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Monthly Harvest - February 2025


February 2025


Happy February! 


This month, we’re thrilled to share the results for Utah in the USDA’s Farm to School Census! This data highlights the incredible progress we’ve made in connecting schools with local farms, ensuring fresh, nutritious food reaches our students.

 

With continued USDA funding through the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement (LFS), known in Utah as the “Local Beef Project,” we will continue reimbursing schools for their local beef purchases and aim to include more ranchers, as well as fruit growers in the upcoming school year.

 

But we’re just getting started! Stay tuned and follow us on social media—2025 is packed with exciting events and endless opportunities to get involved, whether you’re a farmer, parent, teacher, or community member. Together, we can continue growing a stronger, more sustainable food system for Utah’s youth.

 

Let’s keep the momentum going!









Ambassador Q&A Webinar | February 11 | 10:00-11:00 AM

Join us for an engaging session to learn about the Utah Farm to Fork Ambassador Program! This exciting initiative empowers individuals passionate about supporting local food systems, promoting farm-to-school connections, and fostering healthy eating habits in Utah communities.




February Peer Learning Groups

 

Farmers and Producers

February 4 | 3:00-4:00 PM

 

The Farm to School Peer Learning Group helps farmers and producers sell to schools and youth organizations, navigate logistical challenges, and explore local procurement options while engaging in agriculture education programs.


Tribal Organizations

February 18 | 3:00-4:00 PM

 

The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Tribal Groups in Utah supports integrating tribal products into schools, leveraging farm-to-school opportunities, and strengthening community connections for healthier food options.


Network Spotlight


Headwater's Cattle


Headwater’s Cattle, based in Boulder, UT, is one of the ranches participating in our Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement (LFS), supplying high-quality beef to nearly 100 schools across Utah!

 

We’re excited to continue expanding this program with more local producers. If you're interested in selling to schools, let us know—we’d love to connect! Stay tuned for more updates!




Resource Spotlight


Selling Local Food to Schools: A Resources for Producers


You can play a role in supplying local products to schools to serve during breakfast, lunch, snack times, and supper, as well as educating students about food and agriculture. Not sure where to begin?




Get Involved


How to Transition to Scratch Cooking in Schools - First Steps

February 6 | Register here

 

Transitioning to scratch cooking in schools can be challenging but transformative. Seattle Public Schools’ nutrition experts will share key steps for sourcing quality ingredients, creating budget-friendly, culturally relevant recipes, and managing operational challenges. Attendees will gain actionable insights to start their scratch cooking journey and serve fresher, healthier meals.


School Nutrition Association’s LEAD to Succeed

Free trainings below! | Register here

 

Improve your communication and leadership skills while earning CEUs with LEAD to Succeed™ training developed specifically with school nutrition professionals in mind.

 

These free trainings include:

Food Justice



H.B. 100 Food Security Amendments

 

Rep. Clancy is proposing Food Assistance Amendments in the 2025 General Session. This bill will secure access to nutritious school meals for food insecure and vulnerable students. Read the Bill here and show your support! 


New Proposal Drastically Reduces Number of Schools Eligible for Community Eligibility Provision

 

The House Ways and Means Committee has proposed $12 billion in cuts to school meals in an upcoming Reconciliation Bill. These cuts would drastically reduce the number of schools offering free meals to all students and increase paperwork burdens, limiting access to free and reduced-price meals in non-CEP schools. 

In Utah, this means that 57 schools and 24,964 students will be affected. 

 


Job Opportunities


Education Coordinator at Summit Community Gardens 

Park City, UT | Open until filled | Apply here

 

Summit Community Gardens - EATS (SCG-EATS) is seeking an Education Coordinator to lead our seed-to-soil educational programs with youth. Our programs blend hands-on gardening, cooking, nutrition and sustainability for Pre-K to 9th graders in our community garden, in local schools, and offsite at various locations. This position reports to the Director of Education. 


CTE / Agricultural Education Teacher at Stansbury High School

 

Tooele, UT | Open until filled | Apply here

 

Under the general supervision of the School Principal and CTE Director, follows USBE and Tooele County School District standards and objectives to prepare students for agricultural life, and careers in agricultural sciences by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and vocational preparation.


Funding Opportunities


SNF Equipment Grants

Applications now open | Apply here

 

Eligible School Nutrition Association members have access to equipment grants from Alto-Shaam, AmTab, Cambro, FWE, Hobart, Innoseal, LTI Inc., Sterno Delivery, Vulcan, and Winston Foodservice. The total value of equipment grants being awarded is over $600,000. You do not want to miss out!

 

Please let us know if you're applying!

 

Did You Know?


A portion of Utah's state liquor tax revenue is allocated to support child nutrition programs, including school meals. This money helps provide free or reduced-price meals for children in need. 







Join Our Network!


Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates!



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