Minnesota Profile

Farm to School programs come in many shapes and sizes unique to the communities that build them. After exploring the resources and existing programs on the left, contact your state Farm to School lead for additional information and assistance specific to Minnesota:
Stephaine Heim
Community Food Systems
507-319-0263
heim0106@umn.edu

Farm to School continues to grow rapidly across Minnesota. The fourth annual Farm to School survey conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA) found that the number of public school districts engaged in Farm to School rose from fewer than 20 districts in 2006 to 145 districts in 2011. A variety of private, parochial, charter and tribal schools also have Farm to School programs in place. The nearly 900 public schools that are currently engaged in Farm to School serve 558,000 students, or 68% of Minnesota’s K-12 population.

Check IATP’s Farm2School website for the full survey results, an interactive map of participating school districts, and resources for students, parents, farmers and schools.

Extensive resources for K-12 foodservice staff are available through the U of M Farm to School Toolkit

See the “Existing Programs” section of this webpage for more information about Farm to School programs at various Minnesota school districts and schools. Supporting organizations are highlighted on the “Involved Organizations” page.