Wayzata Public Schools

Wayzata is a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis, known for its gorgeous vistas of Lake Minnetonka and its commitment to high quality education. Wayzata?s Culinary Express department serves over 6,000 lunches a day and has been a leader in Minnesota?s farm to school movement beginning with a produce-focused program called ?Harvest of the Month? in 2004.

?Harvest of the Month? evolved into ?Local and Fresh from the Midwest? in 2007 and significantly expanded its local sourcing. This year alone, the program has served:

· Several varieties of Minnesota-grown produce including squash baked with a Jamaican jerk seasoning, roasted rosemary potatoes, fresh apples and apple cider, and edamame

· Milk and cheese from two local creameries

· New protein sources including ground turkey, bison hot dogs, and red beans

· Additional Minnesota-grown foods like fresh oregano to season its baked rigatoni, wild rice, wheat, pickles, jam, and cranberries from neighboring Wisconsin

Culinary Express staff cite advanced planning with a reputable distributor as the key ingredients for success. All recipes and menus are planned by April for roll-out to students in the following school year. Marketing strategies are developed in the spring and summer months and utilize a beautiful website featuring monthly menu specials and accompanying recipes; full-color, glossy posters at all 11 schools; and an E-Newsletter that is distributed monthly to district parents.

New recipes come from all corners of the community, including cook staff, teachers, and administrators, and emphasize high nutrition standards using colorful produce, whole grains, and a variety of ethnic flavors

Contact

http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/wps/
Mary Anderson
17305 19th Avenue N.
Plymouth, MN 55447