Representatives of the Marion County Hospital District and Marion County Public Schools presented expanded results from the FANS (Fitness and Nutrition in Schools) partnership at the Dec. 18 work session, highlighting student horticulture, increased local sourcing and logistical investments to serve more fresh food in cafeterias.

Jessica Cole of the Marion County Hospital District framed FANS as part of the district’s population-health work, saying the program targets diabetes and obesity through school-based physical activity, nutrition education and horticulture. "FANS was created to have an impact on 1 of our strategic pillars of diabetes and obesity," she said.

Food-and-nutrition staff described operational outcomes: 32 elementary schools now have raised beds and secondary schools run hydroponic greenhouses; during the 2024–25 school year the program harvested more than 9,000 pounds of produce, with roughly 4,000 pounds returned to cafeterias and culinary programs. Presenters said partnerships with local farms — and a new refrigerated truck (procured under the Florida Sheriffs Association contract and board-approved Dec. 9) — will improve distribution from hub to schools. District staff also outlined a planned 900-square-foot cooler/freezer hub at Howard Academy slated for 2026 to expand storage and distribution capacity.

Presenters noted challenges: seasonal availability of local produce and higher prices for local sourcing (initial estimates were ~20% higher; more detailed analysis put potential increases up to 50%); staff said the program will limit farm-to-school purchased items to occasional menu items and taste-testing events, and will continue using home-grown produce in cafeterias as possible.

Board members praised the partnership and the hands-on learning opportunities for students, asked about expanding local offerings (strawberries/blueberries), and celebrated plans to source local beef at several North‑end schools. Food-and-nutrition leaders said they will continue coordinating with the farm-to-school network to maximize produce purchases and educational integration.