Iowa Farm to School Resources
A list of partner organizations and resources for getting involved with farm to school in Iowa.
Download ResourcesUse the quick guide to search through our resource database. You can search by topic, setting, or keywords in order to find exactly what you are looking for. Choose a filtering mechanism above to get started.
Farm to school is taking place in all 50 states, D.C. and U.S. Territories! Select a location from the list below to learn more or contact a Core Partner.
Search our resource database
Use the search critera to narrow your search results or scroll through our entire library, located below. Checking boxes in multiple search categories will narrow your results; checking multiple boxes in the same category will expand your results. The date listed on a resource indicates when it was published if that date is known; otherwise the date indicates when the resource was added.
A list of partner organizations and resources for getting involved with farm to school in Iowa.
Download ResourcesLinks to slides and presentations from the 2018 Iowa Farm to School Conference.
Download ResourcesThis webinar is intended to inspire Extension educators who want to make racial equity a more intentional part of their work ��� and an introduction to resources and tools to help do so. Shorlette Ammons of North Carolina���s Center for Environmental Farming Systems introduces webinar participants to tools and language used in racial equity training. This webinar gives an introduction to greater conversations and work surrounding racial equity and food access. This webinar was hosted by the eXtension working group on Undoing Inequality in the Food System which is part of the eXtension Community, Local and Regional Community of Practice, and the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems.
Download ResourcesCommunity Groundworks developed this fact sheet to help early care and education sites promote family engagement and partnership through farm to early care and education activities.
Download ResourcesThis webinar recording shares different opportunities and avenues to fundraise for farm to school activities at any level. Information is shared about the FarmRaiser fundraising platform, planning for the USDA Farm to School Grant Program application, and fundraising support available from the National Farm to School Network.
Download ResourcesThe purpose of this technical report is to describe Oregon���s legislative process with regard to farm to school and identify Oregon���s farm to school state policy design attributes that have successfully leveraged limited state resources to improve farm to school participation among school districts.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar, the National Farm to School Network, the Farm to Family Project, and Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness share innovative programs that are leveraging farm to ECE as a key to family engagement and, in doing so, increasing healthy food access, healthy behaviors, and healthy relationships for children, families and communities.
Download ResourcesThe purpose of the Georgia Farm to Early Care and Education Overview and Strategy report is to provide a: General overview of Farm to Early Care and Education national and state goals and status Review of the Spectrum of Opportunities for Georgia Farm to Early Care and Education Three-year strategy for the Georgia Farm to Early Care and Education Coalition
Download ResourcesThis survey study was designed to better understand Michigan vegetable farmers' interest and willingness to participate in institutional markets and to identify perceived barriers and opportunities.
Download ResourcesLearn how this program helps Michigan children and families have better access to good food while supporting Michigan farmers and increasing season extension food production
Download ResourcesThis study investigated changes in Michigan school food service directors��� farm to school (FTS) participation levels and perspectives since a 2004 survey and factors that would facilitate FTS expansion.
Download ResourcesNFSN offers recommendations for hosting state and regional farm to school events, including a list of resources, materials and support available from NFSN.
Download ResourcesThis document provides a history of farm to school related legislation in Oregon.
Download ResourcesThe New York State Ag and Market Harvest Chart is now available in English, Spanish, Russian, Bengali, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Farm to School champions in New York State may find these charts helpful in explaining seasonality in their community.
Download ResourcesThe New York State Ag and Market Harvest Chart is now available in English, Spanish, Russian, Bengali, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. Farm to School champions in New York State may find these charts helpful in explaining seasonality in their community.
