Arkansas is among the first states to join a new federal initiative aimed at bringing more locally produced food into school cafeterias and improving school meals.
Arkansas has signed a voluntary pledge to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new “Harvest to Hallways” initiative.
The program is designed to strengthen the connection between American agriculture and school meals while helping schools improve their kitchens.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Arkansas is among the first states to sign the pledge.
The initiative includes several efforts, including expanding opportunities for schools to purchase locally produced food.
The USDA also plans to invest $50 million in school cafeteria infrastructure, including equipment such as cold storage and stoves.
Another $25 million in Farm to School grants is planned for the 2026 fiscal year to help schools incorporate more locally produced foods into child nutrition programs.
The initiative also calls for efforts to encourage healthier school meals and research into practical, cost-effective ways to improve their nutritional quality.
Health and agriculture officials say the overall goal is to bring more food from American farms into school cafeterias while creating new markets for farmers and ranchers.
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