​​​​​​IATP has been a leader in the Farm to School and Farm to Early Care movement in Minnesota. We have supported programmatic implementation, policy support, and resource creation to support gardening, purchasing local foods, and helping kids learn about food and farming. Through Farm to School and Farm to Early Care IATP seeks to support farmers, kids, and communities. With the goal of supporting the vitality of small and midsized farmers, we find innovative approaches to increase the accessibility of fresh, healthy, locally grown foods in institutions, including K-12 schools, early care providers (home and center) and beyond. We test and promote curricula and educational models that help children make the connection between locally grown foods and the farmers who produce them. Our work is deeply rooted in Minnesota: We tailor our strategies to fit the needs and context of each community with which we partner.

Farm to School Spotlights

These spotlights lift up the creative ways schools are incorporating local Minnesota Farm to School foods into their menus and connecting their students with where our food comes from. From developing more culturally-responsive recipes to building connections with emerging farmers, purchasing game-changing kitchen equipment to connecting with classroom educational activities, these schools and farmers they purchase from share practical tips and inspiring stories of how they have made Farm to School work for their communities. Read all three here

Fond du Lac school lunch
Community Food Systems
Farm to school tray of food
Community Food Systems

Latest Articles & Reports

Locally grown apples and strawberries in a school cafeteria
Community Food Systems
kid cutting green beans
Community Food Systems
Photo collage with smiling girl next to herbs and pork dish
Community Food Systems
Image of woman cooking and baby eating
Community Food Systems
HAFA food on table
Community Food Systems

Farm to School Resources

Farm to School Leadership Curriculum 

The Farm to School Youth Leadership Curriculum is comprised of six lessons that can be taught consecutively over a semester or as single lessons or activities to complement other classes. Each lesson contains a lesson summary, facilitator preparation notes, activities, worksheets, recommended optional work and further resources for students and teachers. Lessons include themes such as “School Lunch: How Does it Really Work?” and “Communicating with Producers of Local Foods.”

Farm to Early Care Resources 

farm to early care process

Learn more about the Farm to Early Care process

Webinars

Farm to School Month Midwest Menu Webinar
Community Food Systems
Farm to School & Youth Leadership Webinar Part 2: Strengthening Farm to School
Community Food Systems
cfs

Discover more on our Community Food Systems work.