Farm to School

 

Our district's Farm to School Program has three main components:

MPS work directly with local farms to sources as much fresh produce as possible! We also make it a priority to buy other local products like meats, salsas, and baked goods. We distinguish between: Local - grown within 200 miles of the Twin Cities Farm to School - grown by a small to mid-sized farmers using sustainable growing methods, typically within 100 miles of the Twin Cities

We work with partners to provide hands-on opportunities for students to learn about food, nutrition and agriculture. We: Host special events and promotions, like Minnesota Thursdays Conduct taste tests of fresh, flavorful new items Bring our farmer partners into school classrooms and cafeterias Support school gardens, and envision an MPS Urban Farm to engage students in food, farming and nutrition education.

We partner with nonprofit organizations, businesses, families and community members to assure that our farm to school program is rooted in the community. We: Highlight exciting happenings in our monthly e-newsletter, The Whole Carrot Partner with organization and community members on special events, including our annual Farm to School Community BBQ Attend and present at meetings, events & conferences Participating in local coalitions and collaboratives, like the National Farm to School Network and School Food FOCUS

 

MPS Culinary & Wellness Services prides itself on working closely with both local and national farm to school partners. If you are interested in working with us, please contact our Farm to School Coordinator.