MI Farm to School News

Hi Ganders!

With the early start of spring, I know you're all itching to get growing again. Hope you read the MSU Extension School Garden Newsletter that came out a few days ago and are getting some good ideas to ramp up your production this year!

Also, we're working to do some education on farm to summer programs to help expand the use of local products in the height of farming season! If anyone on here has been involved in a great summer food service program that is utilizing local food, please email me at harperab@msu.edu! I would love to hear from you.

News

• USDA Farm to School Census Results and One in a Melon Contest
  • If you didn't see the email yesterday about the USDA Farm to School Census Results, check em out! And don't forget to vote for YOUR school district (or your favorite school district) in the One of a Melon Contest – get your students involved too!

Resources

• Chop! Chop! Culinary Skills of rLocally-Grown Produce in School Meals
  • This six-part series of free videos demonstrates to food service staff how to work with specialty crops and ideas for incorporating local produce into school salad bars and menus
• Wisconsin School Garden Initiative Newsletter
  • It's just about time to get those gardens growing! This newsletter includes some back pocket short lessons that can be used with almost any age group in the garden (in 5 minutes or less!)
• New Funding Sources for Food-Related Businesses: Second Edition
  • This guide provides an overview of various sources of financing available to food hub and local food-related businesses, particularly in Michigan.

Opportunities

• Kid Chefs: join the fifth annual healthy lunchtime challenge! - Deadline April 4
  • This national challenge invites kids ages 8-12 to join a parent or guardian in creating an original recipe that is healthy, affordable, and delicious. One winner form each U.S. State will be selected to attend a Kids' "State Dinner" at the White House. Cool! Recipes are due by April 4
• Early Bird Prices for National Farm to Cafeteria Conference end March 31
  • Don't forget to register by March 31 to get the early bird deadline! This conference is going to be an awesome opportunity to network and learn with other leaders in Farm to School/Early Care and Education from across the country!
• School Garden Teacher Training, Occidental Arts & Ecology Center
  • This training supports your school in creating and sustaining garden-based ecological literacy programs. Cost is 800 for two different sessions this summer: June 20-24 and July 11-15

Happy Weekending!

Abby Harper

Farm to School Specialist

MSU Center for Regional Food Systems

480 Wilson Rd Rm 309 | East Lansing, MI 48824

(p) 517-432-4525 (f) 517-353-3834

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