Minnesota Recognizes Farm to Kids Programs

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), through its Minnesota Grown program, is launching the third year of the Cream of the Crop Awards for Farm to School and Early Care, also known as Farm to Kids. The awards recognize K–12 school districts, early care centers, and family day care providers that show strong leadership in serving, promoting, and teaching Minnesota–grown foods.

The program highlights the many ways Farm to Kids initiatives support youth education and healthy eating. These efforts include school gardens, partnerships with local producers, community events, and meal programs featuring locally grown foods. The goal is to help students understand where their food comes from while strengthening local agriculture and community connections.

“Farm to Kids shows up in many different ways across Minnesota, from school gardens to partnerships with local farmers, community events, and menu items that feature Minnesota-grown foods,” says Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “There is no one right way to do Farm to Kids, and Minnesota Grown is eager to shine a spotlight on the many school districts and early care providers that are connecting Minnesota youth to local food and supporting the farmers in their regions.”

Minnesota Grown plans to recognize three main winners in 2026: School District of the Year, Early Care Center of the Year, and Family Day Care of the Year. Additional applicants may receive Outstanding in the Field Honors, including Golden Drumstick, Silver Squash, and Bronze Berry awards. A new feature this year allows applicants to nominate a Minnesota Grown producer who plays an important role in supporting their Farm to Kids programs.

Applications are open to both new and returning participants and must be submitted by March 20, 2026, through the Minnesota Grown website. The awards are a partnership between Minnesota Grown and the Minnesota Farm to Kids Alliance. Interested participants can visit the MDA’s Farm to School and Early Care Overview webpage to find resources and ideas for exploring local food programs.

Minnesota Grown has promoted products raised and grown in Minnesota for more than 40 years, helping connect consumers with local food sources and encouraging stronger relationships between communities and agriculture. Through the Cream of the Crop Awards, the program continues to support education, nutrition, and local food awareness among young people across the state.

Photo Credit: minnesota-department-of-agriculture