Food Service
Getting Started
Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. For just a taste of the what and why of farm to fork, try our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
We also have a 30 minute online course that covers the basics of local procurement, gardens, and farm to fork education. Check it out, then check out the rest of our resources below.
Connect with Farmers
Utah Farm to Fork wants to make it easy to buy local food for Utah's Child Nutrition Programs. We've compiled a database of farmers who are interested in selling their products to schools, child care centers, and summer food programs. Access the database here:
If you are interested in purchasing local products, complete the Farm to Fork Buyer Survey so farmers and ranchers near you can reach out about products they have available for purchase.
Resource Library
The following is a collection of resources geared toward institutional food service staff. It is a work in progress- if you have a farm to fork related resource you would like to share, please visit the Get Connected page to upload your resources.
Featured Resources
Farm to Fork FAQ's
Frequently asked Farm to Fork questions. If you have additional questions after reviewing this sheet, please get in touch on the Get Connected page.
Step by Step Guide for Purchasing from Utah Food Producers
This checklist will guide you through the steps of purchasing local foods to serve in the child nutrition program you operate.
Utah's Harvest Schedule
Learn when fruits and vegetables are available throughout the year.
Farm Safety Checklist
If the farmer you’re considering buying from doesn’t have any food safety certifications, we encourage you to visit their farm yourself and complete this food safety checklist
Cafeteria Signs
Print and hang these signs throughout your cafeteria to showcase your locally sourced menu items! More signs included in the folder below. Click on a resource to view, download and print.
Enhanced Reimbursement Resources
Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, Utah State Board of Education will provide an extra per-meal reimbursement for National School Lunch Program participants who spend a higher percentage of their budget on Utah-grown food. The goals of the program are to improve school meal quality and support Utah farmers. Find out more about the program below, along with tools to help you get the most out of it.
Additional Food Service Resources
If there is a useful Farm to School related resource we are missing, please let us know by visiting the Get Connected page and sharing your information. We'd love to share it or link to it here.
Resource Database
The National Farm to School Network hosts a comprehensive list of Farm to School resources. The database includes information on farm-based education, marketing assistance, cafeteria menus, classroom and cafeteria curriculum, peer reviewed studies and much, much more. Access the database here.
Are we missing something? Let us know here!