Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What trend is impacting schools and school lunches across the country?

2. Why is this trend beneficial?

3. Describe the Ventura program. What four points does the program focus on?

4. Where are these programs most successful? Why?

5. Where are these programs least successful? Why?

6. What challenges face any school involved in a farm to school program?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. According to the article, many in the movement believe that existing laws should be funded to help subsidize farm-to-school programs. What do you think? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.

2. Look at your community. Is your school ripe to become a National Farm to School Network candidate? Why or why not? What obstacles does your school face? What opportunities? Create a workable plan for your school.

3. What are other "buy local" programs? Think about the possibilities for businesses and government offices. Do such programs work? What are the obstacles?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.