MI Farm to School News - 4th of July Edition!

Greetings all, and happy July 4^th!

 

Short edition this week, but I did want to make sure you were all aware of two really amazing opportunities coming up – one of which is this month! These are both really awesome opportunities to build your network and skills as they pertain to Farm to Institution. There is also an opportunity for funding for ECE that could incorporate Farm to ECE initiatives.

 

 

Opportunities

·         Registration is open! Joint Network Meeting — July 13-14, 2016 — Kalamazoo, MI

o    Join us for the second joint meeting of the Michigan Farm to Institution Network (MFIN) and the Michigan Food Hub Network. This summer, partners from Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) will host us and share emerging and innovative work at the new Bronson Healthy Living Campus. This unique event will span two days in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo, with afternoon walking tours and a networking reception on July 13^th, followed by the main joint meeting on July 14^th. Attend one or all events to cultivate connections and collaboration across networks! A full agenda and more details are coming soon, but please visit the CRFS Events page for meeting plans and registration information. Or simply follow this link to RSVP.

·         Save the Date for Seasonal Culinary Trainings (see attached) – Fall 2016

o    Not to be missed! This is an awesome opportunity for a hands-on training in incorporating seasonal food into school food service menus. This training is intended for school food service staff, and teams from schools or districts are encouraged to attend. This training will highlight skills and school friendly recipes that use Michigan produce. Cost to attend will be $15 per person, with scholarships available for attendance and travel. See attached flier for more details, and stay tuned for registration information.

·         Funding Opportunity: Early Head Start Expansion

o    The administration for Children and Families is awarding funding to expand partnerships between early head start and child care services. This is a GREAT opportunity to incorporate aspects of Farm to ECE into your grant proposal. If anyone needs support in how to do so, please feel free to get in touch with me! Funding is available for:

§  Early Head Start Expansion and EHS-Child Care Partnership

§  American Indian and Alaskan Native EHS Expansion and EHS-Child Care Partnership

§  Migrant and Seasonal EHS-Child Care and EHS Expansion Partnerships

 

 

Hope you all get a chance to relax this holiday weekend – you deserve it!

 

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