Survey Results: Minnesota farmers embrace Farm to School

Farmers see opportunity to educate students and reach new markets

Minneapolis – Farmers, ranchers and other food producers are interested in providing more of their fresh, locally grown food to Minnesota K-12 schools, according to a new survey released today by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP).

The survey, completed by 67 small- and medium-scale producers and multi-farm collaboratives, showed strong interest in selling more locally grown foods to Minnesota K-12 schools and broad support for educating students about local food and farming issues. Ninety-five percent of respondents indicated that they are either “very” (60 percent) or “somewhat” (35 percent) interested in selling to K-12 schools. When asked about the reasons for their interest, respondents’ top three reasons were to “educate children about the food system,” to “increase access to healthy, locally grown food” and to “[generate] new revenue for my farm.” Read more »

Press Release: Contact: Ben Lilliston, (612) 870-3416, ben@iatp.org

Participation rises from 10 to 123 districts in 4 years, new survey finds

Participation in Farm to School is growing exponentially among Minnesota K-12 school districts, benefiting students and local farmers, according to the third annual Farm to School survey published by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP).

Foodservice leaders at 165 Minnesota school districts, representing 50 percent of the K-12 districts in the state, responded to the survey. The survey found that the number of Minnesota school districts engaged in Farm to School rose from only 10 districts in 2006 to 123 in 2010.

Farm to School programs are designed to help educate children about how and where their food is grown, strengthen local economies and support healthy eating habits. The survey, conducted in partnership with the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA), also found that Minnesota schools are purchasing a growing variety of foods from local farmers. Apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, peppers, watermelon and carrots are among schools’ locally grown favorites. Read more »