HELENA, Mont. – Join the Montana Office of Public Instruction and statewide partners for the Montana Farm to School Summit: Sprouting Success on September 22-23, 2016 at Montana State University in Bozeman. Early bird discounted registration and scholarship applications close June 30, 2016.
Learn and share how Montana schools and programs are sprouting success through the core elements of farm to school–serving local foods, school gardens, and nutrition, agriculture, and food education. Workshops, field trips, and networking opportunities will provide inspiration and skill building. The conference features Chef Ann Cooper, a nationally renowned advocate for improving school meals as well as, Montana farm to school champions who will share their stories and experiences. The summit will also be an opportunity to learn about and register for the new Montana Harvest of the Month program (www.montana.edu/mtharvestofthemonth).
All individuals interested in farm to school programs are encouraged to attend including school food service, teachers, school administrators, food producers, preschool and childcare providers, parents, community members, and support organizations. Continuing education units are available.
Farm to school (F2S) aims to improve child nutrition by helping children understand and experience where their food comes from. It incorporates healthy farm-fresh food in school meals and snacks, provides increased opportunity for garden-based learning, agriculture education across the curriculum, and strengthens community-wide connections to support local farmers and children’s well-being.
This conference is hosted by Montana Team Nutrition Program, Montana State University, Montana Office of Public Instruction, National Center for Appropriate Technology, Gallatin Valley Farm to School, Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Roots, and other statewide partners.
Scholarships are available to help participants with registration fees and travel costs.
Register online at: https://tofu.msu.montana.edu/cs/f2s_2016
Source: Office of Public Instruction
