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The Covid pandemic put a lot of things into perspective for educators, including the need for a sustainable local food supply, and the rising cost of food. The Western UP Planning and Development Region saw the need. And the organization is partnering with local schools, farmers and an organization called Taste the Local Difference, to bring fresh local food into school cafeterias. Western U.P. Local Food Coordinator Madelina DiLisi was brought in to help develop partnerships between schools and local farmers.
Thanks to the farm to school program, nearly a dozen farmers across four western U.P. counties and several schools are working together to fight food insecurity. The program also cuts cost for schools, by providing locally grown fruits and veggies. The organizations are working hard this month to develop a directory that allows schools to order items directly from local farms.
Organizers say the farm to school program increases access to healthy and nutritious foods for kids in the area. It also teaches students how food is grown and cultivated. For school districts is interested in joining the program, or for farmers who might want to participate, contact Madelina DiLisi and Taste the Local Difference at madelina@localdifference.org
