Search

Dear Grant Reviewers,

I am writing to express my support for [School District or ECE Center]’s AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Grant application.

• Introduce yourself. Include:
  • Your name and title or role.
  • The name of your farm or organization, location, and what you grow/produce/do.
• Briefly describe why you are supportive of the applicant’s grant proposal.
  • How will you (and farms you work with) benefit if the applicant receives a grant?
  • How will you work with the applicant if they receive a grant? Have you worked with them before, or is this a new relationship?
    • Producers: What Minnesota-grown food item(s) can you sell to them?
    • Distributors: What Minnesota-grown food item(s) can you sell to them, and what are the names and locations of the local farms that you buy from?
    • Community Partners: What support will you offer the school?
• Share any other information about you or the applicant’s proposal that is notable.

Thank you for considering [School District or ECE Center]’s application.

Name
Farm or organization
Phone number or email address

Can schools, ECE centers, or family child cares buy food directly from local farmers?

• Yes! The goal of the Farm to School and Early Care grant program is to help schools, ECE centers, and family child cares serve more Minnesota grown and raised foods to students and children and build relationships in their local community. See the fact sheets below for more information about legal local food purchasing.
  • Approved Sources for Food Products (PDF)
  • Selling or Serving Locally Grown Produce in Food Facilities (PDF, August 2022)
  • Approved Sources of Meat and Poultry for Food Facilities (PDF)
  • Safely Selling or Buying Locally Produced Eggs (PDF)

Can schools, ECE centers, or family child cares buy from a local food hub or aggregator?

• Yes. An aggregator is an entity that combines and distributes products from multiple farmers. Aggregators need to have a food handler license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Ask them to list their license number on your invoice.

What are good food safety questions to ask farmers?

• Having a conversation with a farmer is a great way to learn about their food safety practices and ensure the produce you receive is grown, harvested, and packaged using best food safety practices. The resources below have a list of questions you can ask farmers and helpful things to listen for when having a conversation:
  • Food Safety Questions to Ask your Farmer (PDF)
  • Talk with your produce farmer about food safety (UMN Extension)

I am ready to learn about buying local. Where can I find more information, resources, and support?

• There are several agencies and organizations that collaborate to support Farm to School and Early Care in Minnesota.
  • University of Minnesota Extension Farm to School
  • Minnesota Department of Education Farm to School
  • Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture Local Food Fact Sheet Series