Reaching a new market with farm to school for farmers and ranchers

Small Towns

By Marie Powell, former staff member

October's Farm to School Month has been a great success. Happily, anyone interested in learning how to do Farm to School can access information anytime, anywhere with our webinar series.

You can view our second webinar and slides here. It covers key points for Nebraska farmers and ranchers (and those in other states) to consider when you work with schools as a market opportunity.

As you listen to the recording, you'll walk in a food service director’s shoes with Donna Handley, School Lunch Program Specialist with the Nebraska Department of Education. Donna shares some great statistics and tips for selling, packaging, delivery and more.

Sarah Browning, University of Nebraska Extension, walks you through the farm food safety procedures you should consider, as well as helpful training resources that are available to address farm food safety topics. Heard about the Food Safety Modernization Act, GAPs, and Food Safety Plans? Sarah gives you the specifics.

Farmer Ryan Pekarek explains how and when to approach schools, and how to go about planning your growing season. You'll get a farmer-to-farmer perspective on this new market opportunity. The webinar introduces food producers to the opportunities available when selling to schools, as well as considerations to take when planning for success. 

You'll find our first webinar, Food Service Staff, Nebraska Farm to School Case Studies here.