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Farm to School (F2S) is not a new concept, but has developed significantly over the years. The Western UP Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) aims to foster and create strong connections between local farmers and food service directors.
The team running the operation identified barriers to sourcing fresh, local foods for school programs, such as understanding the 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms program requirements, food safety practices for famer-sourced food, procuring local farm mini-grants, and setting up online sale channels for farmers to connect with institutions.
Taste the Local Difference aided by addressing these issues by creating a Western UP Farm to School Directory, which includes contact information, produce availability, educational program interest, and food safety certifications for 11 area farms who are dedicated to participating in local Farm to School programs.
As the program continues, the organizers will conduct case studies identifying gaps, barriers, strengths, and opportunities to inform continued Farm to School work in the Western UP and other rural communities.
WUPPDR has partnered with Michigan Technological University, Taste the Local Difference, Marquette County Conservation District, MSU Extension, and Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative partners on a Farm to School grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
