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Monday, March 30, 2015

Hello,

 

It's National Nutrition Month and what better way to celebrate than by showing your support for your community garden or school garden program. Seeds of Change®, the leading producer of sustainably grown seeds and nutritious organic foods, is inviting you to participate in the 2015 Seeds of Change® Grant Program. Our mission is to help develop and support school and community-based gardening programs and teach individuals about where their food comes from and how it is grown. Through the Grant Program, school and community garden organizations nationwide will have a chance to apply for four (4) $20,000 grants, ten (10) $10,000 grants  or twenty (20) $1,000 grants to either start their own school or community garden or help maintain an existing one. Submitting an application online only takes a few minutes – just tell us how your school or community garden is helping to grow a healthier, more sustainable community!

To submit an application, visit the Seeds of Change® Facebook page at www.seedsofchangegrant.com or www.facebook.com/seedsofchange to complete an application and review the Program Guidelines. The submission period for the grant program has been extended until April 6 and we will be announcing the grant winners around May 12, 2015. To show our appreciation for you spreading the word about the Grant Program we are offering a special online coupon code to share with your network. From now until May 1, 2015, visit www.seedsofchange.com and receive 20% OFF any items with the Promo Code GRANT2015. Not valid with any other offers. Limited while supplies last.

 

We look forward to receiving your application!

Your Friends at Seeds of Change®

 

More about Seeds of Change® Grant Program

To support the mission of our 1% Fund, Seeds of Change® is hosting the 4th annual Seeds of Change® Grant Program, which encourages communities nationwide to apply for funding to support community or school garden and farming programs. The application asks how the program helps build a healthier, more sustainable community and how it teaches people where their food comes from.

·         The submission period for the grant program has been extended until April 6.

·         We are giving away a total of $200,000 in grant money, comprised of two $20,000 grants, five $10,000 grants and ten $1,000 grants to fund school programs; and two $20,000 grants, five $10,000 grants and ten $1,000 grants to fund community programs.

·         From April 9 through April 27, 2015, applications will be available for public voting at www.seedsofchangegrant.com. The top 50 organizations that receive the most votes will then move onto the final judging phase.

·         Grant recipients will be announced around May 12, 2015.

 

About Seeds of Change®

Seeds of Change® was founded in 1989 by passionate gardeners with a vision to make organically grown seeds available to gardeners and farmers, while preserving countless heirloom seed varieties in danger of being lost to the "advances" of modern industrial agriculture. For 26 years, we have remained true to our original vision by offering a wide selection of organic seeds including heirloom, traditional, and rare seeds. Our seeds are produced through a network of certified organic family farms and professional growers. Through these partnerships, we continually cultivate study and develop seeds with the goal of producing the finest certified organic varieties to share with our fellow gardeners and farmers. In 1997 our business expanded to also include Organic Food inspired by the notion that great taste and sustainability go hand in hand.   We now offer a wide variety of Ready to Heat organic Rice and Grain varieties as well as organic cooking sauces.   For more information about Seeds of Change® visit www.seedsofchange.com for our seed products and www.seedsofchangefoods.com for our food products. For additional information, please contact us at the information provided above or at Seeds of Change®, P.O. Box 4908, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220.


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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Rescheduled organic certification Workshop Friday April 17th

Our organic certification workshop has been rescheduled for Friday,
April 17th.

Register online at www.artmeetsearth.org

For more information, contact Larry Dyer at (231) 622-5252 or
larry@artmeetsearth.org

Organic certification - Creating the Organic Systems Plan

Friday, April 17, 2015, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00pm
Charlevoix Public Library
220 West Clinton St
Charlevoix, MI 49720

Organic farming is an ecologically balanced, integrated way of farming.
It also has a legal definition under the USDA National Organic
Program (NOP). Central to certification is the organic systems plan the
farmer creates. Many farmers find that creating the record keeping
systems required for an organic systems plan helps them be better farm
managers. In this interactive workshop, instructor Larry Dyer will
explain how the USDA NOP works, explain the requirements for
transitioning to organic. Participants will leave the workshop with a
draft organic systems plan for their farm.

