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We’re working on a new and improved website to make it easier for everyone in our community to connect, find resources, and share local food opportunities! As part of this update, we’re redesigning our forms and switching to a new platform.   To make sure you continue receiving important updates and opportunities, please take a moment to sign up again  or update your information. Newsletter   Stay informed about all things farm to school in Utah, including events, seasonal recipes, funding opportunities, and more.   For anyone! Signing up again is extra important to continue receiving correspondence! Producer Map   A directory of farmers and producers interested in selling local products to schools and institutions.   For farmers, ranchers, and food producers. Buyer Map   Connects schools and childcare programs looking to purchase local food directly from producers.   For school nutrition staff and program buyers. Outdoor Garden Map   Highlight youth-focused outdoor gardens, from school and community gardens to urban and backyard projects. This map connects educators, volunteers, and community members with hands-on outdoor growing opportunities for students.   Perfect for schools, youth programs, and community organizations cultivating gardens in outdoor spaces. Indoor Garden Map   Showcase youth-focused indoor gardens, including classroom, hydroponic, and other indoor growing projects. This map helps educators and community partners discover and connect with innovative indoor gardening programs for students across Utah.   Ideal for schools, after-school programs, and community spaces using indoor growing methods.

Hello Farm to Fork friends!   This year is already off to an inspiring start with Monticello Academy receiving national recognition for innovation in school meals! We’re also gearing up for the Movement Building Workshops in Salt Lake City, starting September 5th with Beyond the Cafeteria: Creative Farm to School Pathways.   Read more about these exciting stories in this month’s newsletter! Movement Building Workshops 2025 Farm to School Success in Utah: Stories that Inspire, Ideas to Grow   Join us September 5, 2025 in Salt Lake City for Beyond the Cafeteria: Creative Farm to School Pathways. This day of tours and workshops will highlight diverse models of farm-to-school, including nonprofit teaching gardens, refugee-led farms, and a farm-based charter high school. Agenda:   1:00 – 3:00 PM: Wasatch Community Gardens  – Hands-on youth programming, garden tour, and activities tied to Utah SEEd Standards.   3:30 – 4:30 PM: New Roots Redwood Farm  – Explore refugee-led urban farms, community gardens, farmers markets, and youth programming.   5:00 – 7:00 PM: Roots Charter High School – Tour farm-based programs, beekeeping, and trauma-informed learning environments empowering students.   Whether you attend one stop or the full day, you’ll leave inspired with new ideas to grow farm-to-school in your community.   Register today to reserve your spot! Network Spotlight Monticello Academy Wins Innovation Award! Monticello Academy was recently recognized with the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award  as part of the USDA Healthy Meals Incentives Spotlight  celebrating school nutrition trailblazers.   One way the school shines is by preparing meals from scratch using locally raised beef . Student favorites include Sloppy Joes, Baked Beef Pasta, and Beef Taco Salad —all made with fresh, local ingredients. To engage families and showcase their work, Monticello hosted a Winter Open House Sampling Event . Parents and students were invited to enjoy five sample-sized portions of menu items, alongside a full salad and fruit bar and a smoothie bar. The free event not only highlighted the variety and quality of school meals but also encouraged families to be part of shaping the cafeteria experience.   Learn more about the Healthy Meals Incentives Spotlight  and other awardees here: Healthy Meals Incentives Stories Resource Spotlight Apple Crunch Toolkit Apple Crunch is just around the corner!  Now’s the perfect time to start planning your celebration. Check out our Apple Crunch Toolkit for fun ideas, activities, and resources to make your event memorable and engaging.   Download here! Get Involved Reducing Ultra-Processed Meals: The Next Chapter in School Food Webinar September 17 | Register here   This webinar will focus on the overdependence of ultra-processed foods in school meals. We’ll examine the challenges they present and the opportunities to reduce their presence on trays.   Now Open: Utah Farm to Fork Teacher Workshop Registration! September 26 & 27 | Register here!   Join Utah Agriculture in the Classroom and Farm to Fork for a dynamic two-day teacher workshop exploring local agriculture through hands-on farm and business tours. Open to educators of all grade levels and subjects, this workshop offers fresh ways to connect students to food, farming, and the natural world. Teachers who attend will receive: $250 stipend USBE relicensure hours or CE credits through USU A classroom resource kit ($150 value) Hands-on instruction + new lesson plans Networking with fellow Utah educators   10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference Registration Now Open! | Register here   The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is happening December 2–4, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico! This year's event will bring together farm to institution leaders from across the country for learning, networking, and collective action to strengthen local food systems. Don’t miss this chance to connect and grow with the movement! Planning to attend? Let us know! We’d love to know who’s representing Utah! Food Justice Growing Justice Fund – Advancing Equity in the Food System   The Growing Justice Fund invests in Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant leaders to expand access to good food purchasing. By supporting equitable institutional buying—schools, hospitals, and other community-serving institutions—the fund helps small- and mid-size producers from historically excluded communities thrive while ensuring healthy, sustainable food reaches those who need it most.   Learn more here! Job Opportunities With the school year in full swing, explore rewarding opportunities in child nutrition and make a difference in schools across Utah!   Nutrition Service Worker - Weber School District Ogden, UT | Rolling deadlines | Apply here  - Type in “nutrition’ to view available jobs!   There are multiple openings throughout the district for various age groups, ranging from full- to part-time—truly something for everyone!   Extension Livestock Coordinator | Utah State University Heber City, UT | Rolling deadline | Apply here   Join a vibrant agricultural community just an hour from Salt Lake City, where you’ll lead and support youth-focused livestock programs through 4-H and FFA. This role involves developing hands-on educational experiences in livestock care, nutrition, showmanship, and ethics, as well as coordinating county and state livestock shows, recruiting and training adult volunteers, and engaging youth in farm field days. You’ll help inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders while connecting them to Wasatch County’s rich farming heritage and scenic landscapes. Funding Opportunities Salads Bars for Schools Rolling applications | Apply here   The SB2S program helps K–12 schools expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables by providing salad bar equipment, technical support, and training. Eligible schools receive Cambro salad bars, camchillers, and two free enrollments in The School Food Institute’s Salad Bars in Schools course to ensure long-term success. Open to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program with at least 100 students per site.   GroMoreGood Garden Grant – Stay Notified for 2026! Applications open in October | Apply here   The GroMoreGood Garden Grant supports existing and new school or community garden projects, as well as outdoor green spaces for youth learning. Grant amounts vary based on need and proposal. The 2025 cycle has closed, but applications for 2026 open in October—sign up now to receive notifications and be ready to apply! Did You Know? Over 74,000 schools nationwide participated in farm-to-school programs, reaching approximately 45.6 million students.   Source: Chef Ann Foundation Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates! Join today!

