FW: USDA Media Advisory: AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK TO HOLD RURAL COMMUNITY FORUM IN MICHIGAN July 13

Greetings all,
Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture, along with
Senator Stabenow and Congressman Schauer, will hold an open meeting in
Charlotte, MI next Monday July 13th from 12:30-2. Feel free to attend
and share your valuable feedback about USDA efforts!

Best,

Colleen Matts
Farm to School Specialist
CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems
Michigan State University
303 Natural Resources Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1222
517.432.0310
www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

>
>-----Original Message-----
>Subject: USDA Media Advisory: AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK TO HOLD
>RURAL COMMUNITY FORUM IN MICHIGAN
>
>MEDIA ADVISORY 4073.09:
>
>AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK TO HOLD RURAL COMMUNITY FORUM IN MICHIGAN
>
>WASHINGTON, July 8, 2009 - On Monday, July 13, U.S. Secretary of
>Agriculture Tom Vilsack will hold a rural community forum in Charlotte,
>Mich., as part of the Obama Administration's Rural Tour. At the forum,
>Vilsack will share information with local residents about the work USDA
>is doing to revitalize and rebuild rural America and ask local
residents
>how USDA can be helpful in supporting and initiating other programs and
>projects to help the community participate fully and successfully in
the
>new, 21st century economy. Vilsack will also highlight American Renewal
>and Reinvestment Act projects improving communities in Michigan and
>benefiting people throughout rural America.
>
> Last week, President Obama announced that Secretary Vilsack
will
>lead the Administration's Rural Tour, during which Vilsack and other
top
>officials will visit rural communities in states throughout the
country.
>Vice President Joe Biden and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked
>off the Rural Tour last Wednesday in Wattsburg, Pa., at an event
>announcing Recovery Act funds to expand broadband service in rural
>America. This week the Rural Tour continued with a forum in Concord,
>N.H.
>
>Rural Tour events are currently scheduled in Alaska, Louisiana,
>Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
>Wisconsin. These upcoming events follow the rural listening sessions
>that Secretary Vilsack held earlier this year in Danville, Ind.,
>Geneseo, Ill., Harrodsburg, Ky., Ludowici, Ga., Portageville, Mo., and
>Brush, Colo.
>
>USDA is encouraging all Americans to follow the Rural Tour's progress
on
>a new website, www.RuralTour.gov or on Twitter at
>www.twitter.com/RuralTour.
>
>The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources
>and touches the life of every American. Secretary Vilsack and the USDA
>are working to promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious
>food supply, ensure that America leads the global fight against climate
>change, and revitalize rural communities by expanding economic
>opportunities.
>
>WHAT: Rural Tour Community Forum with USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack
>He will be joined by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Mark
Schauer.
>
>WHEN: Monday, July 13, 2009
> 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
> (doors open at noon)
>
>WHERE: Country Mill Farm
>4648 Otto Rd.
>Charlotte, MI 48813

FW: Greening K-12 Schools on a Budget and Mich Farm to School

Greetings,

I thought some of you may be interested in these pre-conference sessions at the GreenTown Conference in Grand Rapids (see below). Please note that the pre-conference will be held on Wednesday, July 22^nd, which includes a Michigan Farm to School session from 3:30-5 pm.

 

Best,

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to School Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

From: Gary Cuneen [mailto:gary@sevengenerationsahead.org]
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2009 11:03 AM
To: Colleen Matts
Subject: Greening K-12 Schools on a Budget and Mich Farm to School

 

Please join us for informative pre-conference sessions on Greening K-12 Schools on a Budget and Michigan Farm to School Programs (agenda attached).

