North Dakota 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 North Dakota:
Sue Balcom
701-486-3569
sbalcom@farrms.org

North Dakota celebrated its first Farm To School week September 19-25, 2010, by proclamation of the governor’s office. Several schools were featured in local newspapers and television stations.

Interest in local food in schools grew in 2010 and prompted many school food service directors to seek out more locally produced food and incorporate it into their menus.

A survey in 2009 of all schools and day cares in the state showed several schools already using fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers. Many food service directors were interested in learning more about how to purchase and prepare fresh vegetables.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture in partnership with the State Department of Health and the Department of Public Instruction held two training sessions in 2010 for school food service directors, nursing home food service directors and farmers to educate and encourage cooks to develop relationships with local farmers.

There are several healthy programs in schools like Jamestown, Valley City, the Youth Correctional Center in Mandan and Granville Public Schools to name a few. General interest in local food has been growing across the state and more cooks are interested in finding farmers.

North Dakota has been active in the regional Farm to School network as well as national Farm to Cafeteria activities.