Farm to School: February 2025 Newsletter
Plate to Heart: Food, Love, and Memory
We all cherish those special food memories that transport us back to childhood – the sweet taste of a sun-ripened peach, the comforting aroma of simmering tomato sauce. These sensory experiences aren't just about nourishment; they're woven into the fabric of our personal history, connecting us to family, tradition, and place. They shape our understanding of food and its power to comfort and unite. Region Roots understands the importance of these connections and is working to cultivate them by bringing the freshest, locally sourced ingredients directly to school cafeterias. Imagine students savoring a Tamale Pie, its rich filling made with beef from a nearby farm, the savory spices a delicious reminder of the hard work and dedication of local ranchers. This commitment extends beyond simply providing healthy meals. It's about fostering a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from, nurturing a respect for the land and the people who cultivate it, and inspiring a lifelong love of fresh, seasonal, and locally produced food. By nourishing both body and mind, Local Food for Schools Program is planting the seeds for a healthier, more connected future, one delicious meal at a time.
In the Spotlight This Month: School City of Hammond
Indiana Grown for Schools - Harvest of the Month
Website:
https://www.ingrown4schools.com/harvest-of-the-month
<<< FEATURED RECIPES >>>
Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Components: Grains, 1 cup provides 2 oz serving of Whole Grains
Serving Size: 100
Nutrition Facts per Serving (1cup)
Calories: 290 kcal | Fat: 16 g | Saturated fat: 7 g | Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 120 mg | Potassium: 348 mg | Carbohydrates: 29 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 17 g | Protein: 10 g | Calcium: 209 mg | Iron: 1 mg
February Food Celebrations
National Cherry Month - Classic Cherry Crisp
February 13 - National Italian Food Day: Chicken Cacciatore
February 27 - National Toast Day: Banana Toast
Looking Ahead:
March Harvest of
the Month Highlight
>>> March
National School Breakfast Week, March 3-7
Unmask the Fun of Breakfast: How Will You Celebrate NSBW 2025?
Get ready to "Clue In to School Breakfast" during National School Breakfast Week (NSBW)! This year's theme promises a week of fun and excitement as we celebrate the delicious and nutritious breakfasts that fuel over 12 million students every day. We're eager to hear about your creative ideas for making NSBW unforgettable in your district!
How will you engage your students and staff in the celebration?
Here are some Ideas:
Transform your cafeteria into a "Clue" themed wonderland with magnifying glasses, question marks, and a "Breakfast Clues" bulletin board.
Mystery Menu: Feature a special breakfast item each day with a “secret ingredient” from a local farm.
Mystery Guest: Invite a local farmer
Taste Test Tuesday: Showcasing local products incorporated into a breakfast recipe.
Breakfast Detective Challenge: Kids solve clues related to breakfast food and nutrition
Let us know how you'll be celebrating – we're excited to see how you celebrate!
Our team at NWI Food Council and Region Roots would be happy to attend your celebration and highlight your great work. Just reach out and let us know.
UPCOMING EVENT
You're invited to our Region Roots Farm Fest at The Design Barn on March 10th from 5-8 PM for an evening of celebrating all things local food! Join farmers, chefs, school food service directors, food entrepreneurs, and wholesale buyers to network and celebrate our region's talent and farm-fresh goodness.
This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with local farmers, learn about their offerings for the 2025 season, and indulge in delicious farm-fresh treats while enjoying live demos and music.
RSVP 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
