Food Service Professionals
Procuring Local Foods Can Be Refreshingly Simple
Informal procurement is an option for participating schools in The National School Lunch program when purchases fall at or below the federal, state, or local small purchase threshold (whichever is more restrictive).
What are the benefits?
According to the National Farm to School Network,
there are numerous benefits to incorporating local foods into a healthy school lunch program, including:
Meal Participation & Cost
Raises meal participation an average of 9% and lowers cost of school meal programs
Local Food Procurement
Reaching up to 50% of all produce purchases in season
Cafeteria Options
Increased offerings of fruits and vegetables; new seasonal recipes; new waste management policies
Food Service Staff
Improved morale; increased knowledge of local food procurement and school lunch nutrition
How can I get my school involved?
Feed Our Future helps you gather all the seeds you need to grow your farm to school initiative.
Where to Buy
Contact local farmers and food distributors through our vetted list.
How to Grow
Get your school engaged in creating its own source of fresh produce.
Promotional Kits
Promote eating fresh, healthy local food in your cafeteria with our Harvest of the Month posters.
Boost Food Prep Skills
Our practical, easy-to-follow online course helps cafeteria staff prepare local foods.
Introducing Launching Local: Your Farm-to-School Guide
This engaging online course was created for busy cafeteria staff.
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1. Learn to prepare nutritious, exciting meals using fresh, local ingredients
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2. Make a positive impact on students' health and happiness
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3. Complete lessons at your own pace online
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4. No cost to you!
Success Story
Muata Niamke
Maple Heights City School District
Business Manager and Foodservice Director
Business Manager and Foodservice Director
The Maple Heights City School District has been partnering with local farms to bring fresh, locally sources produce to its students. Maple Heights is also using the cafeteria as an extension of the classroom and teaching kids and families about the importance of healthy foods.
After a recent family engagement night, Muata recently told the Feed Our Future staff that ” The swag kit items may have encouraged some students to try salad bar items that they normally may not have tried.” Maple Heights continues to impress with its commitment to providing students choices for what they eat.