Pine River-Backus School joins schools around the state in celebrating Minnesota's first annual Farm2School Week. During the week of Sept. 20, our students will enjoy farm fresh foods at Pine River-Backus Schools, along with a variety of Farm2School foods throughout the year.
Farm2School programs link children with nearby farmers and farm products, including fruits, vegetables, grains and other items. Farm2School provides fresh, healthy and minimally processed foods, helps children develop healthy eating habits and supports small and mid-size farmers.
A survey released in March 2010 revealed that the number of Minnesota school districts purchasing fresh food from local farms has more than doubled since 2008 to nearly 70 districts, according to a report by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and the Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA). Even more schools around the state have launched new Farm2School programs this fall.
"Pine River-Backus School is pleased to work with Community Gardens and Farmers Market. MSNA and LATP to expand our Farm2School program," Director Brenda Anderson said. "We are excited about our Farm2School program because it has many benefits for our students, farmers and community.
"Farm2School benefits our students, communities, farmers and the local economy throughout the state." said Minnesota School Nutrition Association president Debra LaBounty. "This program is a winner all the way around. School food service professionals are proud to be in the vanguard of Minnesota's Farm2School movement."
"Parents, students and schools know that good nutrition is essential if our kids are to be healthy and ready to learn. Small and mid-size farmers whose products have largely been absent from America's lunch trays can offer our children high quality, fresh choices and a chance to learn how and where their food is grown. Farm2School is good for Minnesota's kids and communities," said JoAnne Borkendamp of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.
