Farm to School: December 2024 Newsletter
Holiday Harvest: Sip, Savor, Support Local
As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the many blessings we've received. Our Farm to School program has connected us to our local farmers, nourished our bodies, and strengthened our community.
This December, let's continue to cherish these connections and express our gratitude for the abundance of our local food system. From holiday potlucks to winter wellness workshops, we invite you to join us in celebrating the season of giving and sharing.
Our Team, Your Community: Thanksgiving Service
This Thanksgiving, our hearts swelled with gratitude as our dedicated staff joined forces with the incredible LaPorte School Food Service Staff to serve heartwarming Thanksgiving meals to our community's youngest members. As we gathered around tables adorned with festive cheer, we witnessed firsthand the power of kindness and the joy of giving back. Each scoop of mashed potatoes, each slice of turkey, and each warm smile shared was a testament to the spirit of Thanksgiving. Our staff's commitment to serving others shone brightly, illuminating the faces of young students as they savored each bite. It was a privilege to be part of such a heartwarming event, one that truly embodied the essence of the holiday season. We extend our sincerest thanks to the LaPorte School Food Service Staff for providing us with this invaluable opportunity. Your dedication to nourishing our community's children is an inspiration to us all. Together, we created lasting memories and strengthened the bond between our organization and the schools we serve. As we reflect on this special day, we are filled with hope and optimism for the future. May the spirit of Thanksgiving continue to guide us throughout the year, inspiring us to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
A Harvest of Gratitude: A Look Back at Gather, Give, Grow Fundraiser
We are still basking in the warmth of the incredible Gather, Give, Grow event. Your presence and support made it a night to remember. The room was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared passion for our community. As we savored the delectable dishes crafted by our talented local chefs, we were reminded of the incredible bounty of our region. Each bite was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our farmers and producers. By supporting local businesses, we not only nourish our bodies but also strengthen the fabric of our community. We are deeply grateful for your generosity. Your bids on our auction items and your donations will directly impact the lives of countless individuals. Your support will help us continue to provide essential programs and services that empower our community. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated Board, staff, volunteers, and sponsors. Your tireless efforts made this event a resounding success.
Together, we are building a brighter future for our community. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
In the Spotlight This Month: School City of Hammond food & Nutrition
Students at Morton High School and Central High School recently enjoyed a mouthwatering treat: barbecue chicken wings! This delicious dish brought local flavor to the table, featuring Fischer Farms Chicken Wings. A big thank you to School City of Hammond Food & Nutrition for providing our students with such a tasty and satisfying meal.
Harvest of the Month - Purdue Extension FoodLink
Website:
https://extension.purdue.edu/foodlink/
Region Roots Food Hub has the following available for Local Food for Schools: Pumpkin Slices - Frozen, Acorn Squash, Spaghetti Squash and Butternut Squash
For School participating in Local Food for Schools through What Chefs Want, Broccoli is still available. Squash is also available.
<<< FEATURED RECIPES >>>
Cottage Pie
Also known as Shepherd's pie, this recipe is a meat and vegetable pie topped with a crust of garlic mashed potatoes.
Looking Ahead:
January Harvest of
the Month Highlight
>>> January
Meat/Meat Alternative - Eggs
Vegetable - Beets
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!
GRANTS
Project SCALES Grant
As part of the USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, Project SCALES (Supporting Community Agriculture and Local Education Systems) is now offering funding and support for innovative projects that will build relationships among stakeholders in the school food system, and strengthen the school food marketplace. Applicants need at least three partners, which must include at least one school food authority and one food industry partner (growers, producers, processors, distributors). Additional partners can be from those sectors or other organizations such as nonprofit organizations, Indian Tribal Organizations, or other food system partners.
Grants for up to three years range from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
For more information and to apply, visit projectscales.com
Applications close on December 13th at 11:59 p.m. ET
FY 2025 USDA Farm to School Grant Program
In FY 2025, the USDA will award up to $12 million in competitive grants to eligible entities through the grant program. Each grant will help eligible entities implement farm to school programming that increases access to local food in eligible schools, connects children with agriculture for better health, and inspires youth to consider careers in agriculture.
Implementation Grants—support comprehensive farm to school programming that includes both local sourcing and agricultural education efforts.
Awards: $50,000-$500,000
Turnkey Grants—simplified grant application for frequently proposed farm to school projects
Includes three tracks: agricultural education, edible gardens, and action planning
Awards: $5,000-$50,000
Complete applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET, on Friday, January 10, 2025. To complete the application process, applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), register in the System for Award Management, and then register at www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to begin this process early.
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
