Farm-to-school practices connect schools with fresh and healthy food grown or raised by Minnesota farmers. Find practical, Minnesota-specific tips on how to start and grow connections for the health of our children and communities.
- October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate connections all over the country between schools and local food.
- Minnesota Harvest of the Month is a free program for schools to connect local and in-season foods to the school cafeteria, classroom and community.,
Farm-to-school resources
Farmers
Here are some useful tools to help farmers succeed in this market.
Food safety
These tools and resources will help ensure healthy and safe foods are available in cafeterias across the state.
Food service
Resources on procuring local foods for food service staff.
School gardens
Let's work together to maintain the existing gardens and plant a hundred more.
School curriculum
These curricula will help make those connections for all ages and in many different subjects.
Wellness policies
The tools on this page will help you achieve your health and wellness goals for your school.
Join the Minnesota Farm to Kids Network
The Minnesota Farm to Kids Network aims to unite the efforts of people supporting Farm to School and Early Care to nourish children’s bodies and minds, cultivate viable farms, and build vibrant communities in our state.
Network member is free and open to any individual or organization who wants to learn, connect, and collaborate with others to advance local food purchasing and agricultural education in Minnesota schools and early care settings. Member benefits include:
- Receive invitations to network events.
- Stay up to date with news about resources and funding opportunities.
- Contribute your skills and knowledge to projects you care about.
You will receive a welcome email followed by a personal email from one of the Minnesota Farm to Kids Alliance members.
Connect with the Minnesota Farm to Kids Alliance
Attend Monthly Farm to School and Early Care Office Hours
Join the Minnesota Farm to Kids Alliance and other stakeholders for these virtual discussions held on the second Wednesday of each month from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Connect, learn, and ask questions about Farm to School and Early Care, including local food purchasing, school gardens, and agricultural education. There are monthly themes to help guide the conversation, but you're welcome to bring any questions or topics to the group.
You'll receive a confirmation email with information about joining each monthly meeting.
Reviewed in 2025