May 2021
We hope you've been enjoying the season for its outdoor markets and increasing numbers of in-person events—and for the most part, avoiding the fickle weather!
We're sharing news of the Co-op Farm Tour, as well as some virtual events and a new book from Beth Dooley, ways to engage with farm to school efforts in Minnesota, and an application opportunity for Land Stewardship Project's Farm Beginnings program.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
Artisan Grains
Farm to School & Early Care
The Minnesota Farm to School Leadership Team is offering monthly Technical Assistance Office Hours.
Who should attend?
Farmers, school food service directors, school wellness committee members, community organizers, SHIP coordinators, Extension educators, and anyone else with an interest in farm to school or farm to early care programs!
Wednesday, June 2nd from 9:00 to 10:00 AM will be the next office hours session. Please pass this along to colleagues!
Register for recurring office hour meetings.
If you’re not able to make it but still have questions, submit them here.
Schools: Apply to Pilot Minnesota’s New Harvest of the Month (HOTM) Program!
Are you interested in building your school’s Farm to School programming and could you use some help figuring out how to get started?
The Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Education (MDA, MDE) invite school-based teams to apply to pilot the Minnesota Harvest of the Month (HOTM) program next school year. HOTM is a viable strategy to help successfully implement farm to school.
Program Goals:
- Encourage healthy food choices by increasing students’ exposure to and knowledge about seasonal foods and building excitement about school meals
- Support market development for local farmers
- Provide connections between the cafeteria, classroom and community
Learn more about the benefits of participating and expectations of selected schools.
Apply today! Assemble your team, fill out the online application, and turn in by Friday, 6/4/2021.
Questions? Reach out to Helen Schnoes, MDA Farm to School Lead at [email protected].
We build awareness and support for these initiatives by collecting & sharing stories of rural renewal, providing practical assistance & networking opportunities for those working to improve rural America, and fostering connections between urban & rural people.