USDA Farm to School Census Results and One in a Melon Contest!!

Two important items included here. Results from the USDA Farm to School Census show local purchasing is growing across the country, and also the exciting announcement of the One in a Melon Contest!

Results from the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census are available online at farmtoschoolcensus.fns.usda.gov. More than 12,500 public, private and charter school districts responded and reported almost $800 MILLION in local food spending. Compare that to the $385 in local food purchasing reported in 2011-2012 and it's clear – Farm to School is growing!

What does that mean for Michigan? According to the survey, 43% of Michigan School Districts are participating, impacting 702,896 students. On average, schools responding reported spending 20% of their budgets on local products, or a total of 19 MILLION invested in the Michigan economy through purchasing local food. Shoutout to some of our Michigan All Stars - Greenville, Kalamazoo, and Montague Public Schools - who are beating the state average with regard to local purchasing!  Check out all the Michigan stats and look at school districts up close, and vote for your favorite in the One in a Melon Contest

Now through April 15, USDA is running a contest for school districts to win its coveted "One in a Melon" award (pandering to my love of puns and melons). Tell USDA about the great farm to school activities you are involved with and enter for a chance to win this award. Additionally, don't hesitate to engage your own networks through email or any other social media activities and mobilize them to nominate your program to win the "One in a Melon" award. School districts from each state with the most nominations will win. The more folks involved, the better chances of you winning. Show the state why your farm to school program is truly one in a million!

Winners will be announced before school lets out this year so click here to find your school district and enter to be considered "One in a Melon!"

Congrats on the amazing work, Michiganders!

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