Happy New Year, Farm to Fork Friends!
What farm to fork resolutions do you have for 2020? As always, we’re working toward greater collaboration and alignment of farm to fork programs and projects across the state, with the goal of improving equity in our food system. We also hope to bring you more great tools and resources this year to make it easier to access everything you need to run a successful farm to fork program or event. Look for a revamped website and greater social media presence this spring.
What to Harvest this Month
Fresh from the garden produce is in short supply this time of year, but folks with greenhouses or hydroponic systems can still enjoy sturdy greens like kale and chard, as well as various lettuces. If you’re not so lucky, think about shifting your local focus to items like eggs, meats, and cheeses—all available from Utah farmers.
Get Involved!
Food Equity Advisors
The City of Salt Lake is recruiting Resident Food Equity Advisors to help shape their policy decisions around equity and food access. They are looking for individuals who are passionate about these issues, have firsthand experience with food insecurity, are willing to engage in complex discussions, and excited about championing community driven solutions. If you fit this description or know anyone who does, please apply online at http://bit.ly/2E7LYXu. If you'd like more information or a paper application, contact Kate Wheeler (kate.wheeler@schools.utah.gov). Applications are due January 20th, 2020.
Farm to Fork Task Force Quarterly Meeting
Our next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21st from 2-3:30 pm. If you’d like to get more involved with the statewide farm to fork movement, please join us at Dairy West in Draper.
Save the Date: National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
The 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is coming to Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 21-23, 2020! This biennial event brings together food service professionals, farmers, educators, students, representatives from nonprofits and government agencies, public health professionals and more to network and learn. Visit farmtoschool.org/conference for more details.
Webinars and Trainings
One of the challenges with school gardens is keeping them going. Who will run the garden when the most passionate parent involved leaves the school? This one-hour webinar from the National Farm to School Network features school garden directors from districts of various sizes, sharing how they’ve started and maintained successful school gardens.
Improving Equity
Take a few minutes to read this fantastic article from Teen Vogue. The author does a great job of outlining why we need a youth-led movement for school food justice, and provides guidance on how we can move away from the current system of industrial food and low wage labor.
Job Opportunities
Youth Programs Instructor, Youth Garden Project, Moab
YGP is looking for an intern that is interested in working as an educator in a hands-on, outdoor setting within a variety of educational programs, including afterschool programs, camps, and environmental science class. The internship is from February 26-August 14, 2020. Youth Garden Project will provide housing and a $400/month stipend. To apply, please email a brief cover letter and an attached resume with three professional references to Youth Programs Director, Julie Zender, at julie@youthgardenproject.org. Application is open until filled.
Harvest VISTA, Green Urban Lunchbox, Salt Lake City
The Green Urban Lunchbox FruitShare program partners with fruit tree owners and community volunteers to harvest and distribute fruit that would otherwise go to waste. This AmeriCorps position will develop and manage outreach campaigns, volunteer recruitment programs, and oversee logistics for the volunteer harvesting program. This is a full-time, one-year position, from February 2020 to February 2021. Click here to learn more and apply.
Agriculture Inspector, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Fillmore
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food seeks an Agriculture Inspector for sampling seeds, animal feeds, fertilizer, and nurseries for the Division of Plant Industry. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree or higher in agronomy, animal science, botany, or a related field. Click here to learn more and apply.
If you have a farm to fork-related position you’d like to fill, send us the job posting so we can share it here.
Funding Opportunities
Apples4Ed
Apples4Ed supports schools across the country with grant funding to supplement student nutrition and expose students to a wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2020, five schools will each receive $4,000 to support healthy snacking initiatives—this can include school gardens and farm to fork taste tests! Applications are due by January 18, 2020. Learn more and apply here.
Slow Food Utah Microgrants
Every year, Slow Food Utah takes applications from the community for micro-grants. Projects that increase the availability of locally produced foods, enhance regional and cultural food traditions, or support youth education are a high priority. Applications are due January 31, 2020. Learn more and apply here.