Farm to School: July 2024 Newsletter
Summer Sun & Local Feasts
It's July! The days are long, the sun is out, and for everyone in our school system, it's a well-deserved time for rest and rejuvenation. Students are off exploring, splashing in the pool, or catching up on sleep, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work you've done throughout the school year. From planning nutritious menus to ensuring delicious meals for all our hungry learners, you've kept our schools fueled with fantastic food.
Now, as the summer breeze blows, it's your chance to savor the bounty of summer and indulge in the freshest local offerings. Explore farmers' markets, support local farms, and create delicious summer memories all while keeping an eye on the fantastic local produce that will be gracing our school menus come fall!. So, grab a refreshing drink, find a shady spot, and enjoy your well-deserved summer!
NWI Community Food Plan & the Indiana Food Vision
In partnership with the statewide Indiana Food Vision process, we are collecting input on what Northwest Hoosiers care about most through the Indiana Food Vision survey.
Take this ONE survey and have your voice heard TWICE!
Input from this survey will be disaggregated by our 7 counties and feed into our regional plan, in addition to informing the statewide vision!
Please take about 10-15 minutes to share about your day-to-day food system experience by clicking the link to the survey.
Your voice will be included in both the NWI Community Food Plan and the Indiana Food Vision!
What is a food system plan?
As defined by the American Planning Association:
“A set of interconnected, forward-thinking activities that strengthen a community and regional food system through the creation and implementation of plans and policies.”
What can a food system plan help northwest Indiana Achieve?
Vibrant local food systems can yield so many benefits: supporting health, entrepreneurship, environmental benefits, celebrate diversity and empower everyone to participate bc we all eat!
Local Food for Schools Update
Local food for schools has been extended for the 2024-2025 school year
The Indiana Department of Health and the Indiana Grown for Schools Network are excited to share that the USDA Local Food for Schools Program has been extended for the 2024-2025 school year. The LFS program is a one-time, state-administered program that supports the purchasing of locally grown and produced products for economically and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, with distribution into schools free of charge. In Indiana, distributors have self-selected to participate in the program to make the purchases from qualifying producers and distribute the products free of charge to qualifying sponsors and sites- which are those with 50% or higher Free and Reduced Lunch rates or qualify for CEP.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please reach out to Brianna Goode at
bgoode@health.in.gov. Current participating schools do not need to reapply.
TRAININGS
The NWI Food Council is excited to share a Farm to School Fellowship opportunity for Value Chain Coordinators. This Fellowship opportunity is sponsored by the USDA and Indiana Department of Health and administered by the NWI Food Council. As a Farm to School Fellow, you will be part of the movement toward a more sustainable, resilient, and thriving food system in Indiana. If you are interested in participating in this program or learning more, please click 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
