The James M. Cox Foundation announced today a $250,000 grant to Georgia Organics in support of the organization's Farm to School (F2S) program. F2S is a nationwide movement that connects schools and local farms to serve healthy meals in school cafeterias, improve student nutrition and promote farm or gardening educational opportunities.  

Georgia Organics founded the state's first F2S program in 2007 and has since implemented the program in 30 school districts. The organization currently has a three-year fundraising campaign that will deepen the existing F2S programs with an anticipated impact on 900,000 students statewide.

"It is an exciting time to be a part of the Farm to School movement," said Alex Taylor, Cox Enterprises executive vice president and great-grandson of company founder James M. Cox. "These programs not only bring healthy food to our children, they also teach them about how to grow healthy food and that is a powerful investment in the future."

The F2S program increases children's exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as provides positive economic benefits. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, agribusiness is the state's leading industry and contributes $71.1 billion to Georgia's economy. However, much of what Georgia grows is sent out of state. The F2S program allows farmers to sell closer to home and introduce children to Georgia's rich agricultural heritage.

"A successful Farm to School program depends on many partners, and the James M. Cox Foundation is playing an important role in our expansion," said Georgia Organics' Executive Director Alice Rolls. "Farm to School has a great story to tell through offering fresh, healthy foods, lifetime learning experiences, school gardens, recycling techniques, composting, farm visits and more. By participating in these programs, Georgia's students have the opportunity to experience history and achieve a healthier future."

Cox Enterprises is a long-time partner of Georgia Organics through its national sustainability program, Cox Conserves.