By Scout Nelson
October is recognized as Farm to School and Early Care Month in Minnesota, celebrating food education, school gardens, and nutritious lunches featuring locally sourced foods from state producers. In honor of this month, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has unveiled the state’s first-ever Farm to Kids Strategic Plan.
This collaborative initiative, developed by partners across Minnesota, serves as a 5-year roadmap aimed at enhancing local food procurement and agricultural education in K-12 schools and early care settings.
The strategic plan is informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, gathering insights from producers, school food service professionals, educators, early care providers, youth, and community members. The plan outlines specific goals, strategies, and actions for advancing Farm to School and Early Care initiatives. Its primary objectives include:
- Increasing purchases of Minnesota-grown and -raised foods by schools and early care facilities.
- Improving the integration of food and agricultural education in classrooms, cafeterias, and other educational settings.
- Building and activating a robust Farm to Kids network to foster collaboration among partners.
MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen noted, “For over a decade, state agencies, institutions, and organizations have been working together to support and expand participation in Farm to School and Early Care programs within Minnesota.
We thank all partners — including producers, school staff, and early care providers — for successfully bringing more local foods to students, and we look forward to further progress thanks to the steps outlined in the new Farm to Kids Strategic Plan.”
Furthermore, Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett stated, “Kids who receive nutritious foods at school are kids who are ready to learn and grow. By connecting our youngest learners with fresh, locally grown foods, we’re not only fueling their bodies but also planting the seeds for a lifetime of healthy choices.”
To provide more information about the strategic plan, the MDA will host two free webinars via Microsoft Teams:
- Thursday, October 24, 3-4 p.m. Register for this event.
- Tuesday, October 29, 6-7 p.m. Register for this event.
To view the full Farm to Kids Strategic Plan and learn more about Farm to School and Early Care in Minnesota, visit the MDA website.
Key partners in developing and implementing this plan include the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Health, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and others. The project is funded by a USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant awarded to the MDA.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Education, General