Download ResourcesDe la Finca a la Escuela ofrece m??ltiples estrategias para mejorar la salud de los ni?�os y las comunidades. Esta lista ofrece algunos primeros pasos sencillos para desarrollar un programa. [Resource in Spanish]
Download ResourcesLos huertos escolares son una parte integral de los programas De la Finca a la Escuela y ofrecen una multitud de oportunidades educativas. Esta lista ofrece algunos primeros pasos sencillos para desarrollar un huerto escolar. [Resource in Spanish]
Download ResourcesEsta hoja informativa ofrece una descripci??n general basada en la investigaci??n de los beneficios de la granja a la escuela y una lista de fuentes. [Resource in Spanish]
Download ResourcesIn honor of Multicultural Children���s Book Day, The Food Trust released this list of over a hundred books with farm to ECE themes that feature characters from Black, Latinx, Middle Eastern/Arab, First/Native Nations, Asian, and multiracial backgrounds.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar, NFSN partners and staff review NFSN's equity statement and farm to school practitioners share their successes and challenges with advancing equity through farm to school.
Download ResourcesRodale Institute, the birthplace of the organic movement, has put together this resource "My First Garden," to help teachers integrate school gardens into their classroom curriculum. This curriculum is designed for preschool or kindergarten children, but could be adapted to suit early elementary school needs.
Download ResourcesCustomize these templates to make procuring local beef easier using the formal or informal procurement process.
Download ResourcesUse this decision tree to help determine which procurement process (micro, informal, formal) to use when purchasing local beef.
Download ResourcesGet resources, ideas, and inspiration about farm to school in Montana.
Download ResourcesMontana Crunch Time is an annual statewide event to celebrate National Food Day and National Farm to School Month in Montana by crunching into locally and regionally grown apples on a designated day. Download the Montana Crunch Time Guide and other resources annually.
Download ResourcesThe Montana Harvest of the Month program showcases Montana grown foods in Montana schools and communities. Each month, participating sites promoting one Montana grown or raised items by serving it in a meal, offering taste tests to students, and doing educational lessons and activities.
Download ResourcesRead this case study report for tips and stories about how to bring local beef into schools.
Download ResourcesIf you like digging in the dirt, you might enjoy gardening, too. Growing a garden with your kids will help you learn about plants. You might grow flowers or vegetables in your yard or inside your home in containers. As you work to take care of your plants, you will need to make sure they get water and sun to grow.
Download ResourcesA list of NFSN resource suggestions for exploring and understanding racial and social equity issues in our food system.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar learn from the National Farm to School Network and Natalie McKinney, Executive Director of the K?�kua Hawai��i Foundation and NFSN Hawai���i Core Partner, about the importance of advocacy and education with policy decision makers, and take away tips and tools for jumpstarting advocacy efforts in your own community.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar, the Policy Equity Group, the Food Trust, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems share how they are evaluating internal structures and practices to prioritize equity and working towards programs and policies that place equity at the center of farm to ECE initiatives.
Download ResourcesThe National Farm to School Networks Theory of Change is grounded in our organizational Core Values, which reflect the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration with which NFSN was established, and embody the integration of equity, justice, mutual trust and respect in all elements of our work.
Download ResourcesThese reports showcase farm to school connections made, policies advanced and successes from across the country as reported by National Farm to School Network Core and Supporting Partners and staff.
Download ResourcesThis guide is intended to help Michigan State Head Start programs increase the amount of local foods they purchase and use for early care and education (ECE) programs serving children of migrant and seasonal farm workers.
Download ResourcesThe Question Keeper Database is a database of survey questions that allows you to build your own evaluation questionnaire. The Question Keeper recently expanded farm to school/early care and education content and is easily searchable by content areas and target audience.
Download ResourcesProject Learning Garden provides numerous lesson activities or Explorations (organized thematically in Collections) for every grade level Early Childhood through 8th Grade.
Download ResourcesQaqamiigux: Head Start Traditional Foods Preschool Curriculum provides a series of lessons and activities that preschool teachers can use to teach the nutritional value of the local, traditional foods in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Region. The aim is to provide culturally-relevant nutrition curriculum specific to the foods in the region.
Download ResourcesThe State Farm to School Legislative Survey provides a summary of each farm to school related bill proposed from 2002-2017, whether enacted, defeated or still pending. Also includes case studies, analysis of national trends and other tools for advocates.
Download ResourcesIn addition to instructions for establishing and maintaining a school garden in Minnesota, this guide contains 31 plant���science based lessons that assist in embedding its content into the classroom. All lessons are correlated to core curriculum concepts and Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in science, social studies, language arts, math and nutrition.
