Farm to School Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable living, the focus on Farm to School Coordinators is more crucial than ever.

As society advances towards healthier and local food options, the demand for skilled individuals who can bridge the gap between local farms and school cafeterias increases.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a Farm to School Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to sketch out the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about what it takes to be a Farm to School Coordinator,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Farm to School Coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Farm to School Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Farm to School Coordinators play a key role in connecting schools with local farms and helping schools implement healthy, locally-sourced meals in their cafeterias.

They also often facilitate educational opportunities about agriculture, health, and nutrition for students.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with local farmers, school officials, and community organizations
• Coordinating the purchase, delivery, and use of locally-grown food in school cafeterias
• Developing and implementing school garden programs
• Planning and organizing educational events and activities, such as farm visits, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition workshops
• Working with school nutrition staff to develop menus that incorporate local products
• Providing training and resources for teachers to integrate food and agriculture into their curriculum
• Developing and managing a budget for the Farm to School program
• Applying for grants and fundraising to support the program
• Promoting the Farm to School program to students, parents, and the community
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the Farm to School program

 

Farm to School Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Farm to School Coordinator to oversee and manage the implementation of farm-to-school programs in our school district.

This includes developing relationships with local farmers, coordinating food sourcing and purchasing, and developing educational programs related to agriculture and nutrition.

The ideal candidate will have a background in agriculture, education, or nutrition, and a passion for promoting health and sustainability within our community.

They will also need to possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders such as farmers, educators, and school administration.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement farm to school programs in accordance with district goals and objectives
• Establish and maintain relationships with local farmers and food distributors
• Coordinate the procurement of locally-sourced food for school cafeterias
• Collaborate with educators to develop and implement curriculum related to agriculture and nutrition
• Plan and organize farm visits and other educational events for students
• Monitor and report on program progress and effectiveness
• Assist with grant writing and fundraising efforts to support program initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in program coordination, preferably in an agricultural or educational setting
• Knowledge of sustainable farming practices and local food systems
• Experience in developing and implementing curriculum or educational programs
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders
• A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, education, nutrition, or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Community involvement and impact

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Farm to School Coordinator
• Work Environment: This role will be based in our district office with frequent travel to local farms and schools.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of School Nutrition Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Farm to School Coordinator Do?

A Farm to School Coordinator works to bridge the gap between local farms and schools.

This can be at a district, county, or state level, depending on the scope of the program.

They work closely with farmers, educators, and school nutrition staff to integrate locally grown or produced foods into school meals or snacks.

They also help develop and implement educational programs related to agriculture, food, health, and nutrition.

Part of their job is to coordinate visits to local farms and arrange for farmers to visit schools to educate children about how food is grown.

They may also help with school gardens, where students can learn about agriculture hands-on.

In addition, Farm to School Coordinators seek out and apply for grants and other funding opportunities to support their programs.

They are also responsible for ensuring that the program complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including food safety standards.

They also often have a role in advocating for policies that support the farm to school movement, whether at the local, state, or federal level.

Overall, the goal of a Farm to School Coordinator is to improve children’s nutrition, support local agriculture, and educate children about where their food comes from.

 

Farm to School Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Farm to School Coordinator should have a variety of qualifications and skills that align with the nature of the role, including:

• Understanding of sustainable agriculture and education to provide comprehensive farm to school programs.
• Experience in project management and organization to ensure the smooth running of programs, often managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to liaise between farmers, school administrators, teachers, students, and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements to help in planning and implementing healthy meals for school children.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting, often coordinating efforts between various groups for program success.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any issues or obstacles that arise in the planning and execution of farm to school programs.
• Ability to provide educational presentations and workshops to students, staff, and community members about the benefits of local, sustainable agriculture.
• Experience in grants writing and fundraising for the sustainability of the program.
• Passion for and commitment to improving child nutrition, supporting local economies, and educating children about the origins of food.

 

Farm to School Coordinator Experience Requirements

Farm to School Coordinators typically need to have a mix of experience in education, nutrition, agriculture, and project management.

Entry-level candidates should have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a relevant field, such as nutrition education, community outreach, or sustainable agriculture.

This experience could be gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer positions.

Entry-level candidates may also have a background in event planning or community organizing.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a more in-depth understanding of agricultural practices, local food systems, and school nutrition programs.

They may have experience in roles such as Food Service Manager, Nutrition Educator, or Community Garden Coordinator.

Those with over 5 years of experience will likely have some leadership or managerial experience.

They may have overseen food procurement for a large institution, managed a school garden program, or coordinated community outreach initiatives for a food bank or similar organization.

At this level, candidates should have a proven track record of building partnerships and securing funding for programs.

They should also have experience coordinating events and managing volunteers.

 

Farm to School Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Farm to School Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, education, nutrition, environmental sciences, or a related field.

They should have a deep understanding of local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and the principles of farm to school programs.

This role often requires knowledge in areas such as procurement, food safety regulations, education, outreach, and community relations.

This can be gained through relevant work experience or specialized coursework.

In addition to their degree, Farm to School Coordinators may benefit from certifications such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule training, or other related certificates.

Some positions may prefer or require Farm to School Coordinators to have teaching experience, or experience in managing volunteers or other staff.

Continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars, or further degrees in areas such as sustainable agriculture, nutritional science, or education can help a Farm to School Coordinator stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in the field.

Lastly, strong organizational and communication skills are also crucial for this role to effectively coordinate between farmers, schools, and community members.

 

Farm to School Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Farm to School Coordinator earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ based on years of experience, specific skills, location, and the size of the organization.

 

Farm to School Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Farm to School Coordinator need?

Farm to School Coordinators should have strong organizational and communication skills as they are responsible for overseeing and coordinating various activities related to the farm-to-school program.

They also need to have a good knowledge of sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and nutritional education.

Being resourceful and able to develop partnerships with farmers, schools, and community organizations are also crucial skills.

 

Do Farm to School Coordinators need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, many employers prefer candidates with a degree in fields related to food systems, nutrition, education, environmental studies, or agriculture.

However, experience in farm-to-school programs, community outreach, and program coordination can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Farm to School Coordinator resume?

A Farm to School Coordinator’s resume should highlight experience in program coordination, education, and community outreach.

They should also have experience or knowledge about agriculture, local food systems, and nutrition.

Look for candidates who have demonstrated the ability to build relationships with diverse groups, such as farmers, educators, students, and community members.

 

What qualities make a good Farm to School Coordinator?

A good Farm to School Coordinator is passionate about sustainable agriculture and nutrition education.

They are excellent communicators and have strong organizational skills.

Being a team player is also essential, as they often need to work with various stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, students, farmers, and community organizations.

 

What are the primary responsibilities of a Farm to School Coordinator?

A Farm to School Coordinator oversees the implementation and management of farm to school programs.

This includes coordinating with local farmers to supply fresh produce to schools, organizing educational activities related to food and nutrition, and promoting the program within the community.

They also may be responsible for evaluating the program’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve tilled the soil to uncover the essence of being a Farm to School Coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about cultivating the future of local food systems, one school at a time.

With our ready-made Farm to School Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every seed planted is part of a bigger harvest.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

How to Become a Farm to School Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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