Hello Farm to Fork friends!   As kids head back to school, we’re excited to roll out new resources to help school professionals kick off the year strong. Whether you're in the cafeteria, classroom, or school garden, we’re here to support your work with tools and ideas that connect students to fresh, local food.   Next month, we’ll also be celebrating our next two Movement Building Workshops—happening in Salt Lake City and Moab—as we continue strengthening connections across Utah’s farm to school community.   And stay tuned for a full recap of our Squash Summer Hunger campaign and all the fun, food-focused activities that took place across the state! If you haven’t registered your summer meal celebration yet, there’s still time—let us know so we can celebrate your efforts! Register here! Squash Summer Hunger BINGO Looking for a fun, kid-friendly way to stay connected to local food this summer? Join us for Squash Summer Hunger BINGO—an engaging activity that promotes healthy eating, supports local farms, and celebrates summer meals in your community.   Each BINGO square encourages participants to try new fruits and veggies, visit a farmers market, thank a school nutrition worker, or get creative in the kitchen with local produce. Complete a row—or the whole board—and share your progress with us for a chance to be featured on our social media!   Good news: the deadline to participate has been extended to September 1st! Let’s squash summer hunger, one BINGO square at a time.   Download your card today! Movement Building Workshops   Join us for a series of engaging workshops designed to elevate farm-to-school efforts across Utah! Each session highlights real-world success stories, offering inspiration and actionable strategies to strengthen local food systems. Whether you’re a farmer, educator, food service professional, or community advocate, these workshops provide the tools and connections needed to build a thriving farm-to-school program. Beyond the Cafeteria: Creative Farm to School Pathways - Register here! Friday, September 5 - Salt Lake City, UT ​ Highlighting diverse and innovative farm-to-school models, from farm-based charter schools to refugee youth programs and nonprofit-run community gardens, demonstrating the many ways farm-to-school can thrive. ​ Sowing Seeds of Success: Farm to School Grants in Action - Register here! Monday, September 29 - Moab, UT ​ Featuring a successful farm-to-school grant recipient to inspire and guide others in applying for funding, showing the impact that grants can have in making local food accessible to schools. Network Spotlight Celebrate Squash in Provo   This summer, we teamed up with the Utah County Health Department and Community Action Services to host a fun, hands-on celebration of local squash at 815 S. Freedom Blvd in Provo! Held on July 30 and continuing on August 6, 13, and 20 from 10:30–11:30 AM.   Guests are encouraged to bring a fresh produce or canned food donation to support local families in need. Resource Spotlight New Resource: Farm to School Coordinator Job Description Template Thinking about creating a Farm to School Coordinator position in your school, district, or organization? Check out this new job description template  from the National Farm to School Network.   This flexible, field-informed resource includes:  – A sample job description adaptable to various settings – Core responsibilities and qualifications based on best practices – An editable Google Doc for easy customization   Whether you're launching a new role or updating an existing one, this tool can help you highlight the essential work of farm to school coordination.   Download here! Get Involved Community Chat: Funding Youth Gardens August 6 | Register here   Join us for an informal, peer-to-peer Community Chat focused on funding youth gardens. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, this is a great opportunity to share challenges, explore funding ideas, and connect with fellow garden educators and advocates.   10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference  Registration Now Open! | Register here   The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is happening December 2–4, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico! This year's event will bring together farm to institution leaders from across the country for learning, networking, and collective action to strengthen local food systems. Don’t miss this chance to connect and grow with the movement! Planning to attend? Let us know! We’d love to know who’s representing Utah!   Now Open: Utah Farm to Fork Teacher Workshop Registration! September 26 & 27 | Register here!   Join Utah Agriculture in the Classroom and Farm to Fork for a dynamic two-day teacher workshop exploring local agriculture through hands-on farm and business tours. Open to educators of all grade levels and subjects, this workshop offers fresh ways to connect students to food, farming, and the natural world.   Teachers who attend will receive: $250 stipend USBE relicensure hours or CE credits through USU A classroom resource kit ($150 value) Hands-on instruction + new lesson plans Networking with fellow Utah educators Food Justice Could Child Care Centers Strengthen Local Food Systems?   Check out this Q&A from Civil Eats, with local foods expert, Dara Bloom, to learn more about this untapped potential market for farmers.   Read it here! Job Opportunities Community Garden Site Manager Salt Lake City | August 15 | Apply here   Wasatch Community Gardens is hiring a Community Garden Site Manager to join their Agricultural Operations team! This role is responsible for maintaining and improving infrastructure and irrigation across all WCG community gardens, supporting both ecological health and community use.   Key responsibilities include overseeing garden design and construction projects, developing best practices, and training garden managers in light maintenance. Ideal candidates have experience in building and landscape maintenance, strong organic gardening knowledge, and a passion for community education. Funding Opportunities Whole Kids Foundation Salad Bar Grant   Rolling Basis | Apply here   As the school year begins, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your child’s or students’ nutrition. One powerful way to support healthy habits is by bringing more fresh options into the cafeteria. Thanks to the Whole Kids Foundation Salad Bar Grant, in partnership with Salad Bars to Schools, your school can apply to receive a free salad bar setup, giving students daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Did You Know? The National Farm to School Network has a Policy Map!  This interactive map highlights how partners and state advocates are advancing policies that benefit kids, farmers, and communities by supporting local, nourishing school meals. Explore the interactive map to see the latest farm to school policy developments in your state or territory during the current legislative session. Check it out here! Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates! Join today!

Hello Farm to Fork friends!   Summer is the perfect time to celebrate and connect with local food through Farm to School! This month’s theme focuses on enjoying fresh, seasonal produce, supporting our Squash Summer Hunger initiative, and learning from inspiring events like the Movement Building Workshop at Ute Tribal Enterprise. Our recently completed culinary workshops helped school nutrition teams bring more local ingredients into their kitchens. Explore the opportunities below to learn more and get involved! Squash Summer Hunger BINGO   Looking for a fun way to stay connected to local food this summer? Join us for Squash Summer Hunger BINGO—a kid-friendly activity designed to promote healthy eating, support  local farms, and explore summer meals in your community!   Each square on the BINGO card encourages participants to try new fruits and vegetables, visit a farmers market, thank a school nutrition worker, or get creative in the kitchen with local produce. It's a simple, engaging way to spark conversations about food and make healthy habits stick.   Complete a row (or the whole board!) and share your progress with us for a chance to be featured on our social media. Let’s squash summer hunger—one BINGO square at a time.   Download your card today! Ute Tribal Enterprise Bison Ranch Visit   In June, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Ute Tribal Enterprise Bison Ranch for our second Movement Building Workshop. Partners from across Utah gathered to celebrate farm to school success stories and learn more about how Ute Tribal Enterprise is connecting local, culturally significant food to students throughout the state and beyond.   The day included a guided bison ranch tour, a behind-the-scenes look at their retail space and meat processing operation, and even a taste of their delicious bison—a powerful way to experience the impact of this work firsthand.   A huge thank you to the Ute Tribal Enterprise team for your generosity, knowledge, and warm hospitality, and to FOX 13 for featuring this special visit: Watch the story here.   We’re so grateful to continue building relationships that strengthen farm to school in every corner of Utah! 2025 School Nutrition Culinary Workshops   This summer, school nutrition teams from across Utah came together for a series of culinary workshops held in Lehi and Logan. Led by Chef Cyndi and her expert culinary team, these hands-on sessions focused on improving scratch cooking skills and incorporating fresh, local ingredients into school meals. The workshops equipped participants with practical tools to create healthier, more flavorful menus that connect students to Utah’s vibrant local food system.   Thank you Chef Cyndi’s team and everyone who participated! Network Spotlight Utah Agriculture in the Classroom: Summer Teacher Workshops Congratulations to all the educators who participated in Utah Agriculture in the Classroom’s Summer Teacher Workshops !   These hands-on sessions provided teachers with tools, resources, and inspiration to bring agriculture into their classrooms, connecting students to where their food comes from and why it matters. We’re so grateful to the teachers who took time from their summer break to invest in meaningful learning that will benefit students all year long.   Stay tuned—more ag education opportunities are coming this fall! Resource Spotlight USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder This free, mobile-friendly tool shows nearby summer meal locations—whether you’re looking for an eat‑on‑site  site with activities or "Meals To-Go" in rural areas, the finder gives you addresses, hours, contact info, and clarifies whether meals must be consumed at the site or can be taken away.   