The Farm To School Mission
Farm to School in Minnesota is a growing movement that connects local farmers with schools to bring fresh, Minnesota-grown foods into student meals and education. These programs support local agriculture, enhance student nutrition, and provide hands-on learning about food and farming while strengthening community food systems. Minnesota has a statewide network and strategic initiatives, including the Farm to Kids Strategic Plan, to expand local food procurement, integrate agricultural education, and build collaborative partnerships across the state. (Minnesota Department of Agriculture).
Sprout MN plays an active role in this work as a central Minnesota food hub that partners with small family farms and school districts to expand Farm to School efforts. Through USDA-funded Farm to School projects, Sprout has helped local schools develop and test recipes featuring underutilized produce, hosted sensory tastings with students, and trained food service staff to introduce more local foods into school meals. Sprout’s work strengthens local farm markets, supports food service professionals, and helps students learn about the origins of the foods they eat.
Sprout MN plays an active role in this work as a central Minnesota food hub that partners with small family farms and school districts to expand Farm to School efforts. Through USDA-funded Farm to School projects, Sprout has helped local schools develop and test recipes featuring underutilized produce, hosted sensory tastings with students, and trained food service staff to introduce more local foods into school meals. Sprout’s work strengthens local farm markets, supports food service professionals, and helps students learn about the origins of the foods they eat.
A special thanks to our partners ...
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Brainerd Public Schools
Baxter Elementary Garfield Elementary Harrison Elementary Nisswa Elementary Riverside Elementary Forestview Middle School Brainerd High School Brainerd High School - South Campus Lincoln Educational Center Washington Educational Services Crosby-Ironton Independent School District Crosby-Ironton High School Tri-County Community Action, Inc. Head Start Program Little Falls, MN Brainerd, MN Baxter, MN Pequot Lakes Public Schools Pequot Lakes High School Sartell-St Stephen School District Sartell Middle School Sartell High School Pierz Public School Disctrict Pioneer Elementary School Pierz Healy High School |
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The Regional Local Food Coordinators & Renewing The Countryside Collaboration.
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Renewing the Countryside website offer a significant amount of education & outreach initiatives, practical support & networking for local food systems, and much more! Check out their website today and see how you can get involved.
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Sprout is excited to collaborate with Renewing the Countryside through the Regional Local Food Coordinator opportunity to expand education, connection, and hands-on assistance across our local food system. Through this partnership, Sprout is well positioned to support schools, farmers, and child care providers by strengthening Farm to School efforts, building local purchasing relationships, and increasing access to whole, locally produced foods. By providing coordinated outreach, technical support, and practical resources, Sprout aims to help school systems and early care settings successfully integrate Minnesota-grown foods into meals while supporting local producers and nourishing children and communities.
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