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Farm to School

Updated August 01, 2023

Anna Tvedt

SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist

As stated by the National Farm to School Network, farm-to-school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education settings. Farm to school programs include one or more of three core elements: 1) local food procurement, 2) school or youth gardens and 3) education.

Learn about farm to school with the following resources:

South Dakota Farm to School Stories

Buffet of locally sourced watermelon served at a school lunch

Innovative farm to school programming is happening across South Dakota. The stories shared on this page are some of many examples from farm to school leaders of different perspectives (ex. school food service, producer, community member, administrator, etc.). These stories highlight the fact that farm to school is for everyone and can be done in many ways.

Read stories

Featured Resources

South Dakota Farm to School logo

South Dakota Farm to School Resource Guide

South Dakota's resource guide for starting a Farm to School

Sealed packages of ground beef stacked inside a meat cooler at a grocery store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Serving Bison and Beef in USDA Child Nutrition Programs in South Dakota

This FAQ document provides responses to commonly asked questions about serving beef and bison in South Dakota Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meals and snacks.

An adult and several children's hands at a table planting a seedling in a container.

Grow Getters: Garden-Based Education for Preschool-3rd Grades

The “Grow Getters” series consists of lessons and resources to engage youth and families in hands-on, at-home activities related to gardening—even without a garden!

Three ladies standing with lunch trays of food

South Dakota Farm to School Network

The South Dakota Farm to School Network is an open group of individuals and organizations whose work or personal interests align with the components of farm to school. Learn how you or your organization can get involved today!

Gardener holding a box of vegetables

Bringing the Farm to School: Producer Training

Schools offer a strong market opportunity for agricultural producers. Farmers, ranchers, and local food processors can learn strategies for selling products to school markets at the Bringing the Farm to School: Producer Training.

Upcoming Events

Two youth biting into an ear of corn
Sep 18

South Dakota Crunch Off

The South Dakota Crunch Off is an annual statewide event to celebrate local produce and farm to school by crunching into any South Dakota grown fruit or vegetable.

Related Topics

Daycare, School Nutrition