers to sell their products directly to schools and healthcare facilities, expanding their market reach.
Expand Food Accessibility: Empower schools and healthcare facilities to purchase high-quality, locally grown foods that would otherwise be out of reach due to budgetary constraints, ensuring that all Floridians have access to fresh, nutritious meals.
Boost Florida’s Economy: Generate significant economic impact by strengthening local purchasing networks and enhancing the state’s agricultural economy.
Projected Impact
40 Million Meals: An estimated 40 million farm-fresh meals will be served in Florida schools and healthcare facilities in 2025 through this initiative.
Economic Growth: Based on data submitted by school districts, every dollar spent on agricultural product procurement is expected to generate $2 in economic impact for the aspects of the Florida economy directly connected to these purchases. (Please note that this 1:2 impact ratio is specific to school district data and may vary when applied to other institutions.)
Increased Funding: The initiative will secure an estimated $10 million in funding for Florida school districts and healthcare facilities, allowing them to procure 50 million pounds of food from Florida farms.
Why This Matters
The Florida Agricultural Reimbursable Meals to Institutions Incentive is more than just a meal program; it’s a pathway to a stronger, healthier Florida. By prioritizing local food systems and supporting our farmers, we’re creating a sustainable cycle that nourishes our communities and drives economic growth.
Join us in advocating for a future where every meal served in Florida’s schools and healthcare facilities is not only healthy and delicious but also locally sourced. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health of our communities and the vitality of our agricultural economy.
Contact us.
Email us directly:
FARMII@FARMTOINSTITUTE.COM