School Food Service
Why Farm to Kids Matters in the Cafeteria
Food service professionals play a key role in Farm to Kids by helping bring fresh, local foods into school meals that students enjoy and trust. Their participation supports local farmers, improves food quality, and helps students build healthier eating habits.
How Do I Start or Expand a Farm to School Program in my District?
The Minnesota Department of Education Farm to Kids shares how schools and early care programs across Minnesota are bringing more local foods, gardening, and agriculture education to kids.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture offers grants to help local schools and childcare centers buy and serve fresh, Minnesota-grown food. Funding available for both in-home daycare providers and childcare centers!
Tools from the University of Minnesota Extension to bring local food into school meals and learning environments.
How Can I Plan School Menus Around Local, Seasonal Ingredients?
The Lunch Box provides recipes and menu ideas designed for school cafeterias and meal programs.
This guide celebrates seasonal foods and offers tips for using local produce throughout the year.
Where Can I Find Recipes Featuring Local Foods?
This collection shares free farm to school recipes developed by the Chef Ann Foundation.
Collection of recipes highlighting Minnesota-grown ingredients suitable for school and early care settings.
Updated school-friendly recipes designed to meet nutrition standards while incorporating local foods.
Resources that support scratch school food or cooking and stronger connections between students, nutrition, and local communities
Connect with Farmers
Local Vendor Directories
How to find local vendors, direct contact resources, map links.
MN Grown’s map of Wholesalers.
Food Hubs
Information on food hubs that aggregate local products, making purchasing easier for schools and institutions.
Sprout MN supports local farmers and food businesses by helping them grow and succeed.
The Good Acre works to connect farmers, food buyers, and communities through collaborative food projects and markets. It supports regional growers by creating pathways to sell their products and build strong local food networks.
Procurement
Procurement guides, how to buy from local farmers, templates, purchasing regulations.
Includes templates for obtaining quotes, farmer invoice template, compliant with the USDA guide.
Short videos showcasing successful Farm to School procurement and partnerships.
Wellness Policy Requirements for School Meals
Resources from the Minnesota Department of Education for school meal programs and wellness efforts.