Visit the site here! Get Involved Squash Summer Hunger Events – Provo, UT   Join us this summer at 815 S. Freedom Blvd, Provo  for a fun and tasty way to celebrate local squash! On July 30th, August 6th, 13th, and 20th  from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM , enjoy:   Squash recipe sampling Kid-friendly squash activities A squash demonstration garden Food pantry tours   We invite you to bring a fresh produce or canned food donation to support local families in need.   This event is proudly presented by the Utah County Health Department  and Community Action Services . Come for the fun, food, and community! 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference   Registration Now Open! | Register here   The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference is happening December 2–4, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico! This year's event will bring together farm to institution leaders from across the country for learning, networking, and collective action to strengthen local food systems. Don’t miss this chance to connect and grow with the movement! Planning to attend? Let us know! We’d love to know who’s representing Utah!   Squash Summer Hunger Events – Provo, UT Join us this summer at 815 S. Freedom Blvd, Provo  for a fun and tasty way to celebrate local squash! On July 30th, August 6th, 13th, and 20th  from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM , enjoy: Squash recipe sampling Kid-friendly squash activities A squash demonstration garden Food pantry tours   We invite you to bring a fresh produce or canned food donation to support local families in need.   This event is proudly presented by the Utah County Health Department  and Community Action Services . Come for the fun, food, and community! Food Justice Food Access: Farmers Markets   New Roots runs two farmers markets in Salt Lake County that provide affordable, fresh, and culturally diverse produce, especially specialty crops that are hard to find elsewhere. These markets support local New Roots farmers by giving them a place to sell and connect with the community.   The Redwood Farmers Market takes place Wednesdays from June 25 to October 8 at Redwood Farm (3060 S Lester St, West Valley City). The Saturday market runs at Sunnyvale Park in Millcreek (4013 S 700 W, SLC) through August. Starting August 2025, both markets will be held at Redwood Farm.   Both markets offer a 1-to-1 EBT/SNAP incentive match—spend $30, get $30 in free tokens—thanks to the Utah Double Up Food Bucks program administered by the Utah Department of Health. This makes fresh local food more accessible to everyone in the community. Job Opportunities Paraprofessional at Roots Charter High School   West Valley | Apply here   Roots Charter High School in West Valley City is hiring a paraprofessional to support students through classroom assistance, small group work, and supervision. This role helps create a positive learning environment in a unique farm-based school setting. A high school diploma and a passion for student success are required.  Internal Education Manager at Wasatch Community Gardens   Salt Lake City | July 18 deadline | Apply here   Wasatch Community Gardens (WCG) is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to grow and eat healthy, organic, local food through programs in education, community gardens, advocacy, and more. They are hiring an Internal Education Manager to support staff and program participants by developing educational resources, facilitating workshops, and managing teaching gardens. This role requires strong organic gardening knowledge, teaching experience, and the ability to build relationships across teams. Responsibilities include internal and external education, overseeing a trial garden program, and supporting garden-based learning spaces. Funding Opportunities Utah STEM Action Center Grants   Due August 31 | Apply here   The PreK-12 Classroom Grant supports Utah public school educators in creating innovative STEM learning experiences tailored to their students' needs. Funded projects share results at STEM conferences and in the STEM Resource Library. Hundreds of grants have impacted tens of thousands of students. Starting in the 2024–25 school year, this grant operates as a reimbursement program. TreeUtah School Tree Planting Grants   Due October 1 | Apply here TreeUtah offers year-round education and hands-on learning for all ages, from kindergarten to college. They facilitate schoolyard tree plantings, provide grade-specific tree curriculum and in-class presentations, partner with libraries for tree-themed story times, and offer internships for high school and college students. Did You Know? The National Farm to School Network has a Policy Map!  This interactive map highlights how partners and state advocates are advancing policies that benefit kids, farmers, and communities by supporting local, nourishing school meals. Explore the interactive map to see the latest farm to school policy developments in your state or territory during the current legislative session. Check it out here! Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates! Join today!

June 2025   Hello Farm to Fork friends!   As the school year winds down, millions of students across the country are preparing for a summer of fun and freedom. But for many families, summer can also bring uncertainty, especially when it comes to accessing nutritious meals. During the school year, over 20 million children rely on free or reduced-price school meals as a consistent source of nourishment. When school lets out, that support can disappear. That’s why now is the time to Squash Summer Hunger—by helping spread the word about free summer nutrition opportunities available in your community. Whether through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or other local initiatives, these programs help ensure that no child goes hungry when school cafeterias close.   Registration is NOW OPEN !  By registering your summer meal program or event with us, you're not only helping us promote your site through our outreach channels - you’re also helping us get a clearer picture of how many families we're collectively reaching across the state. This allows us to track impact, share success stories, and better advocate for the resources and support your community needs.   Let’s work together to make sure every child has a seat at the table—even when school is out. Where to Next? Reserve your space today! Workshop 2: Honoring Roots: Indigenous Foodways in School Meals Tuesday, June 24 - Duschene, UT - Register here! Highlighting a local ranch’s sustainable model for selling livestock to schools—proving farm-to-school is profitable, scalable, and beneficial. Indigenous soil experts will share how traditional and regenerative practices foster resiliency and food sovereignty.   Workshop 3: Beyond the Cafeteria: Creative Farm to School Pathways Friday, September 5  - Salt Lake City, UT - Register here! Highlighting diverse and innovative farm-to-school models, from farm-based charter schools to refugee youth programs and nonprofit-run community gardens, demonstrating the many ways farm-to-school can thrive.   Workshop 4: Sowing Seeds of Success: Farm to School Grants in Action Monday, September 29  - Moab, UT - Register here! Featuring a successful farm-to-school grant recipient to inspire and guide others in applying for funding, showing the impact that grants can have in making local food accessible to schools. Network Spotlight K&S Blackner Custom Meats Kolby Blackner of K&S Blackner LLC Custom Meats  in Minersville has been raising and delivering farm-fresh meats for over two decades—but the last two years have marked a turning point. By selling directly to schools and handling deliveries himself, Kolby says it has completely changed the sustainability of his business.   Getting good food to kids, he says, is a "no-brainer." His commitment to quality and community makes K&S Blackner a shining example of what Farm to Fork can look like in action. Resource Spotlight Planning an event at your summer meal site? Our handy Toolkit has everything you need to make it a success—check it out and start planning today. Registration opens soon. Stay tuned!   Download the Toolkit!   Get Involved Culinary Workshops 2025   June 17 & June 20 | Register here   Join Chef Cyndie and the Culinary Solutions team for a series of cooking workshops based on Harvest of the Season recipes, focused on bringing local ingredients to your cafeteria!   Each workshop participant will receive a chef’s hat, apron, and personal kitchen supply kit! Food Justice Speak up for School Meals!   You don’t need to be a policy expert to be a powerful advocate for school meals—legislators want to hear from you, and your personal stories can make a powerful impact when you share them.   In “Ready to Speak Up for School Meals?” a new SN Plus article, they dive into five things you should keep in mind when advocating for school nutrition programs, including why advocacy works and how you can make a difference no matter what level of political knowledge or prior advocacy experience you have.   Check it out! Job Opportunities Make a Difference—Join the Child Nutrition Team!   Explore opportunities here!   Looking for a meaningful job that fits the school schedule? Explore careers in Child Nutrition for the upcoming school year! Help fuel students' learning with healthy meals while being part of a supportive, mission-driven team. It’s more than a job—it’s a chance to nourish your community every day. Funding Opportunities Lots of Compassion Grant   June 16 | Apply here   Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and KidsGardening will award $20,000 each to 10 projects turning vacant lots into community gardens. This grant supports under-resourced communities and promotes neighborhood revitalization through gardening.   Salad Bar Grant | Whole Kids Foundation   Applications open year round | Apply here   Encourage your school to apply for the Salad Bars to Schools grant! This program provides U.S. schools with free salad bars, ensuring students have daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The grant includes all necessary equipment—such as a mobile salad bar, chill pads, pans, and tongs—plus training modules from the Chef Ann Foundation’s School Food Institute.   Did You Know? Utah SUN Bucks (also called Summer EBT) can help families buy food during the summer when schools are closed. Families get $120 for each eligible school-age child. Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates!

