Frequently Asked Questions
What is farm to school?
Farm to school is a broad term used to describe efforts to link schools with local agriculture. These efforts are diverse and can include a range of activities such as harvest festivals, field trips to farms, school gardens, farm-raisers (fundraising with local products), educational visits from farmers, and offering locally grown foods in the cafeteria.
Why should I offer Michigan foods in my cafeteria? What are the benefits?
Whether you buy locally grown food directly from a farmer or through a food distributor, you’re helping to support Michigan farmers. Since the food doesn’t have to travel very far, you might find that locally grown also means a greater variety of fresher foods. If you work directly with a farmer, you might even be able to ask for exactly when you want instead of being tied to standard specifications. Offering locally grown foods in your cafeteria also gives you a chance to use food as a teaching tool and help students to understand where their food comes from.
How can food service directors overcome some of the challenges of local school food procurement? What are the small things I can do to support Michigan farmers?
You don’t have to rewrite all of your school menus to start or be involved in a farm to school program. Small steps count! Buy a couple of different varieties of Michigan apples and ask students to select their favorite. Invite a farmer to participate in the taste test and ask her talk with your students about how apples are grown. Highlight a locally grown product on your menus once a month or celebrate Michigan foods with a one week menu in the spring or fall that takes advantage of the harvest.
Can I buy locally grown foods from my food distributor?
Yes! Many food distributors now offer a variety of locally grown foods. Click here to learn more about how to work with your food distributor to help you link your cafeteria to Michigan agriculture.