July 22, 2009 Grand Valley State University

If this message is not downloading properly, view it here.     2009 Pre-conference Workshops Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Greening the Campus: How Educational Institutions Combat Climate Issues Sponsor: Integrated Architecture Join the signatories of the American College & Universities Presidents' Climate Commitment and Grand Valley State University to discuss climate change and share strategies for integrating sustainability into the curriculum and operations to help achieve climate neutrality. Campuses that address the climate challenge by eliminating global warming emissions and by integrating sustainability will better serve their students and meet their social mandate to help create a thriving, ethical and civil society. Greening the K-12 School System Sponsors: Nichols & GMB Architecture + Engineering This session draws from local practioners supporting statewide efforts to make Michigan a leader in the green schools movement. Learn from farm to school advocates and food service directors about initiatives that are changing the face of school food in Michigan, and providing Michigan farmers opportunities to serve school lunch programs. Discover zero waste school programs, and how schools are saving thousands of dollars through energy efficiency, reducing ghg emissions and educating the next generation. Learn about schools using LEED green building standards, and create a green action plan to get you started with greening your school on a budget!     Why attend GreenTown? Whether you are a mayor, city manager, public works director, planner, developer, builder, engineer, architect, landscape architect, school leader or other community stakeholder, gather to hear from inspiring speakers, learn from been-there case studies and discuss actionable procedures to make communities more eco-effective. This event brings together visionaries, national and local leaders who are at the forefront in sustainable urbanism, economics of sustainability, renewable energy, municipal food scrap recycling, transit-oriented development, energy-efficient housing, zero waste schools, local food systems and more.   To sponsor/exhibit at GreenTown, contact: Jill Armstrong, a5 group inc. 616.583.0281 / jarmstrong@a5inc.com Sponsors & Exhibitors Chicago Community Sponsor: City of Chicago, Department of Environment Unilock Architectural Roof   Solutions Beyond Properties GMB Architecture +   Engineering JFNew Land Vision Leopardo   Companies, Inc. Mortenson   Construction Nevin Hedlund   Architects Ozinga Bros. Perkins + Will Pizzo & Associates Serosun Farms Technical Concepts Veolia   Environmental   Services   Grand Rapids Community Sponsor: City of Grand Rapids Unilock Calvin College Custom Printers GMB Architecture +   Engineering Grand Valley State   University GreenSwitch i4 Group Integrated  Architecture JFNew Land Vision Leopardo   Companies, Inc. Nevin Hedlund   Architects Nichols Perkins + Will Pizzo & Associates Prince Conference   Center Technical Concepts Tower Pinkster The Wege   Foundation Viability Media Sponsor: MiBiz Attend the Main Conference GreenTown Grand Rapids will be held Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Grand Valley State University. Hear prominent speakers such as Mayor George Heartwell of Grand Rapids, Mayor Bob Dixson of Greensburg, Kansas and Doug Farr, Author, Founder of Farr Associates Architecture and Urban Design, Inc. recognized nationally for their efforts in reducing their carbon footprint on today's environment.   GreenTown is produced by a5 and Seven Generations Ahead   This email was sent to gary@sevengenerationsahead.org To unsubscribe from this mailing list click here.

FW: August Select Michigan Farmers Market at Eastern Market,Detroit

This may be of interest of farmers and eaters in southeastern Michigan. Apologies for cross posting.

Best,

Colleen Matts

Farm to School Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

From: Michigan Farmers' Market Managers [mailto:FARMMKTMI@LIST.MSU.EDU] On Behalf Of Montri, Dru
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:13 AM
To: FARMMKTMI@LIST.MSU.EDU
Subject: August Select Michigan Farmers Market at Eastern Market,Detroit

 

August Select Michigan Farmers Market at Eastern Market, Detroit!

 

This market will be held Thursday, August 20, 2009 in Shed 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eastern Market. This market has space for 48 vendors who produce and sell Michigan specialty and non-specialty crops. There will be limited space available for prepared foods. Information for vendors is attached. Vendors interested in reserving space for the market must fully complete the application and biography form, indicating "none" if a question does not apply.

 

Please mail, fax, or email completed forms by July 10th to:
Erin Groeb
Michigan Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI
Office: 517-373-2469
FAX: 517-335-0628
email: groebe@michigan.gov

 

Michigan Farm to School News

Hi all,

Here are the latest farm to school news bites:

 

NEWS

 

We have added a Farm to School Program Directory to the Michigan Farm to School website! If you are a school food service director or otherwise involved in an on-going farm to school program in Michigan, which includes purchasing Michigan-grown foods for school meals programs, fundraisers, and/or school events, please register your program here. Once approved, your entry will be added to the statewide Program Directory on the website. Program registration entries will also be merged with “Existing Program” information on the Michigan profile page of the National Farm to School organization’s webpage in order to update it. We hope the directory will help us get a better sense of the many farm to school programs throughout the state and improve communication among farm to school practitioners through our statewide network. Pass it on - encourage to those you know involved in farm to school programs to register to be part of the statewide directory! (I plan to send another notice about this when school starts up again in September as well.)

