Frazee Vergas Public Schools, Frazee, MN

In 2023, Frazee Vergas Public Schools received a "First Bite" Farm to School AGRI grant. These grants support schools and early care centers with limited experience purchasing local food, helping them develop their farm to school programs.

During their grant period, Frazee Vergas Public Schools purchased products from six different Minnesota producers, supplying students with local apples, watermelons, tomatoes, turkey, wild rice, and maple syrup. Fresh produce was served in fruit and veggie bars, and turkey was highlighted during Minnesota Thursday meals. Maple syrup was sourced from Sukker Schuppen Maple Syrup, a special farm to school partnership for Frazee Vergas.

Even before receiving a “First Bite” grant and venturing into local purchasing, it was an established tradition for 3rd grade students to visit Sukker Schuppen for annual school field trips. With increased funding and more experience with local purchasing, Frazee Vergas found opportunities to incorporate Sukker Schuppen’s maple syrup into cafeteria menus as well.