Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Farm to School Month Celebrations!
October is National Farm to School (F2S) Month! National F2S Month provides recognition to the vital connections between educational institutions, local agriculture, and the promotion of healthy eating habits among students. Get the word out and consider participating in a fun event to show your support!
Recognition from Governor Evers and State Superintendent Dr. Underly
Governor Evers and State Superintendent Dr. Underly have signed proclamations to celebrate October as National Farm to School month. View both proclamations linked below and please share widely with your networks!
Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Proclamation
Great Apple Crunch!
It’s not too late to Crunch into a locally grown apple to participate in the Great Apple Crunch! The Great Apple Crunch encourages healthy eating and supports F2S and other local food purchasing initiatives throughout the Midwest. Anyone can Crunch! Please register your Crunch to add to the total number of Crunches in Wisconsin!
Check out this fun video of the AmeriCorps F2S members and DPI F2S team crunching together to celebrate the Great Apple Crunch!
Wisconsin Farm to School Recognition Program
Join the WI F2S Recognition Program to promote and celebrate your F2S accomplishments! Complete activities in the three core elements of F2S: procurement, school gardens, and nutrition and agricultural education by the end of May 2025 to be awarded a recognition level. There are four levels of recognition with a bonus level (Broccoli Sprout, Broccoli Seedling, Broccoli Floret, Broccoli Crown, and Broccoli Flowering), awarded on the school level. Prizes will be given for each level of completion. Learn more and sign-up on the F2S webpage.
Complete Your F2S Survey!
The DPI Farm to School (F2S) Team is conducting a statewide survey of F2S activities. The goals of the survey are to gain a better understanding of F2S activities happening in schools and the barriers to sustainable F2S programming. Results of the survey will directly impact the work of the DPI F2S team. Please complete the survey by October 31, 2024, even if you do not think your SFA engages in F2S. Completion of the survey will enter you into a drawing for one of the following prizes:
- Grand Prize- RISE Garden (1 winner)
- Free admission to Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit August 5-6, 2025 (3 winners)
- F2S Swag Bag– tote bag with salad bar tongs, apron, oven mitt, potholder, and hat all with the Wisconsin F2S logo (20 winners)
Wisconsin Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program
The WI DPI F2S Team is excited to share that on October 1, 2024, USDA AMS announced there will be an additional round of LFS funding! Stay tuned for more information from the SNT School Meals News Bulletin.
The DPI F2S Team wants to also thank the subawardees who participated in the first round of LFS funding. Your commitment to provide local, unprocessed, and minimally processed foods significantly benefited the students in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) across the state. The connections made with local small businesses and socially disadvantaged farmers supported the community, boosted the local economy, and strengthened local supply chains.
FREE Promotional Materials!
DPI F2S promotional materials have been restocked! Items include menu signage, Producer Highlight posters, window clings, magnets, and stickers. Place your order using this link.The USDA is offering free, F2S stickers! Stickers come in rolls of 200 stickers per roll and schools can order up to 3 rolls. Order Here for Free Stickers!
Grant Opportunity – Fuel with Chocolate Milk
The Fuel with Chocolate Milk Grant from the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is open to any youth school group that would like to promote the dairy industry and the benefits of chocolate milk. This grant is an excellent opportunity to engage in your school and community and highlight the importance of the Wisconsin Dairy Industry. The grant includes the following:
- $250.00 stipend to purchase chocolate milk
- 1 milk crate cooler bags
- Optional: 2 packs of athletic program blanks
Grants are due Friday, October 18, 2024.
Share Your F2S Story!
Did your school or school district do something special in October to celebrate National Farm to School Month? The F2S team at the DPI would love to hear about it. Email the F2S inbox and share your celebrations, photos and recipes!
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
201 West Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-3390 • (800) 441-4563
For questions about this information, contact Jeff Mallegni (608) 266-2364