ABOVE: Photo courtesy of the National Farm to School Network.
Momentum!
By Christina Barkel, Food Equity Specialist
More momentum is surging through farm to school work than ever before. At the recent National Farm to Cafeteria Conference—the 10th annual—success stories and strategies were shared by school staff, farmers, nonprofits teams, chefs, and others who care deeply and are engaged with farm to school work in their communities. Michigan had strong representation from Groundwork and many of our partner organizations and collaborators. Every state in the country was represented! Sovereign tribal nations also sent representatives. Having the opportunity to connect with each other in person allowed us to learn new things, feel inspired, and focus on how to improve and continue this work into the future.
Partnership
By Cori Fitzpatrick, Farm to Institution Specialist
Partnerships are powerful! There is no such thing as a resilient or sustainable system without strong relationships. Experts within each stakeholder group are each a moving gear working to keep the machine moving. When one falls out of alignment or is not a part of the conversation, the machine or system is not able to function efficiently or effectively. The big Michigan attendance made a strong statement about our state’s strong network of food systems partners and our continued commitment to local/regional food and farm economy and community health. We enjoyed sharing thoughts with partners from Michigan’s various school districts, nonprofits, state agencies, like Michigan Department of Education, Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems, East Jordan Public Schools, and Boyne Falls Public School.
National Support of 10 Cents a Meal
Amanda Brezzell, Policy and Engagement Specialist
The conference was a great opportunity to witness the nationwide momentum regarding farm to school. One highlight was hearing such an outpouring of support for 10 Cents a Meal—so affirming for the Groundwork team. Many folks were upset about Michigan’s recent cut to funding, and the support of peers from across the nation was really uplifting and empowering. I had many great conversations with people who are developing programs for their states based on the success of 10 Cents a Meal, and we were able to discuss ways to make their programs strong, right out of the gate. From folks trying to understand procurement to those trying to decide how much to ask for their state budgets, our conversations were really encouraging and productive. I look forward to meeting with new contacts from Colorado and New York to discuss best practices for moving their programs through their budget processes. I learned that no matter what, 10 Cents a Meal has made an indelible impact, and the legacy of this program will live on across the nation.
The importance of shared resources
Christina Barkel, Food Equity Specialist
Many excellent resources are available for school food service workers to open the way for local food in schools, and for farmers to engage with schools. One resource I learned about is the Agricultural Producers’ Toolkit: Bringing the Farm to School. This guide walks farmers through the process of learning about school food market opportunities and challenges, identifying products and price points that would be a good match for schools, and other business planning tools that will ensure a successful partnership between farm and school. The result? More fresh, healthy, and local food served to children at school every day.
Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE)
Melanie Wong Tran, MA, RDN; Farm to ECE Specialist on
The Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) movement is growing on the national level. I heard from colleagues who have attended previous conferences that during this year’s event there were more Farm to ECE sessions than ever before. I even had the opportunity to present at two Farm to ECE sessions. Additionally, I noticed the intentional inclusion of “Farm to ECE” in the language that conference organizers used throughout the week. All of this was very heartening, and it was amazing to connect with national partners whom I have worked with over the years.
Don’t hold back!
Cori Fitzpatrick, Farm to Institution Specialist on Partnership
We are reminded that those individuals and organizations that are willing to take some risks, to charge after something bigger than themselves, to be open and adaptable to changing climates, are those that will be most adept at supporting their community’s needs. 
Melanie Wong Tran, Farm to Early Care and Education Specialist
melanie.tran@groundworkcenter.org
Cori Fitzpatrick, Farm to Institution Specialist
cori.fitzpatrick@groundworkcenter.org
Amanda Brezzell, Policy and Engagement Specialist
amanda.brezzell@groundworkcenter.org
Christina Barkel, Food Equity Specialist
christina.barkel@groundworkcenter.org
