Michigan Farm to School News

 

Hi all! Here are the latest Farm to School news bites. 

NEWS

"Lunch Line Redesign"
Check out this to interactive approach to help encourage students to make better choices by changing the way food options are presented. Read more from the New York Times here. 

"MSU faculty create documentary about urban farming in Flint" 

Two Michigan State University academics recently released a short film titled "The Kings of Flint" about Youth Karate-Ka and Harvesting Earth Farm, their latest documentary in the Greening of Flint project. Read more and watch the video here.

"Farm-to-School Food: Who's Going to Chop the Rutabagas?" 

A pilot project put $15,000 into four Minnesota schools to expand their farm-to- school food efforts but obstacles remain. Read more here. 

Read more about the Michigan state budget and its impact on children in Michigan Children's latest Budget Basics.

"Everyone Wins with Farm to School Initiative"

Frankfort-Elberta Schools in Benzie County and Onekama Consolidated Schools in Manistee County have both expanded their Farm to School programs with help from a $60,000 grant from USDA Rural Development. See "Farm to School Success" press release attached for more details. 

OPPORTUNITIES

Request for Proposals: Urban Agriculture Opportunities Contract Investigator
The Greater Lansing Food Bank proposal seeks an investigator to research the options and make recommendations for expanding urban agriculture in the area. Proposals received by 12:00 (Noon) Friday, November 5, 2010 will be given preference. See attachment for more details.

Lansing City Market Manager
This position is responsible for the management, coordination, and supervision of daily Lansing City Market business and operational activities. Read more details here. 

Community Based Intervention's Giving Tree Farm, Farm Manager Position
CBI is seeking a Farm Manager for Giving Tree Farm, a non-profit vocational training and rehabilitation program for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. See attachment for more details and how to apply. 

 

EVENTS

Extending the Growing Season with Hoophouses (High Tunnels): 5-Part Webinar Series 

Hosted by MSU Extension and Barry County Regional Local Foods Network

Monday, November 1, 2010; 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

See attachment for more information. 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and Agricultural Cooperatives Educational Workshop
Tuesday, November 9th, 1:00 - 3:30 pm

MSU Extension Barry County Office in Hastings
See attachment for more information. 

Farming Works: Successful Farming Workshop

Sponsored by Food System Economic Partnership

Wednesday, November 10th from 10:00am—noon

Jackson Public Library

Learn more at http://fsepmichigan.org/news/Farming%20Works

2010 Michigan Community & School Garden Networking Meeting
Saturday, November 13th 2010, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Edison Environmental Sciences Academy, Kalamazoo, MI
Register Here. See attachment for more details. 

Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO
December 7-9, 2010
Devos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids, MI
Pre-register at www.glexpo.com by November 12 to save on the cost of registration.