Unlocking the Potential of Michigan's School Meal Programs: Embracing Local and Regional Food Systems

Michigan's school meal programs have the potential to make a significant impact on local and regional food systems, according to a state lawmaker and specialty crop farmer. By embracing innovative approaches to food procurement and distribution, these programs can not only provide nutritious meals to students but also support the growth and sustainability of Michigan's agricultural sector.

Empowering Michigan's Food Producers and Processors

Expanding the Definition of Acceptable Ingredients

Senator Roger Victory, a Michigan lawmaker and specialty crop farmer, believes that the current definition of acceptable ingredients for school meals can be broadened to include more locally and regionally sourced products. "Since we're not in season 12 months of the year in some of these commodity crops, I like the frozen components," he explains. "There's that quick freeze aspect, so sometimes just changing the definition of what's can be utilized, we could have that healthy nutritional, locally grown Michigan produce right here in some of our schools and other institutions."

Investing in Processing and Distribution Infrastructure

Wendy Crowley, the Farm to Program Consultant for the Michigan Department of Education, oversees the 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan's Kids and Farms program. She highlights the importance of investing in processing and distribution infrastructure to support the integration of local and regional foods into school meal programs. "There are a lot of USDA sort of coalition community grants right now and we see a lot of partnerships across the state that are working to improve that middle of the supply chain processing," she says. "So things like wash pack, freeze facilities that are able to accept large amounts of Michigan produce and dehydrate them or freeze them."

Addressing Logistical Challenges

Senator Victory also emphasizes the need to improve distribution channels to eliminate the logistical challenges of getting food from where it's grown to where there's demand. "Schools are feeding far more children because of Michigan school meals, and right sizing that supply chain and that capacity is really what we're working hard to do," says Crowley, highlighting the efforts of programs like those at Michigan State University's Center for Regional Food Systems to address these challenges.

Investing in Michigan's Agricultural Future

Leveraging State Funding for School Meals

The state of Michigan is investing $200 million to provide free school meals to 1.4 million students this fiscal year. This significant investment presents an opportunity to further support local and regional food systems. The 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan Kids & Farms program, for example, allows schools to use these funds to purchase fresh Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and dry beans.

Addressing Labor Challenges in Specialty Crop Production

Senator Victory recently joined other specialty crop growers in calling for relief from federally mandated wage increases, as Michigan's H-2A labor costs have increased nearly 40 percent in the last five years. He believes that increased state food purchasing would be impactful in supporting these producers and ensuring the long-term viability of Michigan's agricultural sector.

Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

Crowley emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges facing Michigan's school meal programs and local food systems. "Schools are feeding far more children because of Michigan school meals, and right sizing that supply chain and that capacity is really what we're working hard to do," she shares, highlighting the ongoing efforts to connect producers, processors, and schools to create a more resilient and sustainable food system.By embracing a more inclusive approach to food procurement, investing in processing and distribution infrastructure, and leveraging state funding to support local and regional food systems, Michigan's school meal programs can become a powerful driver of economic growth and community resilience, while also providing nutritious meals to students across the state.