May 2025 Hello Farm to Fork friends!   We wrapped up   Raising the Steaks  month with a full schedule of road trips across the state, celebrating the hardworking producers who help bring local food to our tables. From ranches in the south to school lunchrooms in the north, we’ve been inspired by the stories, dedication, and innovation that keep Utah’s food systems strong. As we move into May, we're carrying that energy forward with new opportunities to connect schools, communities, and farmers.   Keep reading to learn more! Raising the Steaks 2025 was one for the books!   This year, we saw a 1,120% increase  in dollars spent on local beef—all purchased directly from Utah ranchers!    Why such a big year?  In April, we wrapped up the Local Beef Project, which reimbursed schools for their local beef and bison purchases. This sparked something bigger—school nutrition teams started proudly sharing which ranch their meat came from, turning the cafeteria into a daily agriculture education experience.    We heard from students who noticed the difference—in taste, quality, and value. These moments are changing purchasing practices for good, as schools now seek out higher-quality, LOCAL ingredients that nourish both students and our rural economies.   Here’s to delicious meals, empowered students, and strong local food system Raising the Steaks Field Trip at the Creamery   As part of our "Raising the Steaks" celebration, third and fourth graders embarked on an educational field trip to The Creamery  in Beaver, Utah. This visit offered students a firsthand look at the journey of dairy products from farm to table. They learned about the cheese-making process, the importance of local dairy farming, and the roles these play in our daily lives. A highlight of the day was a visit from Robert’s Dairy,  a local Beaver operation responsible for providing the delicious milk used in The Creamery’s signature cheese curds. Students had the chance to see dairy cows up close and learn more about the care and commitment that goes into producing high-quality local milk.   We can’t wait until next year! Rooted in Resilience: A Weekend of Connection in Boulder, UT   The first in our series of Movement Building Workshop: Rooted in Resilience brought together school nutrition directors from across Utah for a powerful weekend in Boulder. Hosted at the stunning Headwaters Ranch , attendees had the rare opportunity to witness the full journey of local beef—from pasture to plate—and to see firsthand the care and labor that goes into raising the cattle that nourish students in their school cafeterias. The weekend also featured enriching workshops led by James and Joyce Skeet of Spirit Farm , Indigenous-rooted farmers from New Mexico. They shared powerful insights on the deep connection between soil health, gut health, and the healing power of local food systems—reminding us all that resilient communities begin with the land.   It was an unforgettable weekend of learning, connection, and of course, incredible food. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made it such a meaningful experience!   Where to Next? Reserve your space today! Workshop 2: Honoring Roots: Indigenous Foodways in School Meals Tuesday, June 24 - Duschene, UT - Register here! Highlighting a local ranch’s sustainable model for selling livestock to schools—proving farm-to-school is profitable, scalable, and beneficial. Indigenous soil experts will share how traditional and regenerative practices foster resiliency and food sovereignty.   Workshop 3: Beyond the Cafeteria: Creative Farm to School Pathways Friday, September 5  - Salt Lake City, UT - Register here! Highlighting diverse and innovative farm-to-school models, from farm-based charter schools to refugee youth programs and nonprofit-run community gardens, demonstrating the many ways farm-to-school can thrive.   Workshop 4: Sowing Seeds of Success: Farm to School Grants in Action Monday, September 29  - Moab, UT - Register here! Featuring a successful farm-to-school grant recipient to inspire and guide others in applying for funding, showing the impact that grants can have in making local food accessible to schools. Network Spotlight School-Grown Salads Are In Season! At Bruin Point Elementary, fresh, school-grown greens are now on the menu! With support from Carbon School District’s Food Service Director, Tonya Jones, the school is piloting a hydroponics system to grow their own lettuce. “They make several salads a day for school meals and can use the lettuce they grow for most of the salads,” Tonya shared. “It has been really fun!”'   This hands-on project is a great example of how schools can integrate fresh, local food into daily meals—one leafy green at a time! Resource Spotlight Planning an event at your summer meal site? Our handy Toolkit has everything you need to make it a success—check it out and start planning today. Registration opens soon. Stay tuned!   Download the Toolkit!   Get Involved Harvest of the Season: Farm to Fork Experience    June 18-19 | Register here   This two-day institute is completely FREE to attend and will include traveling tours, professional development workshops, classroom resources, meals, and a $250 stipend. Continuing Education (CEU) credits and USBE relicensure hours will also be offered to each attendee.   Please note, this institute is for active teachers who are currently teaching in Utah. Utah Farm to Fork Peer Learning Groups   Our Peer Learning Groups provide a collaborative space for individuals and organizations committed to advancing Farm to School initiatives in Utah.   These groups: Foster Connections – Build a strong, supportive network of professionals working toward shared goals. Share Updates – Stay informed on statewide developments, successes, and challenges. Provide Feedback – Offer insights on resources and support needed in your area. Enhance Learning – Gain knowledge and inspiration from peers to strengthen your impact.   School Nutrition Teams | May 13 | Register here!​ Food Justice 2025 Food Justice Conference November 8-9, 2025 | Virtual | Register here Food as Medicine Global’s annual eco-friendly online event brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the powerful connections between food, health, community, social justice, and planetary well-being. The conference showcases inspiring initiatives that promote food sovereignty and health justice for all—while uplifting critical topics that matter most to youth. 5, 2025. Schools must submit invoices in Utah Grants by April 15, 2025. Reimbursements will be processed in late April before the grant closes in May. Job Opportunities Community Garden Program Director, Wasatch Community Gardens   Salt Lake City | May 28 | Apply here   The Community Garden (CG) Program aims to cultivate gardens in low-income neighborhoods across Salt Lake County. Wasatch Community Gardens (WCG) partners with local governments, community members, schools, and organizations to strengthen these gardens, connect them through the Garden Leadership Network, and provide resources for their long-term success. Funding Opportunities Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC) Scholarship   May 9, 2025 | Apply here   The Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC), with support from the David R. Clare and Margaret C. Clare Foundation, is offering a scholarship to expand culinary and nutrition education in underserved communities. The scholarship will provide three organizations with two years of TKC membership, travel support for up to two individuals per organization to attend the Annual Members Meeting, and full access to TKC resources, networks, and tools to enhance teaching kitchen programs. Salad Bar Grant | Whole Kids Foundation Applications open year round | Apply here   Encourage your school to apply for the Salad Bars to Schools grant! This program provides U.S. schools with free salad bars, ensuring students have daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The grant includes all necessary equipment—such as a mobile salad bar, chill pads, pans, and tongs—plus training modules from the Chef Ann Foundation’s School Food Institute.   Did You Know? Utah schools receive partial reimbursement for local food items purchased for their cafeterias . This initiative supports schools in sourcing fresh, local produce, enhancing the nutritional quality of meals for students. Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates!

