Connecting kids to fresh, local food—one lunch tray at a time.
At Healthy Harvest of North Iowa, we believe every student deserves access to nutritious, locally grown food. Our Farm to School efforts bring together school districts, early care centers, farmers, food hubs, community partners, and more to create hands-on learning opportunities and stronger connections to where food comes from.
What We Do:
Farm to School can look a little different in every district, but always includes one or more of the following:
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Local Procurement: We help schools source local fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and more for their cafeterias and snacks.
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School Gardens & Greenhouses: From raised beds to hydroponics, students get their hands dirty growing food and learning where it comes from.
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Food & Nutrition Education: We offer classroom taste tests, cooking classes, and farm visits that spark curiosity and build lifelong healthy habits.
Why It Matters:
Farm to School builds stronger school meals, stronger minds, and stronger communities. When students eat local, they’re more likely to try new foods and develop lifelong healthy habits. At the same time, schools reinvest in local farmers and food businesses—strengthening our regional economy from the cafeteria outward.
Local Success Stories:
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🍅 Riceville Elementary Farmers Market: Students become vendors and learn real-world skills while promoting local produce.
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🦁 Feeding Lions: Our collaboration with Clear Lake Schools helps integrate local food across lunch menus and learning activities.
Ready to Grow With Us?
If you represent a local school district, early care center, or youth program in North Iowa and want to bring Farm to School to your community, contact:
Marie Morud, Education Coordinator
📧 education@healthyharvestni.com
Looking to dig deeper or bring Farm to School to your classroom or cafeteria? These helpful links offer toolkits, event info, and state-level programs:
Farm to School News
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