Farm to School: August 2024 Newsletter
Welcome Back, and Get Ready for a Fresh Start!
The backpacks are packed, the pencils sharpened, and the halls are buzzing with anticipation! As we gear up for another exciting school year, Local Food for Schools is thrilled to be back, ready to fuel young minds and bodies with the freshest, most delicious local ingredients.
This year, we're excited to unveil some exciting updates to our program! Be on the lookout for new guidelines that will make it easier than ever for schools to participate in the bounty of our local farms. We're also introducing a brand new segment called "Monthly Harvest," where we'll be shining a spotlight on a powerhouse protein and a superstar vegetable, along with delicious recipe inspiration to incorporate them into school lunches.
Get ready for a year of learning, growing, and enjoying the very best our state has to offer! Let's make this school year the healthiest and most flavorful one yet!
Harvest of the Month: Berries
Nutrition & Health
Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant. In fact, they’re famous for their nutritional qualities! These naturally nutritious berries are also high in manganese, a nutrient that aids in the processing of cholesterol, carbohydrates, and protein. What’s more, they’re a good source of dietary fiber, which helps you feel full faster and promotes heart health.
Nutrition & Health
Raspberries are high in fiber-which lowers cholesterol levels-and vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps the body heal wounds and grow tissue. They also contain ellagic acid, and antioxidant that helps keep cells healthy. Their striking crimson color comes from anthocyanins, which is also an antioxidant.
Nutrition & Health
Blackberries are loaded with Vitamin C and fiber, both nutrients that promote health and wellness. In fact, a cup of blackberries has over twice the fiber content of a cup of brown rice, while also providing a third of the daily recommended value of the antioxidant vitamin C.
Indiana Grown for Schools Monthly Harvest Highlight
Website: https://www.ingrown4schools.com/harvest-of-the-month
<<<FEATURED RECIPE>>>
Yogurt Parfait with Berries
This kid friendly parfait with strawberries, blueberries and crunchy granola is sure to be a hit for breakfast or a snack. You can easily substitute other fruits as they come in season.
Components: Fruit, Grains, Meat/Meat Alternative
Servings: 50
August Food Celebrations
National Sandwich Month - All American Sub
August 8: National Zucchini Day - Zucchini Parmeson
August 19: National Potato Day - Stuffed Baked Potato
Looking Ahead:
September Harvest of
the Month Highlight
>>> September
Meat/Meat Alternative - Chicken
Vegetables - Tomatoes
Celebrating Local Food
Our Harvest of the Month is taking center stage in the Local Food for School Celebration Calendar! Each month, we'll dish up delicious recipe ideas featuring the freshest local finds. This isn't just a calendar; it's your secret weapon for creating mouthwatering menus that shine a spotlight on local goodness all school year long!
UPDATES
As we approach the start of school, we invite you to look ahead and join us in celebrating our local farmers and promoting healthy eating. October is National Farm to School Month, and Indiana offers two exceptional opportunities to engage your students. To register your school for these events and access additional resources, please visit the links by clicking on the pictures below.
Indiana Food Day: The Indiana Department of Education, in partnership with community organizations, annually promotes Indiana Food Day to celebrate local food and healthy eating. This year's focus is on Pumpkins, providing a unique opportunity to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your menus.
Indiana Great Apple Crunch: Encouraging healthy habits and supporting local food initiatives, the Indiana Great Apple Crunch takes place annually in conjunction with Indiana Food Day. This event highlights the state's culinary diversity while promoting farm-to-school practices.
Action for Healthy Kids Recognition Awards
Are you a School Food Hero? Revolutionizing school meals?
Action for Healthy Kids wants to hear about it!
The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards are back, and they're better than ever. The process has been streamlined so you can focus on what you do best: creating amazing school meals.
Whether you've built a rockstar "Build Your Plate" station or launched a cooking class that's got the whole community talking, Action for Healthy Kids wants to celebrate your success. Let's shine a spotlight on your innovative ideas and inspire others to join the healthy meal movement!
Ready to be recognized? Apply here!
RESOURCES
Farm to School Office Hours
Join Farm to School Coordinators from the Indiana Grown for Schools Network and other farm to school and early care stakeholders each month to discuss and find answers to your questions related to local foods. Farm to school office hours are on the third Wednesday of each month from 3:30 - 4:30 PM ET. You can request a monthly calendar hold by emailing Brianna Goode at bgoode@health.in.gov
Questions or feedback about the program?
Would love to hear from you!
Reach out to Veronica Jalomo, Farm-to-School Coordinator,
veronica@nwifoodcouncil.org, (765) 412-6136