April 2025 Hello Farm to Fork friends!   As we step into spring, we're excited to share the latest updates and success stories from the Farm to School movement in Utah. Despite funding cuts, we're focusing on the incredible progress we've made together. From growing local partnerships to bringing fresh, healthy food into schools, our community has achieved so much.   This is the perfect time to join us in sharing ideas and celebrating the impact we’re making. Together, we can continue strengthening the Farm to School movement in Utah and work towards even more successes in the months ahead   Raising the Steaks 2025 - Register here!   Every April, we extend an invitation to all those interested in supporting Utah kids and families to join us in celebrating local protein products and the individuals behind their production!   Last year, we welcomed over 74,000 participants and contributed $15,000 to our local producers! Let’s keep growing together and make an even bigger impact each year! 2025 Movement Building Workshops Our schedule is now available for our 2025 Movement Building Workshops. This year’s theme is Celebrating Farm to School in Utah: Stories that Inspire and Ideas to Grow!   The goal of these workshops is to showcase real farm-to-school success stories, offering inspiration and strategies to strengthen Utah’s local food systems. Whether you’re a farmer, educator, or advocate, gain the tools and connections to help farm-to-school thrive!   Workshop 1: Rooted in Resilience: Ranching for the Next Generation Saturday, April 26 - Boulder, UT - Register here! - Deadline is April 16th   Highlighting a local ranch’s sustainable model for selling livestock to schools—proving farm-to-school is profitable, scalable, and beneficial. Indigenous soil experts will share how traditional and regenerative practices foster resiliency and food sovereignty. Workshop 2: Honoring Roots: Indigenous Foodways in School Meals Tuesday, June 24 - Duschene, UT - Register here! Highlighting a local ranch’s sustainable model for selling livestock to schools—proving farm-to-school is profitable, scalable, and beneficial. Indigenous soil experts will share how traditional and regenerative practices foster resiliency and food sovereignty.   Workshop 3: Beyond the Cafeteria: Creative Farm to School Pathways Friday, September 5  - Salt Lake City, UT - Register here! Highlighting diverse and innovative farm-to-school models, from farm-based charter schools to refugee youth programs and nonprofit-run community gardens, demonstrating the many ways farm-to-school can thrive.   Workshop 4: Sowing Seeds of Success: Farm to School Grants in Action Monday, September 29  - Moab, UT - Register here! Featuring a successful farm-to-school grant recipient to inspire and guide others in applying for funding, showing the impact that grants can have in making local food accessible to schools. Network Spotlight Moab Homegrown  is a family farm offering fresh, local produce like squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cucamelons, potatoes, and microgreens. They’re expanding to supply more Utah schools and offer delivery or pickup in Moab, plus bi-weekly deliveries from Spanish Fork to Salt Lake City .   Interested? Contact them at moabhomegrown@gmail.com or 801-455-5032. Resource Spotlight Utah Agritourism Map Explore the Utah Agritourism Map to discover farm tours, events, and hands-on experiences across the state. It’s a great way to participate in Raising the Steaks, an agritourism field trip event. Check out the map and plan your next adventure today.   Check it out! Get Involved A Taste of Indigenous Foods | School Garden Support Organization Network   April 30 | Register here   What are indigenous foods, where do we get them, and how do we prepare them? Many native North American foods, both cultivated and harvested, were removed from our diets through intentional colonial efforts. Mariah Gladstone is leading the way in a food movement that is revitalizing and incorporating these important foods into the contemporary diet. During her cooking demonstration, she will prepare one of her original recipes and showcase other indigenous foods that can be grown in school gardens and easily incorporated into your own kitchen. Utah Farm to Fork Peer Learning Groups   Our Peer Learning Groups provide a collaborative space for individuals and organizations committed to advancing Farm to School initiatives in Utah.   These groups: Foster Connections – Build a strong, supportive network of professionals working toward shared goals. Share Updates – Stay informed on statewide developments, successes, and challenges. Provide Feedback – Offer insights on resources and support needed in your area. Enhance Learning – Gain knowledge and inspiration from peers to strengthen your impact.   Families & Students | Tuesday, April 1 | 3:00 – 4:00 pm | Register here!   School Gardens (indoor and outdoor) | Tuesday, April 15 | 3:00 – 4:00pm | Register here! Food Justice   Funding Updates for Farm to School   USDA Funding Cuts Recent USDA budget changes have impacted farm-to-school funding: 2025 Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) : Future funding for this grant was terminated, but our team is exploring alternative funding options. Click here to read the original funding announcement. Click here to learn more about the funding cancellations.  Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants : The FY 2025 application has been canceled and no new grants will be awarded this year. Learn more about the grant here.   Local Food for Schools Grant Despite the termination of the LFSCC funding, the 2023 Local Food for Schools (LFS) grant, known as the "Utah Beef Project," remains available through April 15, 2025. Schools must submit invoices in Utah Grants by April 15, 2025. Reimbursements will be processed in late April before the grant closes in May.   Enhanced Local Reimbursement Program Despite losses in federal funds, Utah schools can apply for Enhanced Local Reimbursement  (ELR) funds. $250,000 has been allocated FY 2025 by the Utah State Board of Education  to support local food purchases. We look forward to continuing our support for Utah’s local producers through this program, helping schools bring fresh, locally sourced ingredients to their meal programs.   Contact Dani Perez at danielle.perez@schools.utah.gov for more information Job Opportunities Garden Assistant | Summit Community Gardens & EATS   Park City | Open until filled | Apply here   The Summit Community Gardens - EATS (SCG-EATS) Garden Assistant is a key part of our team, helping to manage our vibrant 1.5-acre Garden space: growing food donated to community partners; building a community of plot renters; managing volunteer groups large and small; and creating a space where volunteers, families, and casual visitors to the garden feel welcome. Funding Opportunities Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC) Scholarship   May 9, 2025 | Apply here   The Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC), with support from the David R. Clare and Margaret C. Clare Foundation, is offering a scholarship to expand culinary and nutrition education in underserved communities. The scholarship will provide three organizations with two years of TKC membership, travel support for up to two individuals per organization to attend the Annual Members Meeting, and full access to TKC resources, networks, and tools to enhance teaching kitchen programs.   Did You Know? Research shows that school garden programs boost children's nutrition awareness and vegetable consumption. A study found 43% of school principals cited improved academic instruction as a key benefit,  with gardens used for science, environmental studies, and nutrition. Participation in gardening has also been linked to increased vegetable intake, likely due to greater access and reduced reluctance to try new foods. Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates!

