Farm to School
Delivering Food from Farm to School
2012 Farm to School Events
In response to growing demand for healthier school lunches, as well as anticipated changes to the nutrition standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, UNI-CEEE and NIFFP have organized a series of conversations around relevant topics. These meetings are free and open to the public. Please join us!
Monday, January 23, 2012, 7pm, Cedar Falls Public Library Conference Room
On January 23rd, Kelly Crossley shared how she has created healthier lunches AND increased revenues for her schools! Kelly is the former Food Service Director at Independence Schools, and currently serves as the Nutrition Director at Solon Community School District. If you missed this event, check out Kelly's presenation materials or coverage of the evening as reported by The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7pm, Cedar Falls Public Library Conference Room
On Wednesday, we will hear from Heather Widameyer, a parent of two elementary school students in Iowa City. After attending a statewide workshop at Price Lab Schools and learning of their innovative lunch program, as well as the work in Independence and others, she realized, "we can make this happen in our school district,". Thanks to a dedicated group of local food and nutrition advocates and the food service director, the Iowa City chapter was started in September 2010 and has been growing ever since. Heather will share some of the successes and challenges of their projects, and take a look at the community partnerships that have developed from their work.
2011 Farm to School Events
Growing Local Lunches: Connecting Iowa Farmers and School Meals
Thursday, February 17th at the Cedar Falls Public Library, 9:00am to 12:30pm
On February 17th, NIFFP organized a workshop for farmers currenly involved in farm to school or looking to learn more about farm to school opportunities. Attendees learned about the procurement process for schools, heard from farmers experienced in selling to schools, and found out how farmers can be involved in the educational component of farm to school. See flyer for the event here (pdf).
Download presentations from the workshop:
Jacque Bilyeu-Holmes' presentation on the educational side of Farm to School (pdf)
Also check out the Grassroots Cafe website
Maggie Elin's presentation on Farm to School Procurement (pdf)
2010 Farm to School Events
Extended Season Farmers Markets
Saturday, November 6th & Saturday, December 4th at the Waverly Civic Center, 8:30am to 11:30am
Saturday, November 20th & Saturday, December 18th at the Cedar Falls Community Center, 8:30am to 11:30am
Bring your whole family to the extended season farmers markets this year to stock up on locally grown apples, squash, potatoes, and other storage crops, plus meats, baked goods, jams, and more! Contact us with any questions!
Farm Tours for Food Service Directors
Monday, July 19th 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and Monday, July 26th 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership organized two farm tours in July to give food service directors and other institutional buyers a chance to see a few local farms first-hand. This was a great chance for buyers and food service directors to see what happens on a variety of farms, ask questions, and meet local farmers. The schedule of farms for the two days was:
Monday, July 19th
8:30-9:15 - Tour of Jason Gomes' Farm (potatoes, sweet potatoes, melons)
9:30-10:15 - Tour of Clausing Cattle Co. (beef, no hormones or antibiotics)
10:45-11:30 - Tour of Genuine Faux Farm (variety of fruits and vegetables, poultry)
Monday, July 26th
8:30-9:15: Tour of Daley's Shamrock Acres (pasture raised lamb, broilers, turkeys, eggs, produce)
10:00-10:45: Tour of Rose Hill Farm (variety of fruits and vegetables)
11:15-12:00: Tour of Fuggiti Apple Orchard (apples)
"A is for Asparagus:" Healthy School Lunches for Iowa
Thursday, April 15, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Price Lab School, Cedar Falls, IA
On April 15th, NIFFP organized a workshop at Price Lab School in Cedar Falls for food service directors, farmers, and interested community members on incorporating Farm to School into lunch programs and making school meals healthy and fresh. We had an excellent turn out with attendees from all over the state (and a few from out of state!) Attendees listened to presentations by Kelly Crossley from Independence Schools, Rob Faux from Genuine Faux Farms, Tammy Stotts from IDALS, Rob Stanley and Jacque Bilyeu-Holmes from Price Lab School, and a keynote presentation by Bertrand Weber. Read all about the day in the Northern Iowan.
Download powerpoint presentations from the day:
Kelly Crossley's presentation on Independence Community Schools' Farm to School Program (PDF)
Tammy Stotts' presentation on IDALS' Farm to School Program (PDF)
Rob Faux's presentation on local farms and Farm to School (PDF)
Rob Stanley and Jacque Bilyeu-Holmes' presentation on Price Lab School's Grassroots Cafe (PDF)