 

Check out the new Spring Vegetable Fact Sheets recently released by the New Hampshire Farm to School Program. Individuals fact sheets for asparagus, rhubarb, spinach, and lettuce/salad greens include tips for storage and prep, nutrition info, fun facts, and recipes.

 

“Local school district gets lunch makeover”

Gladwin Community Schools’ new farm to school program was featured in this news story from WJRT-TV (ABC News 12) in Mid-Michigan. Additionally, presentations and materials from Gladwin County’s “Farms Selling to Schools” Program are now available on the Michigan Farm to School website. The agenda included a farm to school overview, schools’ expectations of vendors, food safety and sanitation, and farm business planning and organization.

 

“Students nosh on fresh foods in new class”

Check out this story and short video from the Battle Creek Enquirer about students in Homer Schools’ AgriScience program are learning about eating healthy foods and growing their own food through a project funded by USDA SNAP-Ed funding through the Michigan Nutrition Network, Michigan State University Extension.

 

“The New Meal”

This feature article and video from the Baltimore City Paper explains how Tony Geraci, Food Service Director of Baltimore Public Schools, colleagues, and friends are transforming school food.

 

 

EVENTS

 

High Tunnel Tour of the MSU high tunnel research facility and discussion of vegetable, berry, and sweet cherry trials with Ron Goldy, Greg Lang, and Eric Hanson

June 17^th, 2009 from 6:30-8 pm

Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center

1791 Hillandale Rd

Benton Harbor, MI

Call 269-944-1477 for directions or more information

 

Food System Economic Partnership Conference

Thursday, June 18^th , 2009

Lenawee County Vocational Tech Center

Adrian, MI

www.fsepconference.org

 

FoodMed: Third International Conference on Healthy Food in Healthcare

June 30^th-July 1^st, 2009

MGM Grand Hotel

Detroit, MI

www.foodmed.org

 

Select Michigan Farmers Market on the Capitol Lawn

Thursday, July 23^rd from 10 am – 3 pm

Vendor applications are due this Friday, June 12^th - Information for vendors and applications are available at the MDA Select Michigan website

 

 

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to School Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

Michigan Farm to School News

 

Greetings,

Here’s the latest farm to school related news….

 

 

NEWS

Our friends at the Michigan Land Use Institute just released the newest edition of the Taste the Local Difference farm and food guide. Check it out, especially if you’re living, visiting, or eating in northwest Michigan!

 

Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch is hiring a Program Coordinator to oversee farm to school programming. This organization is one of our Great Lakes Regional Partners through the National Farm to School Network. Please see the attached job description to learn more.

 

The Michigan State University Extension Consumer Horticulture Team, led by Mary Wilson and Bridget Behe, have created a new Gardening in Michigan website loaded with practical information. Check it out here.

 

 

EVENTS

The Northwest Initiative’s Food System Project in Lansing is hosting a free summer garden camp at three locations! Check out the attached flier and registration form for more information, including contact info. The summer camps start June 15^th!

 

The Food System Economic Partnership is hosting their annual conference on Thursday, June 18^th at the Lenawee County Vocational Tech Center in Adrian, MI. FSEP works to build a better food system in 5 county area of southeastern Michigan, and farm to school has been a big part of that work. Click here for more info about the conference, including registration.

 

The FoodMed Conference, an international conference on healthy food in healthcare, is scheduled for June 30-July 1 at the MGM Grand in Detroit, MI. Register soon for this third international conference!

 

For students who are interested in “real food” on their campuses, check out this Midwest training opportunity offered through the Real Food Challenge on July 11-13^th in Ames, IA.

 

Farmers and eaters, get ready for the July Select Michigan Capitol Lawn Farmers Market! The market will be held on Thursday, July 23^rd 2009 from  10 am – 3 pm. Up to 50 vendors who produce and sell Michigan specialty crops can participate. Vendors interested in reserving booth space for the market must complete the application and biography form (attached). Be sure to indicate “none” if a question does not apply.  Please mail, fax, or email completed forms by June 12^th to:

Erin Groeb

Michigan Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 30017

Lansing, MI

FAX: (517)335-0628

email: groebe@michigan.gov

 

Interested in learning more about the MSU Student Organic Farm? The SOF Outreach Coordinator, Adam Montri, is hosting informal tours of the fields, hoophouses, CSA distribution room, transplant greenhouse, and more! A number of tours are scheduled for the remainder of 2009. See the attached flier for more information and dates.

