The state of Minnesota has supported schools sourcing Minnesota-raised foods through a farm-to-school food procurement grant since 2019. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has offered two types of farm-to-school grants: “First Bite” and “Full Tray” awards. First Bite grants offered $2,500 to $10,000 to school districts with little to no experience with local procurement, whereas Full Tray grantees could access up to $100,000.
In 2023, federal USDA funds more than tripled the level of funding available to $3.5 million. These additional funds expanded the program’s reach across the state to 114 schools and 501 businesses, including 461 farms and 19 food hubs. Over 60% of all sales were direct from farm to school, which typically provides a better margin than sales through an intermediary, such as a wholesaler.
New report details the benefits of farm-to-school spending
Extension Educators Ryan Pesch and Brigid Tuck recently collaborated on an evaluation of farm-to-school spending in partnership with IATP, a nonprofit organization that supports farm-to-school initiatives in the state.
The report provides useful data not only to decision-makers but also to farmers who are eyeing schools as potential customers. Highlights include:
- For every dollar spent on farm-to-school in Minnesota, an additional $0.94 is generated in economic activity through increased demand with suppliers such as farm input suppliers and increased employee spending.
- Schools purchased 63% of Minnesota farm products directly from producers, with the remainder from food hubs and traditional wholesalers.
- There are two types of grantees, “First Bite” and “Full Tray”. “First Bite” schools are new to farm-to-school.
- Ground beef was by far the most commonly sourced farm product. Beef sales accounted for 34% of all sales. Other important products were apples, lettuce, and carrots.
- Despite being often associated with specialty crops, farm-to-school sourcing in Minnesota tilted heavily to proteins, which accounted for 48% of all spending by grantees. Vegetables and fruit, in contrast, accounted for 17 % and 23% of all spending, respectively.
Find more information on the 2023 grant evaluation on the IATP site.
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