Community-based food systems

Big changes for school food

Like most parents in Minnesota, last week I received an information packet from my daughter’s school. It was the annual get-ready-for-school packet, full of various forms and fall activities for her school in St. Louis Park. Deep in the pile was a bright orange flyer from the school lunch room.

Students to get a big taste of Minnesota during Farm to School Month

MINNEAPOLIS – Students across Minnesota will enjoy a wide variety of Minnesota-grown produce during the month of September as part of the expanding effort to connect K-12 students with fresh, locally grown foods and the farmers who grow them.

Governor Dayton: September is Farm to School Month in Minnesota

Farm to School in Minnesota has been continually growing, and now it's been recognized by the state for its importance to students and local farmers. Last Thursday, Governor Dayton declared September Farm to School Month in Minnesota. The proclamation request was initiated by IATP as part of its ongoing Farm to School efforts.

Governor Dayton proclaims September Farm to School Month in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS – Governor Mark Dayton on Thursday, August 25, proclaimed September as Farm to School Month in recognition of the many benefits that Farm to School brings to K-12 students and the local agricultural economy in Minnesota.

Streetwerks Youth Farmers Market

A quick look at the Streetwerks Youth Farmers Market, part of the Institute for Agriculture and Trady Policy's (IATP) Mini Farmers Market project. More information available at www.iatp.org/minimarkets.

IATP Mini Farmers Markets: St. Olaf Community Campus Farmers Market

A quick look at the St. Olaf Community Campus Farmers Market, part of the Institute for Agriculture and Trady Policy's (IATP) Mini Farmers Market project. More information available at www.iatp.org/minimarkets.

IATP's Mini Farmers Markets: Overview

A look at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Mini Farmers Market project in Minneapolis. More information available at www.iatp.org/minimarkets.

Deﬁnition of Farm to School

Definition Farm to School is an initiative that links children to nearby small and mid-size farms and ranches that produce fresh, healthy and minimally processed1 foods that are served at their schools. Goals

Innovative program at six Minneapolis farmers markets helps low-income Minnesotans eat better, supports Minnesota farmers

MINNEAPOLIS – Affordable, healthy food is now easier to get for people who buy food with food stamps, thanks to a coordinated effort that allows more farmers markets to accept EBT (electronic benefits transfer) cards. Now people can use EBT cards to buy fruits, vegetables and other healthy food at six Minneapolis farmers markets (up from three last year). The markets are:

Grower Perspectives on Farm to School in Minnesota

As part of our work on Farm to School, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) conducted an electronic survey of growers interested in Farm to School in Spring 2011. The survey was designed to assess growers’ perceptions of Farm to School, interest levels, challenges, aspirations and strategies that could enable growers to benefit more fully from this growing market.