School Interventions

Farm to School 101

• Offers foods that are fresher, less processed and healthier
• Links kids to farmers, educating them about where and how their food is grown
• Introduces kids to new food options
• Supports academic performance

And it…

• Keeps $$$ circulating in our rural economy
• Supports small, medium and sustainable farmers in our region
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the time that fresh food is in transit

A Nation-wide Movement

F2S programs exist in 43 states

In Minnesota…

• IATP partners with MN School Nutrition Assoc.
• SHIP
• MISA website
• UM- Regional Partnerships and Extension
• MN Depts of Education, Ag and Health
• State F2S resolution

Ramping up in Minnesota

Nearly 70 Minnesota districts are now engaged in Farm to School

-- more than double 15 months ago --

Among F2S Districts:

Farm to School Purchases:

• Averaging $5,000 - $10,000/yr
  (and up to $150,000 +)
• 23+ different products

Of districts doing F2S:

• 77% plan to expand in 2010/11
• None plan to reduce F2S activity
• Anticipated growth in F2S outreach, education and gardening/greenhouses

Key Challenges

• Extra prep time for foodservice staff
• Budgeting / cost
• Sourcing local products
• Seasonality

Is F2S right for your community?

Things to know about F2S:

Collaboration is Key

• It takes an interested school or school district partner and a shared sense of purpose
• Collaborating with school foodservice from the start is critical

Understanding The Context

• F2S programs should be designed to suit the capabilities and constraints of the school foodservice
• For instance…

Budget Realities

• Schools have about $1.15 to spend on food per lunch
• 12 – 15 cents per serving of fruit and vegetables

They aren’t all alike

• Schools vary greatly in their size, kitchen facilities and labor capacity
• Some can cook from scratch. Others don’t have capacity to cut whole produce

Start Early

• Schools typically plan their menus in spring for the following Sept/Oct
• For SHIP, this means having a plan in place by the end of May 2010

Approaches to Farm to School

An apple a day…

• Most schools start with apples
• Then add other produce
• Then meat, dairy, grains, etc.

FARM to SCHOOL ... Getting Started

Getting Started Made Easier…

www.mn-farmtoschool.umn.edu

FARM to SCHOOL ... Example

Cabbage

Using the Food
Recipes and Nutrition Analysis
Menu Examples
Nutrition Facts

Procuring the Food
Finding Farmers
Buying Tips

Promoting the Food
Promotional Material
Taste Testing
Class Enrichment

FARM to SCHOOL - Features 20 Foods

Apples Dry Beans Bison Cabbage Carrots Cucumbers Sweet Corn Cheese

Garlic Green Beans Herbs Honey Lettuce Potatoes Rhubarb

Squash Strawberries Tomatoes Cornmeal Oats Whole Wheat Wild Rice

A new logo for MSNA members

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy Technical Assistance for SHIP Grantees

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

612/708-8635

JoAnne Berkenkamp

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

612 / 870-3410

1) Assessment and Planning

• Assess your interests and needs
• Help you develop a F2S plan for 2010/11 school year by May

2) Training and Coaching

• Provide regional training opportunities for foodservice staff and other stakeholders (March/April 2010)
• Provide one-on one coaching to individual SHIP teams and school districts on design and implementation

3) Support Effective F2S Communications, Education and Outreach

• Linking you with tools you can use in your schools and broader community
• Sharing your stories
• Raising media attention

You can learn more at:

Farmtoschool.org

Mn-farmtoschool.umn.edu

Thanks