March 2025 Happy March!   As we move into warmer weather and the growing season picks up, it's the perfect time to see Farm to School in action! Read ahead in our newsletter to discover ways YOU can experience firsthand the incredible programs taking root across Utah. From touring a bison ranch to see where students’ food comes from to joining an “Adult Field Trip” showcasing a Farm to School Grant recipient, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the impact of local food in schools and be inspired by the partnerships bringing these programs to life.   Stay connected and follow us on social media for even more updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and event highlights throughout the month. Let’s celebrate the success of Farm to School together! 2025 Movement Building Workshops   Our schedule is now available for our 2025 Movement Building Workshops. This year’s theme is Celebrating Farm to School in Utah: Stories that Inspire and Ideas to Grow!   The goal of these workshops is to showcase real farm-to-school success stories, offering inspiration and strategies to strengthen Utah’s local food systems. Whether you’re a farmer, educator, or advocate, gain the tools and connections to help farm-to-school thrive! Workshop 1: Rooted in Resilience: Ranching for the Next Generation - Registration now open!   Saturday, April 26 - Boulder, UT   Highlighting a local ranch’s sustainable model for selling livestock to schools—proving farm-to-school is profitable, scalable, and beneficial. Indigenous soil experts will share how traditional and regenerative practices foster resiliency and food sovereignty. Registration coming soon for the following:   Workshop 2: Honoring Roots: Indigenous Foodways in School Meals Tuesday, June 24 - Duschene, UT Highlighting a local ranch’s sustainable model for selling livestock to schools—proving farm-to-school is profitable, scalable, and beneficial. Indigenous soil experts will share how traditional and regenerative practices foster resiliency and food sovereignty.   Workshop 3: Beyond the Cafeteria: Creative Farm to School Pathways Friday, September 5  - Salt Lake City, UT Highlighting diverse and innovative farm-to-school models, from farm-based charter schools to refugee youth programs and nonprofit-run community gardens, demonstrating the many ways farm-to-school can thrive.   Workshop 4: Sowing Seeds of Success: Farm to School Grants in Action Monday, September 29  - Moab, UT Featuring a successful farm-to-school grant recipient to inspire and guide others in applying for funding, showing the impact that grants can have in making local food accessible to schools. Raising the Steaks - Register here!   Every April, we extend an invitation to all those interested in supporting Utah kids and families to join us in celebrating local protein products and the individuals behind their production!   Last year, we welcomed over 74,000 participants and contributed $15,000 to our local producers! Let’s keep growing together and make an even bigger impact each year!   Here are some ideas to celebrate: host a jerky tasting from a local ranch, take a field trip to a farm with livestock, stock your school cafeteria with local milk or dairy products, and more! Network Spotlight Mountain Ridge High School - Soil to Serve Summit The Soil to Serve event inspired over 100 kids to explore how they can turn their passion for healthy eating, farming, and cooking into a career! With a variety of speakers and businesses sharing their personal journeys, the event highlighted how to build a successful life or business centered around whole, healthy eating. Resource Spotlight Farm to School State Policy Map - National Farm to School Network Interested in knowing what's happening in Utah and throughout the United States this legislative session? Check out Farm to School State Policy Map!   National Farm to School Network partners and state policy advocates are advancing policies that benefit kids, farmers, and communities by ensuring nutritious meals, creating school market opportunities, and promoting local food systems.   View the resource here! Get Involved Utah Agriculture in the Classroom - Spring Series Professional Development Workshop   March 8, 2025 | Register here   This one-day institute is completely FREE to attend and will include traveling tours to local elementary schools with successful aquaponics and hydroponics systems, professional development workshops, classroom resources, teacher stipend, lunch, and USBE relicensure hours. Please note, this institute is for active teachers who are currently teaching in Utah. Utah Farm to Fork Peer Learning Groups   Chefs | March 4 | Register here   The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Chefs invites culinary professionals interested in participating in farm-to-school initiatives, including hands-on involvement like scratch cooking and developing locally sourced recipes. This is a great opportunity to share your ideas and collaborate on expanding farm-to-school efforts in Utah.   Food Distributors | March 18 | Register here   The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Food Distributors provides a platform for distributors to proactively engage in Utah's farm-to-school movement. Participants will learn strategies to become preferred distributors for schools seeking local sourcing options, while also exploring how farm-to-school initiatives can align with and strengthen their business models. Food Justice You can help shape Farm to School policy! The Farm to School Network makes it simple! Share your story about the impact of farm-to-school initiatives and funding, and let your legislators know which key policies will influence Farm to School in Utah.   Take action here! Community Food Security Program The Community Food Security Program, overseen by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services,  works to cultivate an equitable and resilient local food system that ensures all Utahns have access to affordable, safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. The work of CFSP is devoted to serving diverse communities across the state and reducing barriers of access to nutrition options.   Learn more about their programs here! Job Opportunities Garden Manager with Summit Community Gardens   Park City, UT | Open until filled | Apply here   The Summit Community Gardens - EATS (SCG-EATS) Garden Manager is a key part of our team, responsible for overall management and oversight of our vibrant 1.5-acre Garden space: growing food donated to community partners with a team of garden assistants and volunteers; building a community of plot renters; and creating a space where volunteers, families, and casual visitors to the garden feel welcome. Funding Opportunities Whole Foods Foundation Garden Grants Due March 5, 2025 | Apply here Do you know a school that wants to create or enhance their school garden? Newman’s Own Foundation is teaming up the Whole Foods Market Foundation on the 2025 Whole Kids Garden Grants Program! Garden must be located at a charter or public school (including Tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools or a non-profit private school.)   2025 SNF Equipment Grants Due March 12, 2025 | Apply here The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) is awarding over $600,000 worth of equipment to school districts with 2025 Equipment Grants. Applicants must be current director-level members of SNA. Visit the Equipment Grants page for more eligibility details!   Did You Know? Did you know there's a podcast all about Farm to School? Give it a listen! Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates!

January 2025 Happy New Year and welcome to our fresh newsletter!   We had an incredible year traveling across Utah, connecting with so many inspiring farm to school advocates. As we kick off 2025, we're excited to bring you even more ways to get involved and make a difference in your community. With a new newsletter format and even more resources, there's so much to look forward to this year—keep scrolling to learn how you can join the movement! Become an Ambassador! Champion farm-to-school initiatives in your region!​​​   Ongoing | Learn more here!   Becoming a Utah Farm to Fork Regional Ambassador is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community by promoting farm to school initiatives. This role is vital to connecting local farmers, schools, and communities, ensuring access to fresh, nutritious food while fostering agricultural education. Peer Learning Groups   Ongoing | Learn more here!   The Utah Farm to Fork team is recruiting participants for Peer Learning Groups designed to foster connections, share updates, provide feedback, and enhance learning to advance farm-to-school initiatives in Utah. These groups create a collaborative network for exchanging insights, discussing challenges, and staying informed about developments in the movement. Meeting twice a year, they offer a structured yet flexible space to share experiences, suggest resources, and explore new opportunities for involvement and growth. Groups include...   Local Health Departments - Environment and Health Teams Early Childcare Education (TOP Star) Farmers and Producers Tribal Organizations Chefs Food Distributors Families and Students School Gardens Higher Learning Institutions School Nutrition Teams Health Care Professionals Food Educators   Register today! Network Spotlight From Farm to Fork: Teaching Gratitude and Food Awareness At Wasatch High School, teachers are giving students a hands-on lesson in food education through their annual "farm to fork" project. Students learn how to process turkeys—raised locally—gaining a deeper respect for where their food comes from. The teachers hope the experience instills gratitude and sparks thoughtful conversations about agriculture and sustainability . Read more about this project from KSL! Resource Spotlight USDA DoD FRESH PROGRAM: A Source for Locally Grown Produce The USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (USDA DoD Fresh) is a program available to schools to help increase access to fresh produce for schoolchildren. More than 42,000 schools place orders for weekly deliveries of American-grown fresh fruits and vegetables through USDA DoD Fresh to serve as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Schools interested in participating in USDA DoD Fresh should contact their State Distributing Agency . Learn more here! Get Involved Around the World: Cultural Food Resources   12:00 PM on January 30 | Register here   Explore ways to bring diverse flavors to your CACFP menus. A variety of resources are available to help you incorporate culturally relevant foods into your meal planning, allowing you to create menus that reflect and celebrate the communities you serve. Join us as we discuss the value of offering culturally inclusive meals and learn practical strategies for adapting menus to accommodate diverse tastes and traditions. School Garden Support Organization Leadership Institute Apply by January 22 | Apply here   Every year, the School Garden Support Organization Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for school garden professionals from across the country to collaborate, learn from one another, and develop resources to share with a national audience. In this way, we all become able to better support school gardens in our regions, and also advance the national school garden movement. Food Justice Bill Introduced to Support Religious Dietary Needs in School Meal Programs   Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) has introduced H.R. 9980, a bill to support students with religious dietary needs. It would create an Office of Kosher and Halal Foods within the USDA to advise on accommodating these needs in school meal programs. The bill also proposes increasing kosher and halal food options, along with training and resources for schools. It is currently under review by the Committees on Agriculture and Education and the Workforce. Learn more here! Job Opportunities Evaluation Assistant with National Farm to School Network   Remote | Apply by January 3 | Apply here   National Farm to School Network seeks a part-time Evaluation Assistant to support the implementation and evaluation of organizational activities. As a member of the Programs, Policy, and Partnership team, the Evaluation Assistant will assist in organization-wide monitoring and tracking of activities, data collection and storytelling as well as convening of a new Community Advisors engagement model. This temporary position starts in January 2025 and runs through December 2025 at 15 hours per week. This role is a remote position and may be located in any location in the United States. The Evaluation Assistant will report directly to the Programs Director and work closely with NFSN staff and partners. WIC Dietician with Utah Health and Human Services Salt Lake City, UT | Apply by January 8 | Apply here   Are you a Registered Dietitian with the expertise and passion to support high-risk clients? Are you looking for a fulfilling career dedicated to providing quality care to communities across Utah? The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is seeking a WIC Dietitian to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. This part-time position offers 32 hours per week with benefits and provides a flexible work environment. While the role is currently hybrid, with a combination of in-office and remote workdays, it may be eligible for fully remote status. Funding Opportunities GroMoreGood Garden Grant   Apply by January 10 | Apply here   National Head Start Association is awarding grants to supplement needs of existing garden projects, help launch new garden projects, or supplement/launch outdoor green space projects that provide a space for children and the community to learn.   Child Nutrition Conference Scholarships   Apply by January 10 | Apply here   Did You Know? 72% of schools in Utah participate in local food purchasing! Join Our Network! Learn more about new sources and connect with other farm to school advocates!

