Community Food Systems

The Next Wave for Good Food

Every day of the school year, more than 80,000 meals are served in the cafeterias of the Minneapolis and St. Paul Public School Districts—that’s over 1.3 million meals a year.

WEBINAR: Farm to School Month Midwest Menu Webinar

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WEBINAR: Building Minnesota's Farm to Institution Markets: The Producer Perspective

Download the presentation slides. Download the producer report.

Farm to Institutions: A Producer Perspective

Institutions purchasing and serving regionally produced food has gained momentum in recent years, largely driven by the exponentially successful farm to school movement.

Building Minnesota’s Farm to Institution Markets

Overview

High tunnels can bring benefits to farmers and schools

High tunnels—also known as hoop houses or passive solar greenhouses—are an increasingly common feature on farms through the Upper Midwest, where their use provides valuable extension to the region’s short growing season.  Local food markets—including farm to school—stand to benefit from the increased availability of fruits and vegetables throughout the year produced by the increased use of

Extending the Growing Season

Introduction

Minnesota Farm to Institution Markets

Aimed at improving access to and profitability from Minnesota’s farm to institution markets (i.e. schools, hospitals, child care centers, etc.) for Minnesota producers, the survey engaged 142 producers operating in 56 counties in Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota.

WEBINAR: Farm to School & Youth Leadership Part 2: Strengthening Farm to School

This two part webinar series will introduce participants to IATP's high school level Farm to School Youth Leadership Curriculum. The curriculum is designed to empower youth, teach them about their local food system, engage them in meaningful, hands-on learning activities that also strengthen their school’s Farm to School program and link them directly to farmers in their community.