#5: Interview with Rebekka Henriksen on Farm to School Program

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#5: Interview with Rebekka Henriksen on Farm to School Program

New York Farm Bureau News Bytes

In this episode of News Bytes, we speak with Rebekka Henriksen, Farm to School Manager for the Schenectady City School District, about how Farm to School programs are changing the way kids and families connect with food in New York.

Rebekka shares her journey from garden educator to managing 16 school gardens, orchards, and farm-to-family initiatives across the district. She explains how the Farm to School movement brings fresh, local produce into cafeterias, teaches students where their food comes from, and strengthens partnerships with New York farmers.

We discuss food access in urban communities, the importance of school gardens, scratch cooking in cafeterias, and how hands-on learning helps children develop lifelong healthy eating habits. Rebekka also highlights how these programs support local agriculture and inspire the next generation of farmers.

Recorded at Zoller Elementary School in Schenectady, New York, this episode shows why Farm to School is a win for kids, families, schools, and farms.

New York Farm Bureau News Bytes

Each month, News Bytes highlights a program or issue affecting New York farmers. We talk to a wide variety of people invested in the business of agriculture and bring you their real stories — in the field, barn, business or home.