$25 per person, or $30 for two from the same farm

Sunday, March 22, 2015

FW: Hoophouses for Health, Farm to School Meet & Greet in Grand Rapids

Greetings,
Those if you in and around Grand Rapids may be interested in attending this upcoming event. Please see below for details and a link to register.

 

Best,

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist | Michigan Lead for National Farm to School Network

Center for Regional Food Systems | Michigan State University

480 Wilson Rd | Rm 303 Natural Resources Building | East Lansing, MI 48824

(p) 517.432.0310

www.foodsystems.msu.edu | www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

 

Hoophouses for Health and Farm to School Meet & Greet

View this email in your browser

Dear farmers, food service directors, and early childcare providers,

Please join us for an informational session focused on Hoophouses for Health, Farm to School and expanded opportunities for using local foods in early childcare programs in the Greater Grand Rapids area.  Funding is available to support hoophouse construction costs for farmers and to provide incentives to food service directors and early childcare programs to purchase fresh, local products from participating farms.  To learn more about how you can get involved, join us on

Monday, April 13 from 6 – 7 p.m.
at the
Salvation Army Fulton Heights Citadel
1235 East Fulton St
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This meeting will be held immediately before the Fulton Street Farmers Market vendor meeting.  You can register online at http://msucarrs.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0vSr0b9fuveA3id.

Everyone who plans to attend is encouraged to bring business cards to ensure successful networking and foster opportunities for follow-up. Farmers, please bring a product and price list for the 2015 season.  

This meeting is hosted by the Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems, the MSU Department of Horticulture, the Michigan Farmers Market Association, MSU Extension, and the Fulton Street Farmers Market.    

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2015 Michigan Farmers Market Association, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you are a member of the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).

Our mailing address is:

Michigan Farmers Market Association

480 Wilson Rd

Room 172 Natural Resources

East Lansing, MI 48824


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Thursday, March 19, 2015

FW: 2015 Michigan Junior Chef Competition - APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 25TH!

 

The 2015 Michigan Junior Chef Competition is underway, and the first deadline is approaching!

 

Fresh, local foods, creativity, and teamwork will give you an edge in this

fun-filled recipe contest and cooking competition!

 

First, student teams submit recipes that are fit for a healthy school breakfast meal and

feature local, seasonal foods. Recipe contest submissions due by March 25, 2015.

 

Next, up to 8 teams will be selected to bring their recipes to life in a cook-off

competition at Michigan State University on May 13, 2015.

 

Open to all 7th-12th grade students enrolled in Michigan schools. Teams must

consist of 3-4 students and at least one adult coach.

 

For additional details:

·        Visit https://sites.google.com/site/michiganjrchef/ for rules and more information.

·        View the attached promotional flyer.

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Team Nutrition

Nick Drzal (drzaln@michigan.gov), Whitney Vance (vancew@michigan.gov) and Emily Purves (purvese@michigan.gov)

 

Michigan Team Nutrition - Join the conversation and stay connected.

         Become a Team Nutrition school: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/join-team

 

Whitney Vance, MS, RD

Michigan Department of Education

Office of School Support Services

Coordinated School Health and Safety Programs

P.O. Box 30008

Lansing, MI 48909

P: (517) 241-9111

F: (517) 373-1233

www.michigan.gov/cshsp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Registration info: Workshop Friday March 20th - Creating the Organic Systems Plan

My apologies for multiple postings. I neglected to include registration
information. Register online at www.artmeetsearth.org For more
information, contact Larry Dyer at (231) 622-5252 or larry@artmeetsearth.org

Organic certification - Creating the Organic Systems Plan

Friday, March 20, 2015, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00pm
Charlevoix Public Library
220 West Clinton St
Charlevoix, MI 49720

