Farm to school practices connect schools with fresh and healthy food grown or raised by Minnesota farmers.
Practical, Minnesota-specific tips on how to start and grow connections for the health of our children and communities. Farm to school happens in the cafeteria, classroom and community. There are many ways for schools to get involved:
Serve local food at breakfast, lunch or during snack time.
Incorporate school gardens or food prep into lessons.
Feature local foods in healthy school fundraisers.
Engage students in trips to a farm or farmer presentations.
Establish composting and waste management programs.
Resources
Minnesota Harvest of the Month
A free program for schools to connect local and in-season foods to the school cafeteria, classroom and community.
Early care and school gardens
Resources to help you start or maintain your own school garden.
Food safety
These tools and resources will help ensure healthy and safe foods are available in cafeterias across the state.
Extension's on-farm GAPs education program
Education, outreach and technical support for fruit and vegetable growers.
Farm to School Month
October is a time to celebrate connections all over the country between schools and local food.
Farm-to-school video series
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 farm to school in this series of video modules created by a collaborative of organizations, including University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Department of Education.
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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 a Minnesota Farm to Kids Alliance member.
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 2026