The results are in! Last week, in celebration of National Agriculture Day, USDA announced the results of the second-ever Farm to School Census. The census showed that schools across the U.S. purchased $789 million in local foods in school year 2013-2014; a 105 percent increase over the 2011-2012 school year.

That’s good news for kids and good news for farmers too.

USDA estimates that 5,254 school districts representing 42,587 schools and serving over 23.6 million children are buying local products and teaching children where food comes from. Farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food manufacturers are recognizing the growing market potential in locally and regionally produced products, and that what’s good for children can also be good for business. This connection to our food serves to help our next generation make better food choices and lead healthier lives while providing new sources of revenue for our hardworking farmers and ranchers.

Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman also accompanied leaders from 34 agribusinesses and organizations on a trade mission to Peru and Chile. While in Peru, they announced that the U.S. government has reached an agreement with the government of Peru to remove barriers for U.S. beef exports to the country that had been in effect since 2003. This agreement opens the Peruvian market, one of the fastest growing markets in Latin America, to all American beef and beef products.

This month we are celebrating National Nutrition Month and highlighting the seven years of monumental changes to our nation’s nutrition programs under the Obama Administration. Follow along throughout the month on usda.gov, on the USDA blog and by using #USDAResults. You can also catch up on Chapter I and Chapter II by visiting our Medium site at: www.usda.gov/medium.

Farm to School program opens markets for local and regional farmers while providing fresh food for school meals.