South Dakota Farm to School Resource Guide

Updated October 12, 2022

Anna Tvedt

SDSU Extension Farm to School Nutrition Field Specialist

Additional Authors: Jason Schoch

Written collaboratively by SDSU Extension, Dakota Rural Action, South Dakota Department of Education and United States Department of Agriculture Food & Nutrition Service

Inside the Guide

This guide, useful for both beginning and growing farm to school programs, includes eight chapters covering a breadth of farm to school applications. Readers may find the entire guide to be helpful, or prefer to focus on individual chapters. 

  1. Getting to Know Farm to School
  2. Building Your Farm to School Team
  3. School Purchasing Guide and Menu Planning
  4. Producer Farm to School Guide
  5. Use of Traditional Foods in Farm to School
  6. Local Foods Education
  7. School or Youth Gardens
  8. Additional Resources

Second Edition Updates

This second edition guide contains updates and additions to the first version, published in 2019. Key differences include new chapters: “Use of Traditional Foods in Farm to School,” “Local foods Education,” and “School Gardens.” This version includes new highlights and educational graphics, and updated resources and guidance. 

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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!

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Funding Your Farm to School Program

Starting or expanding a farm to school program comes with expenses. Learn about the many farm to school funding opportunities available from state, federal, and private/non-profit organizations.

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Benefits of Farm to School and Early Care and Education

Farm to school (F2S) programs have potential to create substantial positive impacts on an array of F2S stakeholders, including kids, schools (foodservice and education), early care and education (ECE) programs, agricultural producers, families and communities. Benefits exist in the areas of public health, economic development, education, environment, equity and community engagement.