Organic farming is an ecologically balanced, integrated way of farming.
It also has a legal definition under the USDA National Organic Program
(NOP). Central to certification is the organic systems plan the farmer
creates. Many farmers find that creating the record keeping systems
required for an organic systems plan helps them be better farm managers.
In this interactive workshop, instructor Larry Dyer will explain how
the USDA NOP works, explain the requirements for transitioning to
organic. Participants will leave the workshop with a draft organic
systems plan for their farm.
$25 per person, or $30 for two from the same farm

Monday, March 16, 2015

Workshop Friday March 20th - Creating the Organic Systems Plan

Organic certification - Creating the Organic Systems Plan

Friday, March 20, 2015, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00pm
Charlevoix Public Library
220 West Clinton St
Charlevoix, MI 49720

Organic farming is an ecologically balanced, integrated way of farming.
It also has a legal definition under the USDA National Organic Program
(NOP). Central to certification is the organic systems plan the farmer
creates. Many farmers find that creating the record keeping systems
required for an organic systems plan helps them be better farm
managers. In this interactive workshop, instructor Larry Dyer will
explain how the USDA NOP works, explain the requirements for
transitioning to organic. Participants will leave the workshop with a
draft organic systems plan for their farm.
$25 per person, or $30 for two from the same farm

FW: USDA Releases Request for Farm to School Grant Applications

Greetings,

The USDA has just released their request for applications for the 2016 USDA Farm to School Grant program! See below for more information.

 

Best,

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist | Michigan Lead for National Farm to School Network

Center for Regional Food Systems | Michigan State University

480 Wilson Rd | Rm 303 Natural Resources Building | East Lansing, MI 48824

(p) 517.432.0310

www.foodsystems.msu.edu | www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

From: USDA Food and Nutrition Service [mailto:usda.fns@service.govdelivery.com]
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 10:20 AM
Subject: USDA Releases Request for Farm to School Grant Applications

 

USDA Farm to School E-Letter

March 16, 2015 | Volume 4, Issue 6


National Program Continues to Increase Local Foods in Schools and Provide New Economic Opportunities for Farmers and Ranchers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a request for applications for the USDA's Fiscal Year 2016 round of Farm to School grants. Designed to increase the availability of local foods in eligible schools, these grants help new farm to school programs get started or expand existing efforts, facilitating stronger connections between local and regional producers and school cafeterias.

“When schools buy food from nearby producers, their purchasing power helps create local jobs and economic benefits, particularly in rural agricultural communities," Vilsack said. "These Farm to School grants will help schools respond to the growing demand for local foods and increase market opportunities for many types of food producers.”

Four different kinds of grants are available. Planning grants are for schools or school districts just getting started on farm to school activities; they’re designed to help them organize and structure their efforts for maximum impact by incorporating best practices into early planning considerations. Implementation grants are available for schools or school districts seeking to augment or expand existing farm to school efforts. Support service grants are intended for non-profit entities, Indian tribal organizations, state and local agencies, and agriculture producers or groups of producers to evolve farm to school initiatives.

Additionally, all eligible entities can still apply for funds to support training and technical assistance, such as local procurement, food safety, culinary education, and integration of agriculture based curriculum.

Proposals for planning, implementation, and support service grants are due at 11:59 p.m. EST, May 20, 2015. Letters of intent for training grants are due at 11:59 p.m. EST, April 30, 2015. To assist eligible entities in preparing proposals, USDA will host a webinar related to the application process on March 25, 2015, 1:00 EST.

“USDA is proud to support communities across the country as they plan and implement innovative farm to school projects. Evidence suggests that when kids understand more about where food comes from and how it is produced, they are more likely to make healthy eating choices,” said Vilsack.

More information about the grant program, upcoming webinars relevant to applicants, and sample grant applications can be found on-line at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/farm-school-grant-program.