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 Register here! 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 Register here   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 Register here!   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? Download this resource to get started! 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: Communication for Impact Series Leadership Growth Series LEAD en Español Adult Learning Series 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.    Learn more from the Food Research and Action Center. 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!

December 2024 Hello Farm to Fork Friends! Can you believe it’s already December? 2024 has been an incredible year for farm-to-school in Utah! We welcomed new team members and saw our network of advocates grow stronger every day. Exciting news: the USDA reported that 74.1% of schools nationwide participated in farm-to-school activities during SY 2022-23, reaching over 45.6 million students with local food ! Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we’ll dive into what these numbers look like in Utah. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in Harvest Gratitude Day this year!   The one hour, virtual event included introductions from Kimberly Loveland, Director of Child Nutrition Programs at Utah State Board of Education, as well as three live virtual farm tours. This year, 29 schools and organizations enrolled, totaling 1,226 participants in 9 different counties.  Thanks to our amazing presenters! Kimberly Loveland, Director of Child Nutrition Programs, USBE Chalise Smith, Hee Haw Farms at Oliver’s Place  (Pleasant Grove, UT) Sarajane Snowden, Snowden Meats (Yampa, CO) Savannah Centner, Charlie’s Produce  (Salt Lake City, UT) We were featured on a podcast!  Huge thanks to Hunger Solutions for inviting us to discuss how farm-to-school initiatives help strengthen our local food system.   In this episode of Hunger Solutions in Utah, we dive into the Farm to Fork initiative, an innovative program designed to strengthen local food systems and bring Utah-grown foods to schools and communities across the state. Join host Brittney Johnson as she sits down with two inspiring leaders from this movement—Natalie McHale, a Farm to Fork advocate, and Dani Perez from the Utah School Board. Together, they share insights into the program’s goals, the journey of bringing fresh, local produce to Utah’s schools, and the impact of connecting students to the sources of their food. Tune in to explore how Farm to Fork is fostering healthier communities, supporting local farmers, and creating a more resilient food system for Utah! Listen here! What to Harvest This Month While the ground is frosted, your harvest may be limited, but December remains a crucial month for planning and preparing for the upcoming growing season. Focus on protecting perennial plants from the cold by adding a layer of mulch around their base. If you’re fortunate enough to have a warm greenhouse, you may still be harvesting spinach and other leafy greens!  Still looking for creative ways to utilize your Thanksgiving leftovers? Try this delicious and simple Turkey Cranberry Sandwich  from Super Healthy Kids! Get Involved! Registration is now open for 2025 Peer Learning Groups!  These groups bring together a diverse range of community members united by a passion for our three core pillars: Local Procurement, Community Gardens, and Education  The Peer Learning Groups are designed to: Foster Connections: Build a strong, collaborative network of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing farm to school initiatives in Utah. Share Updates: Stay informed about the latest developments, successes, and challenges in the Farm to School movement across the state. Provide Feedback: Offer valuable insights and suggestions on resources and support needed in your specific area of work. Enhance Learning: Gain knowledge and inspiration from fellow participants to effectively contribute to the farm to school movement.   Groups Include: Local Health Departments (Environmental Health) Early Childcare Education (TOP Star) Farmers and Producers Tribal Organizations Chefs Food Distributors Families and Students School Gardens (indoor and outdoor) Higher Learning Institutions School Nutrition Teams Health Care Professionals Food Educators   Learn more and register today!   Help support youth nutrition by participating in these two surveys! Are you currently involved in a farm-to-school program?  The National Farm to School Network and Colorado State University are studying farm-to-school coordination nationwide. Your participation in this survey will help shape support for farm-to-school programs and develop advocacy tools for coordinators and advocates across the country. Complete the survey here! The Institute of Child Nutrition Applied Research Division (ARD) invites you to take a 15-minute anonymous survey on food trends in K-12 schools. Your input will help improve child nutrition programs by shaping resources, education, and training . Complete the survey here! Resources and Trainings Nourish Smart: Food Waste Reduction Program | January 8 | Kaysville, UT | Apply here! Attention secondary teachers! Utah State University’s Hunger Solutions Institute and Utah Agriculture in the Classroom are offering a Food Waste Reduction Professional Development workshop for grades 6-12 educators. This workshop integrates food waste topics into Utah’s core curriculum, covering the origins of food, the environmental impact of food waste, and solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. Participants will also learn how to conduct lunchroom food audits and reduce food waste at school and home.   This workshop is free to attend, will include dinner, and each attendee will receive a classroom resource kit (worth up to $100), a $100 stipend, as well as USBE relicensure hours. Food Justice USDA Eliminates School Meal Processing Fees for Low-Income Families Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, families eligible for free or reduced-price meals will no longer face extra fees when adding funds to their child’s meal account.  According to the USDA, this is just the first step in eliminating school meal processing fees. The department is working toward ensuring that families of all income levels can add funds to their child’s meal account without paying extra fees. Learn more here! Job Opportunities Full-Season Elementary Programs Instructor Position | Youth Garden Project | Moab, UT | Apply here! We are looking for individuals interested in working as an educator in a hands-on, outdoor setting within a variety of our elementary educational programs and occasional middle and high school programs. In the spring & fall, we host up to three after-school programs, lead Garden Classroom field trips, and run a Spring Break and Fall Break camp—all of which will be facilitated primarily by two instructors. During the summer, four instructors collaborate to implement our nine-week Summer Camp program. YGP Summer Camp provides much needed hands-on, high-quality child care for 1st – 6th graders during the summer break.   Extension Faculty in the Home and Community Department | Utah State University | Cedar City, UT | Apply here!   Utah State University Extension is hiring a County Extension Faculty member in Iron County for a 12-month tenure-track or non-tenure-track role in the Home and Community Department. The position involves developing and delivering research-based educational programs, recruiting and supervising volunteers, and serving as a liaison between local communities and the university. Areas of expertise may include family and consumer sciences, health and wellness, mental health, food safety, nutrition, finance, community and economic development, and related fields.   Do you have a farm to fork job opportunity you'd like us to share? Let us know! Jobs must be located in Utah or fully remote. Funding Opportunities Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program requests are now open!  Apply here! The USDA awards grants annually to help connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Check out this fact sheet for an overview of the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program and highlights Farm to School grantee projects.   This year the RFA has been split into three separate solicitations:  Implementation Grant State Agency Grant Turnkey Grant We would love to see more organizations and schools in Utah apply! Interested for this fiscal year or the future? Let us know!   Youth Garden Grant | KidsGardening | Due December 13 | Apply here! Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities. In early 2025, 50 organizations will be awarded $500 in funding for their youth garden program. You'll hear from us again next month. In the meantime, we'd love to hear from you!

