Evaluation for Transformation: A Cross-Sectoral Evaluation Framework for Farm to School
This evaluation framework is intended to be used as a guide for future farm to school research and evaluation efforts. It focuses on three core elements of farm to school activity (procurement, gardening, and education), which are supported by six supplemental elements (training and professional development, promotion and media, planning, coordination and evaluation, outreach and community engagement, policy alignment, and funding). The framework speaks to specific cross-sectoral outcomes in four key sectors (public health, comunity economic development, education and environmental quality) that affect individuals, families, communities, regions, states, the country, cultural and societal characteristics, and policies. The framework is designed to be used by anyone involved in farm to school work, so its messages and recommendations about farm evaluation priorities, outcomes, indicators, measures and tools are structured according to three levels of action (program, research, and policy).