The Farm to School Grant Program is a cornerstone of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which coordinates the Department's work on local and regional foods. The grants are part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), which authorized and funded USDA to assist eligible entities, through grants and technical assistance, in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. The Act provides $5 million annually to support grants, technical assistance, and the federal administrative costs related to USDA's Farm to School Program.


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Friday, March 13, 2015

FW: Vacancy Posting Limited Term

FYI, and apologies for cross-posting.

 

Colleen

 

From: Golzynski, Diane (MDE) [mailto:GolzynskiD@MICHIGAN.GOV]
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2015 4:13 PM
To: FOODSPEAK@LIST.MSU.EDU
Subject: [FOODSPEAK] Vacancy Posting Limited Term

 

The Michigan Department of Education has a vacancy in the Food Distribution Unit in the Office of School Support Services.  

 

If you know of any potential candidates that would meet the qualifications outlined in this posting, please pass it on to them.  The position is open to internal and external employees.  The closing date to apply is Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

 

Thank you!

 

 

From: Wirth, Grace (MDE)
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2015 2:48 PM
To: MDE-All Staff; LM-ALL; MSD-Everyone
Subject: Vacancy Posting Limited Term

 

Good Afternoon!  The Department of Education has posted a School District Consultant 12/P13 position for the Office of School Support Services, Food Distribution, on the State of Michigan posting website.  This is a limited term, full time position.  The limited term positon has a defined expiration date, but could be expired prior to this date. Position is located in Lansing and is open to internal and external employees.  To apply and/or view the position description, click on the link below.

 

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/michigan/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=1094545&hit_count=yes&headerFooter=1&promo=0&transfer=0&WDDXJobSearchParams=%3CwddxPacket%20version%3D%271%2E0%27%3E%3Cheader%2F%3E%3Cdata%3E%3Cstruct%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27CATEGORYID%27%3E%3Cstring%3E%2D1%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27PROMOTIONALJOBS%27%3E%3Cstring%3E0%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27TRANSFER%27%3E%3Cstring%3E0%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27FIND%5FKEYWORD%27%3E%3Cstring%3E%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3C%2Fstruct%3E%3C%2Fdata%3E%3C%2FwddxPacket%3E

 

 

 

Grace Wirth

Human Resources Analyst

Michigan Department of Civil Service

Supporting Michigan Department of Education

Wirthg@michigan.gov

 


To unsubscribe from this list, send an email with "SIGNOFF FOODSPEAK" in the email body to LISTSERV@LIST.MSU.EDU.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Proposed school "bake sale bill" in progress

Greetings,

 

Late yesterday I received the following legislative update that may be of interest from the CRFS public policy consultant, Jean Doss.  I’ve added additional resources for your reference after her message.

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist | Michigan Lead for National Farm to School Network

Center for Regional Food Systems | Michigan State University

480 Wilson Rd | Rm 303 Natural Resources Building | East Lansing, MI 48824

(p) 517.432.0310

www.foodsystems.msu.edu | www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

***

Dear Colleen:

I thought you might want to share this update with your networks:

Yesterday, Senate Bill (SB) 139 was passed by the State Senate Education Committee. As described in the Gongwer Michigan Report  for March 10, 2015: 

 

“A bill that would ensure school groups could sell food products during school hours to raise money even if those foods are out of compliance with federal nutritional requirements won approval Tuesday from the Senate Education Committee. SB (Senate Bill) 139 would allow at least three such sales per week.”

 

The bill now goes before the full State Senate.  If the bill passes there, the next step in the legislative process is referral to the House Education Committee.

 

To review the full text of the bill, as well as nonpartisan analyses, go to: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(xhm3ewfvscliylg2po2f15xr))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2015-SB-0139

 

If individuals or organizations have views on this issue, they may wish to share those views with state legislators at this time.  The bill appears to be moving quickly.

 

Thanks Colleen!

 

Jean Doss

 

*****

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND ON THIS ISSUE:

 

The federal  Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (otherwise known as the Child Nutrition Reauthorization) included “Smart Snacks In School” nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold in school during the school day, including through school fundraisers. These standards went into effect this school year (2014/2015).

