Farm-to-school movement

working to improve lunches

Michigan State University (MSU) is working with local communities, farmers and schools administrators to increase Michigan foods in the menus of school lunches.

Colleen Matts and Jekeia Murphy of the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at MSU provide training opportunities to help local communities initiate or expand farm-to-school projects.

In addition, MSU Extension educators, in partnership with the Mott Group, Kendra Wills, Rita Klavinski and Beth Clawson will be hosting an event in South Haven, Mich., on Nov. 29 to give local growers an opportunity to interact with food service directors. The meet-and-greet takes place 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Michigan College South Haven Campus. The event is free. Sign up with Kendra Wills at 616-336-2028 or willsk@anr.msu.edu.

Growers are encouraged to bring information about their farms as well as samples for food service directors to taste.

Visit the Michigan Farm to School website at www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu for information on school-farm trade and the new Michigan Farm to School Grant Program. The MSU Product Center also assists agricultural producers to expand their markets to schools. Visit the Product Center website at www.productcenter.msu.edu.