Download ResourcesThe purpose of this evaluation was to assess the impact of two of Georgia Organics��� core F2S initiatives���the Golden Radish Award and FoodCorps' service���on the development and sustainability of F2S programming in Georgia between 2014-2016, in order to identify areas of program improvement, provide information for stakeholders, and guide operational decisions.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar recording, partners from Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina and Mississippi share how their states celebrate National Farm to School Month and other farm to school celebratory activities. Hear their tips and ideas for getting started in your community.
Download ResourcesUsing a survey and case study approach, this report examines the economic impact of local purchasing and provides new insight into the potential for farm to school procurement to positively impact local economies.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar, learn about federal legislative activities and state policy efforts that are advancing opportunities for the expansion of farm to school in K-12 and early care education settings nationwide. Presenters share key learnings from recent policy efforts, and discuss advocacy opportunities for getting involved in current initiatives.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar, learn about farm to schools opportunities and benefits for farmers and producers. Hear stories shared by three family farmers and catch a preview at NFSN's forthcoming case studies on the economic impacts of farm to school.
Download ResourcesGrowing with MO Harvest of the Season is a Missouri Farm to preschool program that offers resources and training for all types of early care and education settings. The goal is to educate children and the adults in their lives about the benefits of locally grown fruits and vegetables and help them find ways to eat more of these foods. The program focuses on 14 Missouri grown fruits and vegetables.
Download Resources"Got Dirt?" walks you through all the steps to plan and build a school garden, and provides example activities for garden programming. [Resource in Spanish]
Download ResourcesImplement the new Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern with these helpful tools. On October 1, 2017, the new standards that include a greater variety of vegetables, more whole grains, and less added sugars and saturated fat will go into effect. Available in Spanish and English
Download ResourcesExplore a world of possibilities in the garden and on your plate using ten inquiry-based lessons that engage 5th and 6th graders in growing, harvesting, tasting, and learning about fruits and vegetables. More information is also available at Dig In! At Home Parent Booklet and Dig In! Posters.
Download ResourcesPasos sencillos para el desarrollo de un programa de jardiner??a escolar
Download ResourcesFind documents in Spanish on the following: CA Frost Guide, Garden Tool List, Crop Planning Chart and Planting Guide, Introduction to Annual and Perennial Plants, Outdoor Classroom Management, Basic Garden Bed Types, Harvest Tips, and a Garden Feature Planning Chart.
Download ResourcesNuestra red promueve los huertos educativos y ayuda a que estos programas se fortalezcan, se multipliquen, y se conviertan en espacios de aprendizaje cada vez más nutridos. Esta página es una herramienta para el intercambio de experiencias, recursos e inspiración. ¡Bienvenid@!
Download ResourcesHandouts from the NYC Health Department for farm to early care and education available in English and Spanish.
Download ResourcesThis Farm to Preschool program from the NYC Health Department uses the Just Say Yes to Fruit and Vegetables Stellar Farmers Market curriculum and recipes. The recipes focus on fruits and vegetables that grow in the NYC region. The recipes are available in English and Spanish.
Download ResourcesThe Life Lab Science Program distilled their years of world-wide school garden experience into a concise 50-page guide that asks and answers most questions you need to consider for creating an outdoor classroom garden. Items covered include your garden���s purpose; school staff, volunteers, and students; connecting with curriculum; site selection and design; theme gardens; fund-raising; public awareness; and more. Get this guide if you are thinking about starting a garden for your school or program, then move on to The Growing Classroom and Life Lab Science. This publication is available free as a PDF download
Download ResourcesManual de huertos escolares para docentes
Download ResourcesEstas recetas son aprobados por los padres, los maestros y los nios. Las recetas destacan los ingredientes locales y los ingredientes de temporada y son perfectas para cocinar las comidas memorables y los bocadillos a la casa y en la clase.
Download ResourcesThis is a farm to early care and education resource for farmers in Hmong.
