FARMED OUT

While schools are offering healthier menu choices, what seems like a no-brainer -- feeding local kids locally grown food -- is surprisingly hard to do.

Many barriers keep organic food out of school lunches
In the Puget Sound region, consumers increasingly want fresh, local food. So, what are we feeding our kids in public schools?

Olympia district's program a role model
Olympia's public school students are eating organic food, and thanks to a farm-to-school program, the district is a national model.

How various programs got their start
A look at how different farm-to-school and nutrition programs got their start.

Fresh-produce market makes some gains with schools
Though small or midsized Washington farmers are interested in selling to large buyers such as school districts and hospitals, few have made it work. But there are signs of change.

Hospital jumps on the farm-fresh bandwagon
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle is offering workers and patients locally grown fresh produce. It's the kind of relationship-building some hope can forge new links between local farms and institutional cafeterias.