November 2024 Hello Farm to Fork Friends! We’re thrilled to share that we wrapped up another successful Apple Crunch! Thank you to everyone who took part in celebrating local food and supporting Utah’s farmers. As we savor this year's success, we’re also looking ahead to begin planning next year’s Movement Building Workshops and Peer Learning Groups, where we’ll continue growing connections across our farm-to-school network.   But the season isn’t over yet!  Up next, we’re gearing up for Harvest Gratitude Day, a time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing fresh, local food to Utah’s students. See below for more details on how you can join in! Utah Farm to Fork celebrated another successful Apple Crunch statewide! 41 events brought together 117,839 Utahns to enjoy locally grown apples. $102,396 went directly to Utah apple producers—a $58,299 increase from last year! Apple Crunch participation grew by 61%, moving us closer to our goal of 200,000 annual participants. Looking forward to next year’s Apple Crunch to grow these numbers even more!   Take a look at Fox 13’s feature on our event at the Capitol! Every November, we celebrate Harvest Gratitude Day— a virtual event designed for middle and high school students  to connect with the farmers, ranchers, and producers who bring fresh, local food to their communities!   This year, the event will take place on November 21 between 9:00 - 10:00 AM.   Register today! Can’t attend live?  Please still register to receive a video recording that you can share with your students later! What to Harvest This Month Snow is starting to blanket the state, but local flavors are still within reach! Check with your local farmer, and if squash is still available, give our Curried Turkey and Squash  recipe a try. It’s also a delicious way to celebrate turkey, the star of Thanksgiving, with a flavorful twist! Get Involved! Stay up to date on School Lunch legislation in Utah!   This summer, USBE Board Members proposed a legislative request for 2025 to eliminate the reduced-price meal charge for K-12 students eligible for reduced-price meals in public schools participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. The funding would cover the $0.30 breakfast and $0.40 lunch charges, aiming to reduce food insecurity, improve access to school-day nutrition, lower meal debt, and increase meal participation. Learn more here! Resources and Trainings Slow Food Live: Your Role as a Stakeholder in School Wellness | November 19 at 1:30 PM | Register here! A Local School Wellness Policy, required by the USDA for districts in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, helps shape food, health, and environmental standards across communities. By joining a Wellness Policy Committee, stakeholders—from students to elected officials—can contribute to equitable, impactful wellness policies that enhance academic outcomes and resource distribution. Explore how your unique role can drive a healthier, more sustainable school environment.   Fundamentals of Farm to School & Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) - Now accepting applications! The National Farm to School Network is introducing a new training to support onboarding for new employees in state agencies and organizations statewide. This training also serves as a refresher for those already familiar with farm-to-school practices, helping to deepen and expand knowledge in this important area. Apply here! Food Justice The new USDA Farm to School Census report is live! Farm to school activities – such as serving local foods in school, growing a school garden, tasting new foods and visiting local farms – provide experiential learning for children, support American farmers and producers, boost nutrition in school meals and more. The new USDA Farm to School Census  reports that 74% of schools served local foods during the school year 2022-23.   Other key findings include: School districts that purchased local food spent about $1.8 billion on local foods, roughly 16% of their total food spending. Participation in farm to school activities has grown by 14% since the 2019 Farm to School Census. School districts with a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price meals are as likely to participate in farm to school as lower-need school districts.   Learn more about the Farm to School Census and USDA’s record-breaking $14.3 million in Farm to School Grants awarded in 2024 by visiting the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program website . Stay tuned for next month's newsletter to see how Utah compares! Job Opportunities Operations and Engagement Coordinator |Summit Community Gardens | Park City, UT | Apply here!   Summit Community Gardens - EATS is seeking an Operations and Engagement Coordinator to be the nexus of communication, logistics, outreach, administrative support, and systems management. The ideal candidate will be a thought partner for the Executive Director and serve as a source of support for the entire team. As someone who’s fluent in platforms like Squarespace, Canva, Mailchimp, SignUpGenius, Donorbox, and Google Suite, they will establish processes, improve systems, and build efficiency. Managing projects, volunteers,  and events round out this role. The ideal candidate is highly organized within a flurry of activity, maintaining humor while ensuring the day-to-day details are on track  and the big picture of why we do this work is always in the foreground.   Regional Business Consultants | Utah Farm and Food Business Program | statewide | Apply here! The Utah Farm and Food Business Program seeks three Regional Business Consultants to provide business consulting and technical assistance to small to medium-sized food businesses and agricultural producers in Northern, Eastern, and Southwestern Utah. Working directly with clients or coordinating with service providers, these consultants will support business growth, market expansion, and grant access as part of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center. This grant-funded role extends through June 2028, contingent on performance and funding renewal.   Youth Garden Project | Youth Garden Project | Moab, UT | Apply here! As the Youth Garden Project’s Community Garden Development VISTA, you’ll be making a transformative impact on households with limited access to fresh, affordable food. You’ll champion the “Moab Community Gardens” program, empowering low to moderate-income community members with irrigated plots to grow their own produce. You’ll be a key player in securing new revenue streams, engaging volunteers, and enhancing our program’s administrative systems. Be a part of a mission-driven team that nurtures both the land and its people!   Do you have a farm to fork job opportunity you'd like us to share? Let us know! Jobs must be located in Utah or fully remote. Funding Opportunities Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program requests are now open!  Apply here! The USDA awards grants annually to help connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Check out this fact sheet for an overview of the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program and highlights Farm to School grantee projects.   This year the RFA has been split into three separate solicitations:  Implementation Grant State Agency Grant Turnkey Grant We would love to see more organizations and schools in Utah apply! Interested for this fiscal year or the future? Let us know!   The Lorri Otto Seeds for Education Program (SFE)  |  Due November 15  |  Apply here! For more than 25 years, this vital Wild Ones donor-funded program has provided grants ranging from $100 to $500 for native plant gardens and landscaping projects throughout the United States. The funds are designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens.    Fruit Trees for Your Community Grant  |  No deadline  |  Apply here! The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) is an award-winning international nonprofit charity dedicated to planting fruitful trees and plants to alleviate world hunger, combat global warming, strengthen communities, and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water. FTPF programs strategically donate orchards where the harvest will best serve communities for generations, at places such as community gardens, public schools, city/state parks, low-income neighborhoods, Native American reservations, international hunger relief sites, and animal sanctuaries. You'll hear from us again next month. In the meantime, we'd love to hear from you!