Farm to School (F2S) isn’t a new concept but has gained significant traction in recent years. In fact, the 2023 Farm Bill includes specific policy priorities which include building on the success of F2S programs, supporting agriculture and nutrition programs that get fresh food into schools and early childhood education (ECE) centers, expanding opportunities in the local food system, and ensuring equity and resilience in the agriculture and nutrition sectors.
Aiming to foster strong connections between local farmers and food service directors, the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) has made significant strides by partnering with organizations such as 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.
Our mission is to bring the benefits of farm to school to the Western U.P. by connecting farmers and schools and working to address the current barriers and challenges our farmers and schools are facing.
– Western U.P. Farm to School
Connecting Schools with Farms in the Western Upper Peninsula
Through interviews with farmers and local food service directors, the team identified barriers to sourcing fresh, local food for school programs. A major challenge included the need for support in navigating the application process and understanding the 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms program requirements. The ‘10 Cents’ program matches up to 10 cents per meal for schools and ECEs to buy and serve Michigan-grown fruits, veggies, and legumes. Other obstacles included figuring out food safety practices for farmer-sourced foods, procuring local farm mini-grants, and setting up online sales channels for farmers to connect with institutions.
Taste the Local Difference supported the grant project by addressing some of these issues by redesigning the Western U.P. Farm to School logo and branding and creating a Western U.P. Farm to School Directory, which makes it easy for food service directors to source local ingredients from farmers in the area. The directory includes contact information, produce availability, educational program interest, and food safety certifications for 11 area farms committed to participating in local F2S programs. It also includes a seasonality chart specific to the Western U.P., resources for webinars and training, a link to the 10 Cents application, and a template to add more farm contacts for future regional relationships. Information was gathered with support from Houghton Portage Township Schools, Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, MSU Extension, Michigan Technological University, WUPPDR, U.P. Food Exchange, and Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative partners.
Discover more information about the project here.
Photovoice Project
Alongside the F2S resources, MTU students in a Communities & Research class facilitated an innovative project to engage the broader community in the enthusiasm surrounding local food. Over several months, eleven residents gathered at the Portage District Library to participate in a unique research approach known as photovoice. This method encouraged community members to share their local food stories by bringing photographs and reflections to meetings, promoting shared dialogue, and practicing the art of storytelling.
Once narratives and photos were gathered, some of the group members decided to share their photovoice stories in a community food stories exhibit titled, “Sharing Abundance and Adversity: Food Stories from the Keweenaw.” You can find an excerpt from the exhibit You can find links to the exhibit, curriculum materials, and a photovoice facilitation guide here.
Looking Ahead
Together, the different Western U.P. F2S efforts have been instrumental in fostering connections between local farmers and schools, promoting healthy food options, and empowering the community to share their food stories. Looking ahead, the project aims to secure additional funding and expand its impact, ensuring the long-term success of Farm to School initiatives in the region.
All Houghton Elementary Farm to School photos by KT Creative Photography.
Further Reading:
Emily Row is the Brand and Media Manager at Taste the Local Difference. You may contact her via email [email protected].