Download ResourcesThis garden-based nutrition education curriculum features seven full lesson plans that are aligned with Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards for Nutrition, Health, Science, and other related subjects. A series of shorter garden-based activities is also included.
Download ResourcesHarvest for Healthy Kids gives you everything you need to inspire children with fresh food grown close to home. Download our free activity kits developed by teachers and childcare providers, and join us in helping a new generation thrive. (Resources available in English and Spanish.)
Download ResourcesOregon Harvest for Schools is a campaign to promote Oregon foods in school settings and to families. A variety of resources relating to the Oregon Harvest for Schools program are available here.
Download ResourcesIn Teaching in Nature's Classroom: Core Principles of Garden-Based Education, Nathan Larson shares a philosophy of teaching in the garden. Rooted in years of experience and supported by research, Larson presents fifteen guiding principles of garden-based education. These principles and best practices are illustrated through engaging stories from the field. The book features vivid paintings by mural artist Becky Redelings and connections to the research literature provided by Alex Wells and Sam Dennis of the University of Wisconsin Environmental Design Lab.
Download ResourcesThis resource aims to promote understanding amongst Head Start stakeholders of how farm to ECE supports achievement of Head Start Program Performance Standards and contributes to learning and development benchmarks as outlined in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
Download ResourcesThis curriculum offers 12 months worth of creative and engaging activities aimed at introducing children to fruits and vegetables through sensory exploration while learning about the health benefits of fresh produce.
Download ResourcesDownloadable sticker templates for use during National Farm to School Month. These designs fits a 2.5 inch circular sticker.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar learn about the variety of ways that state agencies across the country are leading the way in farm to ECE.
Download ResourcesThis resource includes tips and guidelines for conducting a successful taste test at your school.
Download ResourcesThis procurement toolbox is designed to help early childhood programs purchase local food, and includes step-by-step instructions for purchasing from a variety of local food sources.
Download ResourcesThis resource is intended for use by stakeholders from diverse backgrounds (e.g., food systems, farm to school, policy) to facilitate a shared understanding of the early care and education sector and the natural opportunities to integrate farm to school initiatives into early care and education settings.
Download ResourcesThis document provides an overview of the National Farm to School Network���s 2017-2019 Strategic Plan.
Download ResourcesStatewide network building is a key approach to institutionalizing farm to ECE. Watch a recording of the April NFSN Farm to ECE Webinar to learn keys to success in building statewide networks.
Download ResourcesThis webinar discussed new opportunities for farm to school under the newest authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, called the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Download ResourcesThis toolkit is designed for educators, advocates, parents, and farm to school and ECE stakeholders to understand and act upon the opportunities under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Download ResourcesThis Toolkit is a step-by-step guide for implementing successful farm field trips, with a new focus on tools for educating students about the important role of farmworkers in our food system.
Download ResourcesFarm-to-school programs around the country have wrestled with the challenge of sourcing local meat. This publication series tells the story of the meat-to-school journey in northeast Iowa and what was learned along the way.
Download ResourcesSix case studies highlight best practices from service providers using farm to ECE as an approach to support health, wellness, high-quality education, and community change.
Download ResourcesThis webinar recording shares highlights of the Good Food, Great Kids project, which developed a series of case studies on the emerging benefits of farm to early care and education.
Download ResourcesThis Taste Test Guide has the information, curriculum, and recipes needed for schools and cafeterias to implement monthly Vermont Harvest of the Month taste tests.
Download ResourcesFoodSpan is a free high school curriculum developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future about food and how it gets from farms to forks. Features include: 17 inquiry-based lesson plans, 2 short films, and 100+ activities and extensions that can serve as homework assignments or group projects.
Download ResourcesIn this webinar, speakers from NFSN, USDA and MSU CRFS share tips for getting started, strategies for success, and innovative models that are scaling local purchasing practices in ECE settings.
Download ResourcesLocal school wellness policies are written documents that guide school districts��� efforts to establish school environments that support healthy eating and physical activity. Check out these resources for ways to get involved in making sure farm to school is included in your school's wellness policies.
Download ResourcesDownloadable and customizable bookmark to celebrate National Farm to School Month. Two download options are available: 8.5x11 layout for easy printing and a single bookmark template.
