Building Farm to School Relationships

Are you a Minnesota farmer or producer who is looking to expand your market opportunities? 

Are you a school or early care provider who would like to incorporate more locally grown food in your meal program?

The first-ever Minnesota Farm to School Roadshow will bring together producers, school nutrition professionals and early care providers to make new connections and learn how to build successful relationships. This series of in-person events will include training and facilitated networking opportunities. There will also be a session for attendees to contribute ideas and input for the MN Farm to Kids strategic plan. Attend a session near you!

The Minnesota Farm to School Roadshow is free and organized by Renewing the Countryside, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Education, and University of Minnesota Extension. All sessions will close at capacity so register early! 

Dates and Locations for in-person events: 

January 30th - The Good Acre (Falcon Heights, MN)

February 7th - UMN Regional Extension Office (Rochester, MN)

February 12th - UMN Regional Extension Office (Grand Rapids, MN)

February 13th - Bucks Mill Brewing (Detroit Lakes, MN)

February 14th - Midwest Technology Campus (Willmar, MN)

March 4th - St. Peter Community Center (St. Peter, MN)

Agenda for in-person events: 

12pm-2pm: Relationship Building Sessions 

These sessions will help producers and buyers understand each other, talk the same language, and build successful and long-lasting relationships within their community.

• Maximizing Farm to School Markets with Ryan Pesch, University of Minnesota Extension 

• You Say Tomato, I Say Tomäto: How Schools and Producers Can Speak the Same Language with Sara George, Renewing the Countryside

2pm-3pm: Envisioning the Future of Farm to School and Early Care in MN with Kate Seybold, MDA and Jayme Anderson, MDE

Minnesota is developing a new strategic plan for supporting Farm to School and Early Care in the state. Help to shape this plan by sharing your experiences and ideas.

3pm-4pm: Making Community Connections

Time for prospective buyers and producers to meet and talk about potential connections for sales. 

REGISTER HERE

Attendees are encouraged to attend the entire event, but can attend individual portions based on their availability. 

Questions? Email Sara George at [email protected]