 

To learn more about the Smart Snack standards, see these links:

·         Smart Snacks in School: Fundraisers, USDA

·         Smart Snacks in School: USDA’s “All Foods Sold in Schools” Standards, USDA

·         Smart Snacks in Schools, Michigan Department of Education

 

See recent news stories about this proposed bill in the Michigan legislature below:

·         Bring back bake sales? Michigan lawmaker wants to let schools sell sweets at fundraisers, MLive

·         Cupcakes, doughnuts make comeback in Michigan schools?, Detroit Free Press

·         School bake sales to return?, WILX

 

See previous national news articles about the launch of the Smart Snacks rules here:

·         U.S. Standards for School Snacks Move Beyond Cafeteria to Fight Obesity – New York Times

·         Put Down the Cupcake: New Ban Hits School Bake Sales – Wall Street Journal

·         School snack foods: In or out? – CNN

 

 

 

Sunday, March 8, 2015

FW: USDA Awards Grants to Support Schools Serving Healthier Meals and Snacks

FYI!

 

From: USDA Food and Nutrition Service [mailto:usda.fns@service.govdelivery.com]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2015 1:41 PM
To: Matts, Colleen
Subject: USDA Awards Grants to Support Schools Serving Healthier Meals and Snacks

 

FNS Press Release

Release No. 0058.15


Contact:
USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623

USDA Awards Grants to Support Schools Serving Healthier Meals and Snacks

Up to $25 million will be provided for new food service equipment; $5.5 million for training

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be awarding over $30 million in grants to help schools prepare healthy meals for their children. Twenty-five million dollars in grants will help schools purchase needed equipment to make preparing and serving healthier meals easier and more efficient, and up to $5.5 million will provide additional training for school food service professionals.

"Schools are successfully serving more nutritious meals to America's students, and healthier meals mean healthier kids. We're working to do everything we can to support schools as they work to provide kids the nutrition they need to learn and develop into healthy adults," said Vilsack. "These grants will help schools obtain better equipment and additional training for their hardworking school food service professionals. With doctors, parents, teachers and schools all working together, we can make sure we're giving our kids the healthy start in life they deserve."

Since 2009, USDA has provided $185 million in kitchen equipment funding to states and schools participating in the National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast (SBP) Programs. USDA provides the funding to states, which then competitively award grants to school districts in order to purchase necessary equipment, giving priority to high-need schools where 50 percent or more of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced price meals.

Download the list of funding by state for FY14 and FY15.

The school equipment grants announced today are another example of how USDA is supporting schools as they implement the new meal standards resulting from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. USDA works closely with schools to address implementation challenges, and provides funding, training and technical assistance to overcome barriers.

To further assist school food workers USDA is also announcing the availability of up to $5.5 million in Team Nutrition training grants for FY2015. These grants are only open to state agencies administering the NSLP, SBP, the Summer Food Service Program, or Child and Adult Care Food Programs. Through a competitive grants process, Team Nutrition training grants will be funded for the period of September 30, 2015 - September 30, 2017. State agencies may apply for up to $350,000. To apply for the grants, state agencies should visit www.grants.gov.

These competitive grants focus on the implementation of Smarter Lunchrooms - an innovative strategy using behavioral economics to encourage healthy eating in the cafeteria - as well as the healthier meal standards, HealthierUS School Challenge, USDA Foods, nutrition education, and wellness activities in schools and child care institutions. These funds may be also used to assist the state agency in providing training and technical assistance to school staff in creating Smarter Lunchrooms.

The Team Nutrition Training grants are two-year grants that have been awarded to state agencies on an annual basis since the inception of the program in 1995. They serve as key delivery systems for supporting the implementation of USDA's nutrition requirements for meals served in schools and child care centers.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers America's nutrition assistance programs including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Together these programs make up the federal nutrition safety net.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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