Download ResourcesDownloadable posters to celebrate National Farm to School Month. Two sizes: 11x8.5 and 11x17. Both sizes also include a customizable version with a blank space to add local event information.
Download ResourcesThe toolkit contains includes information about Farm to School Month 2016 activities, a sample press release, suggested social media posts and graphics, example text for newsletters and ideas and tips for making media pitches.
Download ResourcesDe la granja al pre-escolar ofrece m??ltiples estrategias para mejorar la salud de los ni?�os y las comunidades. Esta lista ofrece algunos primeros pasos sencillos para desarrollar un programa. [Resource in Spanish]
Download ResourcesThis webinar focus on celebrating and connecting with diverse cultures and communities through farm to early care and education initiatives.
Download ResourcesThis fact sheet provides strategies for starting and sustaining farm to school activities in Native communities.
Download ResourcesThe farm to school movement began in the late 1990s with a few schools in different states and has grown to more than 42,000 schools (42 percent of U.S. schools) in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. This graphic illustrates the growth in farm to school activities by number of programs and number of states reporting since 1997.
Download ResourcesWhether you are in the planning phase, building phase or expanding the capacity and long-term sustainability of a farm to school program, funding is undoubtedly one of your top priorities. There are a variety of organizations, programs and ideas to help you. This fact sheet covers: government funding (federal, state or county, municipal); foundations (private family, corporate or community); alternative financial services and social impact investors; business sponsorships; and fundraising events (dinners, sales, etc.)
Download ResourcesFarm to school offers multiple strategies to improve the health of children and communities. But getting started can be a daunting endeavor. This list provides some simple first steps to develop a lasting farm to school program in your community.
Download ResourcesThis fact sheet offers steps and considerations for starting a school garden, including: collaboration, goals and design, funding, planting, maintaining, supplies, curriculum and benefits.
Download ResourcesThis fact sheet offers advice for those looking to institute farm to early care and procurement practices in a child care center setting. It discusses procurement from distributors, farmers' markets, farmers, CSAs, and gardens.
Download ResourcesThis fact sheet offers advice for those looking to institute farm to early care and education purchasing practices in a family child care setting. It discusses purchasing from farmers' markets, grocery stores, food co-ops, CSAs and gardens.
Download ResourcesThe National Farm to School Network is bringing a wave of Seed Change to states and communities poised for significant farm to school growth. This fact sheet explains Seed Change strategies, outcomes and successes.
Download ResourcesThis webinar offers insight into early care and education (ECE) agencies and organizations, and highlights opportunities for state level partnerships to advance farm to school in ECE environments.
Download ResourcesIn 2015, the National Farm to School Network surveyed early care and education providers across the country to better understand current initiatives, motivations and challenges in applying farm to school activities in early care and education settings.
Download ResourcesThis fact sheet offers steps for instituting farm to early care and education practices in early care and education settings (preschools, Head Start, center-based, programs in K-12 school districts, and family child care programs). It also discusses differences between school districts and early care settings.
Download ResourcesAgriculture lending institutions rooted in your local community can be great partners in growing farm to school. In this webinar, the National Farm to School Network and Farm Credit discuss innovative ideas for partnership.
Download ResourcesAgriculture lending institutions can be great partners in growing farm to school. This fact sheet offers an introduction to Farm Credit and innovative ideas for partnering with local Farm Credit organizations.
Download ResourcesIn celebration of National Farm to School Month, the National Farm to School Network hosted a webinar introduction to the farm to school movement. Learn about the three core elements of farm to school - procurement, education and school gardens - and how the movement is working to connect 23.5 million children to local food in schools all over the country.
Download ResourcesMARCH 10, 2015 Although the Child Nutrition Act (known as CNR) isn't set to expire until September 30, the action in D.C. is happening now, and we need your help. Learn how farm to school legislation is progressing as part of CNR and what you can do to help make sure farm to school gets the support it needs from Congress! Actions that anyone can take to join the effort and become an effective advocate for farm to school will be discussed.
Download Resources