Michigan Farm to School News

Greetings,

Can you believe it's stone fruit season already? Get your apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums while you can! Summer seems to be flying by, but the farm to school opportunities, events and resources just keep coming. Here's the latest!

 

NEWS

Growing Farm to School – Growing New Farmers video

The farm to school and Hoophouses for Health partnership between Genesee ISD & Flint Ingredient Company are featured in this new video from the Great Lakes Region of the National Farm to School Network.

 

These 3 new Michigan childcare centers offer the most advanced facilities for children – and adults

Model D Media

Childcare centers are becoming much more than just a place to drop off kids. These three Michigan facilities have widened their reach to provide quality experiences for children, families, caregivers, and the whole community. 

 

The high cost of limited access to early childhood education in Detroit 

Model D Media

The lack of access to affordable quality educational care for young children has significant effects on children, families and the local economy. Read how Detroit organizations are coming together through Hope Starts Here to find workable solutions to this issue.   

 

 

EVENTS

Farm to ECE Quarterly Webinar: State Agencies as Leaders and Partners in Growing Farm to ECE

National Farm to School Network

August 2, 2017 3:30-4:30 pm ET

Join this webinar to learn more about the variety of ways that state agencies are leading the way in farm to ECE (early care and education) as well as innovative programs and strategic approaches to growing and supporting farm to ECE from two different states. Register here.

 

Webinar Trending Topics in Farm to School: Farm to School in Native Communities

National Farm to School Network 

August 3, 2017 2:00-3:00 pm ET

Speakers on this webinar will explain unique opportunities and challenges of farm to school in Native communities, and Native community leaders will share examples of farm to school successes.

Register here.

 

Cultivate Michigan Tours

-          Carrot Tour at Providence Farms in Central Lake (northwest Lower Michigan) on August 10, 2017

-          Stone Fruit Tour at Phillips Orchards in Clinton County on August 18, 2017

Register today to learn more about these Cultivate Michigan featured foods and network with other farm to institution practitioners and supporters.

OPPORTUNITIES

Experiences of People of Color Within the STEM and Agriculture Workforce

Virginia Tech

Researchers at Virginia Tech are doing a study to determine the factors that encourage the persistence of minorities in the fields of STEM and agriculture. People of color who are pursuing careers in agriculture or STEM or people currently working in those fields are eligible to participate. Take part in their survey here.

 

Early and School Food Specialist, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems

The Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) is seeking an annual full-time Academic Specialist to lead efforts promoting good food access and awareness in early child care and education environments (ECE) and K-12 schools. Learn more here.

RESOURCES

2015-2016 MI Farm to School Grant Program Report

MSU Center for Regional Food Systems 

The MI Farm to School Grant Program is an effort to help food program providers overcome challenges or sustain local food purchasing programs K-12 schools and ECE programs in Michigan. This report serves as an overview of the 2015-2016 grant year, the program's fifth operating year. Read it here.

 

Cultivate Michigan Stone Fruit Guide & Promotional Materials

This summer's featured food category of stone fruits includes apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums, which are available now from farmers and markets near you! Check out our guide to learn where to buy them and how to use them – in oatmeal, savory sauces and fruit leather.

 

A Guide to Using The Creative Curriculum for Preschool to Support Farm to ECE Models

The Policy Equity Group

This curriculum is designed to help teachers plan and promote learning through play, exploration, and discovery - a natural fit for farm to ECE learning.

 

Ingredient Guide for Better School Food Purchasing

School Food Focus

This resource guide is for school food leaders and manufacturers alike who are interested in improving the overall quality, nutritional value, and safety of food provided to all students.

 

 

Best,

 

Lee Ann Viera,

Michigan Farm to School & Hoophouses for Health Student Assistant

 

and

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist | Core Partner, National Farm to School Network

Center for Regional Food Systems | Michigan State University

480 Wilson Rd | Rm 302B Natural Resources Building | East Lansing, MI 48824

(p) 517.432.0310

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