Farm to School Frederick focuses on three key goals:
- Expanding access to locally grown, nutrient-dense foods for all Frederick residents.
- Offering hands-on, experiential education in food, nutrition, and agriculture to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of fruits and vegetables for health and well-being.
- Supporting local food and farming businesses by creating new market opportunities within the Frederick community.
These pillars guide our mission to build a healthier society and a more sustainable local food system that strengthens and nourishes our community.
A Conversation with Alysia Feuer, Executive Director
Tell us your business or organization origin story.
In 2018, our Farm to School initiative in Frederick took root after receiving a USDA Farm to School grant. With the vision and leadership of Community FARE (Food. Advocacy. Research. Education), Farm to School Frederick achieved notable progress, eventually transitioning from a program under Community FARE to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in April 2022. Farm to School Frederick exists because we believe that equitable access to fresh fruits and vegetables should not be a luxury but is a necessity that can have a dramatic positive impact on individual and community health.
What do you like most about being a business or organization located in Frederick County?
What we love most about being a nonprofit in Frederick County is the strong community spirit. This County welcomes anyone with the drive and commitment to serve others. When you work hard and have a clear vision, mission, and goals, you’ll find immense support and encouragement. It’s truly inspiring to be part of such a collaborative and uplifting community!
What makes your organization unique?
Though poor nutrition affects every demographic, diet-related diseases are overly represented in families of color, those living in rural communities, and low-income families where they have a harder time accessing healthy foods, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables. Our holistic approach addresses these challenges by increasing access to locally grown, highly nutritious foods and equipping individuals with practical skills for preparing and enjoying healthy meals, ultimately fostering improved health outcomes. We serve all food insecure Frederick residents from the youngest and oldest among us.
What do you want your business or organization to be known for, or what do you wish people knew about your business or organization?
How can the community support you?
Support Farm to School Frederick: Nourishing Our Community Together Farm to School Frederick invites local organizations, businesses, and community members to partner with us in addressing food insecurity and promoting nutrition security in Frederick County. By providing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, we can help improve the health of children, families, and seniors who need it most. We focus on more than just food security — we aim to ensure that all residents have access to nutrient-dense, whole foods that prevent diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Your partnership will not only help feed our community but also support local farmers and strengthen Frederick’s economy. Join us in creating a healthier, more resilient community, one nutritious meal at a time.
What do you do best?
Farm to School Frederick is blazing new pathways for food access to food insecure communities through a mobile farmers market, called the F2S Frederick Veggie Van.
How do we do it?
The F2S Veggie Van, equipped with a variety of fresh locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables visits underserved neighborhoods, schools, senior centers, and community events. We offer a pricing structure that combats rising food costs by using supplemental funding to moderate the price of fruits and vegetables being offered. We conduct demonstrations and nutrition education-focused activities to help families learn how to prepare delicious meals using nutrient-dense whole foods purchased at the mobile market.
Is there anything else exciting about your business that you want the Chamber membership to know about?
Since becoming a 501(c)(3) in April 2022, we’ve made significant strides in supporting the Frederick community. In 2023 alone, we reached over 7,000 children and families through fresh food distributions and hands-on experiential learning programs. By investing $18,266 into purchasing approximately 10,467 pounds of fresh, locally-grown produce from Frederick farmers, we reinforced our dedication to building a resilient local food system that benefits everyone.
In 2024, we’ve already surpassed these achievements. As of September 30th, we’ve purchased and distributed over $19,630 dollars of fresh fruits and vegetables, nourishing an estimated 7,685 food-insecure residents. Our continued growth is a testament to the positive impact we can make together, ensuring that everyone in Frederick has access to healthy, locally-grown food.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.