In the heart of Minnesota, a dedicated group of farmers, educators, and community partners are working tirelessly to ensure that the fresh, nutritious produce served in school cafeterias is not only delicious but also safe. From erecting sweet-corn stalks to shield vulnerable squash to implementing rigorous food safety protocols, these unsung heroes are paving the way for a healthier future for the state's students.

Cultivating Collaboration: How Minnesota's Farm-to-School Movement is Thriving

Protecting Produce from Pests and Predators

Rae Rusnak, owner of L&R Produce and a University of Minnesota alumna, has found a unique way to safeguard her squash fields in Kenyon, MN. By strategically planting sweet-corn stalks around the perimeter, she creates a natural barrier that deters deer from feasting on her valuable crop. "By the time the squash is far enough along for the deer to notice, the corn is high all around it," Rusnak explains. "Deer don't like the bristly stalks and leave the squash alone." This simple yet effective technique ensures that the squash destined for school lunch trays remains untouched by hungry wildlife.

Ensuring Food Safety from Farm to Cafeteria

While Rusnak's corn stalks may protect her squash from deer, maintaining food safety throughout the entire supply chain is crucial to preventing foodborne illnesses in school-served produce. That's where the University of Minnesota Extension steps in, providing training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to Rusnak and Minnesota's 3,500 other fruit and vegetable producers. "With all of the requirements, it can be a little daunting," Rusnak admits, "but I don't know where else I could get that training." Extension educator Annalisa Hultberg ensures the training is clear, practical, and tailored to real-world scenarios, equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills to keep their produce safe.

Cultivating Connections: Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Schools

The success of Minnesota's farm-to-school programs is the result of a collaborative effort between various partners, including the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Department of Education, the nonprofit Renewing the Countryside, and the Good Acre food hub. Extension has played a pivotal role in this endeavor, working to connect growers like Rusnak with school nutrition program buyers, conducting research on the needs of food service directors, and developing educational resources to help farmers become "wholesale ready."

Nourishing Young Minds: The Rewards of the Farm-to-School Movement

For Rusnak, the satisfaction of knowing her produce is not only safe but also contributing to the health and well-being of Minnesota's students is immeasurable. "Together, we're educating children and families about nutrition, and giving them good-tasting fruits and vegetables," she says. "We want kids to be happy and flourish and thrive in schools. I certainly get gratification from that." By working in tandem with Extension and its partners, farmers like Rusnak are ensuring that the next generation of Minnesotans can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally grown produce in their school lunches.