This Farm to School logo is intended for Wisconsin schools to promote their F2S activities. If you would like to utilize the logo, please contact DPIF2S@dpi.wi.gov.
What is F2S?
Farm to School (F2S) is a movement that promotes the use of locally- and regionally-grown foods in schools.
F2S activities and initiatives can include nutrition education in classrooms, farmer visits, signage promoting local foods, serving local foods in the cafeteria, school gardens, and so much more! Every school can participate in their own capacity; there are no requirements for involvement. The goal of F2S is to meet the needs of your community.
Learn more about F2S efforts in Wisconsin and nationwide: 2019 USDA F2S Census
Stay up to date on the latest DPI F2S news!
Benefits of F2S
Some benefits of F2S are:
- stimulates local and regional economies
- increases students' health, nutrition, and academic performance
- helps healthy habits take root early
Read more about the benefits of F2S
Available Grants
Grants are a great way to cultivate sustainability and keep your F2S work moving forward. Visit the SNT Grant Opportunities webpage for F2S grants.
Marketplace Meetings
Looking for connections with farmers and producers in your area? Wishing you knew what foods are available locally today? Marketplace Meetings are your own personal networking hour where school food buyers and menu planners connect with farmers and producers to build relationships and get local foods onto your school menu. These meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 1-2 pm on Microsoft Teams. Learn more, get the meeting link and see the schedule of featured topics: Marketplace Meetings flyer
Get Started
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F2S Webcast - an overview of F2S and best practices from champion school districts.
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AmeriCorps Farm to School Grant- to help with the staff capacity to get started or increase F2S activities.
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USDA F2S Planning Guide - considerations when starting or growing a F2S program.
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USDA Tools to Help You Get Started - 30-minute webinars on building a farm to school team, facing struggles and surprises, and building a foundation for a successful project.
Get Involved
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WI Chili Lunch (fourth Thursday in February)
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National Ag Day (March)
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WI School Garden Day (May)
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F2S Month (October)
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Great Apple Crunch (second Thursday in October)
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UW-Extension Harvest of Month (monthly)
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Cucumber Crunch (coming soon)
Meet the Farm to School Team!
The DPI School Nutrition Team (SNT) has full-time F2S staff! Jeff Mallegni, former school district chef, and Brittany Zerbe, former SNT Public Health Nutritionist, are working to grow F2S efforts in Wisconsin schools. Please contact us at DPIF2S@dpi.wi.gov with any F2S questions.
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