 

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

USDA Rural Development is seeking proposals for the 2009 Value Added Producer Grant Program. Click here for more information, including deadlines.

 

 

Enjoy the long holiday weekend!

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to School Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

New info from MDE & MDA

 

Hi all,

I wanted to pass along some new information from MDA and MDE that should be of interest.

 

First, the school food authority equipment grant applications are now available to school food service directors through the Michigan Department of Education. Please click here for the memo from MDE about the grants, deadlines, and links for more information. As you’ll remember, these equipment grants are being offered by MDE through the federal economic stimulus package. For your reference, I’ve attached a list of equipment suggested for farm to school and preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables from our friends at Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch.

 

Also, Michigan Department of Agriculture recently released a “Buying Local – Approved Food Sources for Food Establishments” fact sheet. The fact sheet is attached and available at the Michigan Farm to School website.

 

Enjoy the weekend,

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to School Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

FW: Michigan Junior Iron Chef: RECIPES DUE MAY 8th!

 

Greetings,

 

There are only 4 days left for high school student teams to submit recipes for the first Michigan Junior Iron Chef Competition! Please review the rules and be sure to download the recipe entry form from the website (www.mnn.fcs.msue.msu.edu) to submit your teams’ healthy school lunch meal for the recipe contest by this Friday, May 8^th! Teams that win the recipe contest will be notified mid-month that they are eligible to compete in the cook-off competition at Michigan State University for the chance to win exciting prizes!

 

We look forward to a tasty competition!

 

The Michigan Junior Iron Chef Planning Team

 

 

 

 

Dear Michigan High School Student, School Employee, or Community Member:

 

We are excited to invite high school students to join the first Michigan Junior Iron Chef Competition! This competition gives students hands-on cooking experience and teaches them about local foods and healthy food choices. It starts with a recipe contest (entries due May 8^th, 2009) and ends with a cook-off competition on September 19^th, 2009. Michigan Junior Iron Chef is sponsored by the Michigan Nutrition Network – Michigan State University Extension and the C.S. Mott Chair of Sustainable Agriculture at Michigan State University.

 

Here’s how it works:

Part 1. We challenge teams of 3-4 high school students to work with an adult coach to make one tasty, healthy school lunch meal featuring Michigan-grown and commodity foods. A list of these foods along with rules for participating are available on the Michigan Junior Iron Chef website listed below. Recipes should be easy and practical for school food service to use and meet nutrition guidelines for school lunch. (See rules on the website for more details.) To enter, teams submit an application and recipe for their meal by May 8^th, 2009. Recipes will be judged by creativity, use of local foods, nutritional quality, and practical use for school food service. Winning recipes will be shared with schools throughout the state in a Michigan Junior Iron Chef Cookbook. To participate, student teams must be from Michigan schools which have at least 50% free and reduced-price meal participation. We ask that teams that enter the recipe contest be made up of 9^th-11^th graders so they may cook as a team at the competition in the fall of 2009.

 

Part 2: Teams that win the recipe contest will prepare and cook their meals on-site at the Michigan Junior Iron Chef Competition on September 19^th, 2009. Teams will also create a nutrition education and marketing packet to present with their meals at the cook-off. Meals will be judged by an expert panel on taste, presentation, creativity, use of local foods, nutritional quality, and practical use for school food service. Prizes will be awarded to three winning teams for Best in Show (best overall), Best Use of Local Foods, and Best Nutrition Education and Marketing Packet. Prizes for the first place team, Best in Show, will be worth up to $150 per student team member and will include an award of $500 to the food service program of the team’s school! Reimbursements for travel for one vehicle per team and up to $100 for ingredients for practicing recipes will also be provided to teams that compete in the cook-off.

 

The event will also include a cooking demonstration and a healthy lunch along with tours of some of Michigan State University’s farming and food production facilities. Local farmers who provide ingredients for the event will also be invited to attend.

 

Spread the word! Help us recruit creative student teams for this exciting event! For more details and resources, go to our website at www.mnn.fcs.msue.msu.edu. Thanks for your help in promoting healthy eating habits and celebrating Michigan foods!

 

Sincerely,

 

Michigan Junior Iron Chef Planning Team

Michigan Nutrition Network, MSU Extension

2100 Anthony Hall

East Lansing, MI 48824

mnn@anr.msu.edu

www.mnn.fcs.msue.msu.edu