Minnesota Profile

Farm to School is rapidly taking off in Minnesota. A survey of foodservice staff conducted by the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA) and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) in February 2010 revealed that the number of public school districts engaged in Farm to School has more than doubled over the past 15 months. A growing array of organizations, including non-profits, state agencies and the University of Minnesota, are also pursuing Farm to School activities.

In Fall 2008, MSNA and IATP launched a partnership aimed at supporting adoption of Farm to School across the state. Their joint effort includes training and outreach targeted to foodservice staff at nearly 100 districts across the state, the development of F2S education and communication tools, research into local food sourcing strategies, media work and other initiatives.

The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development is working to integrate Farm to School within SNAP-Ed in the Nutrition Education Program and other university initiatives. UM-Extension is partnering with others to conduct Farm to School workshops, provide technical assistance to four districts, and support three districts in expanding Farm to School activities through USDA?s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program. The Minnesota Department of Health is also supporting Farm to School, among other strategies, through the Statewide Health Improvement Program.

Farm to School efforts in the state have their roots in the Willmar school district in Western Minnesota, which launched F2S in 2005. Since then, the Willmar district has offered a monthly locally-grown feature throughout the school year, along with extensive F2S activities in the cafeteria, classroom and community. Willmar?s approach and tools from other Minnesota districts are captured on a website targeted to school foodservice staff (www.mn-farmtoschool.umn.edu). The Little Falls School, MN District received the Congressional Hunger Award in 2008 for their Farm to School work.

The St. Paul Public School District and IATP also participate in the Kellogg Foundation-funded School Food FOCUS initiative. FOCUS is a national network of large urban districts working to expand use of local, sustainably-grown, and healthier foods. Through School Food FOCUS, the St. Paul schools and IATP are working with Michigan State University to research the local supply base and the potential to expand the district?s procurement of locally-grown foods, whole grains, and healthier proteins.

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan visited St. Paul to discuss Farm to School in October 2009.