Local farmers connect with schools and schools connect with farmers at these informal, events to help schools grow their local food programs. Find an event near you.
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.
About farm to school
See examples of the many ways to get involved in farm-to-school initiatives.
- Farm to school month - 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 - A free program for schools to connect local and in-season foods to the school cafeteria, classroom and community.
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.
The Minnesota Farm-to-School Network
Monthly farm-to-school technical assistance office hours
What: Join members from the Minnesota Farm to School Leadership Team and other farm-to-school and early care stakeholders each month to discuss and find answers to your questions related to local foods and making farm-to-school and early care successful in your community.
Who: Anyone with questions related to farm-to-school and farm-to-early care. All are welcome: farmers, school nutrition professionals, early-care providers, parents, teachers, distributors, gardeners, local public health professionals, extension educators, and any other farm-to-school and early-care advocates.
When: The second Wednesday of the month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. If these times don’t work for you, you can submit your questions here.
Register: Join us online via Zoom. Register once and you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining each monthly meeting.
Farm to school networking events
Join us!
Reviewed in 2024