FutureRoots_Book_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 76
FARM TO SCHOOL
D
id you know that institutional buyers, like school districts and nutrition service contractors, purchase billions of dollars of food products annually? The demand for school meals
is high. Here in Blaine County, approximately 40% of our students qualify for free and
reduced meal programs at school.
Every student in our community deserves access to fresh, locally grown food that fuels,
engages, and inspires. That’s why Future Roots is working with Blaine County School District to
build a strategic Farm-to-School Action Plan, that covers everything from sourcing local produce to
preparing that produce in ways that even the pickiest kindergartners will be excited to eat.
Starting in the spring of 2026, the Future Roots team engaged students, parents, and educators throughout Blaine County, gathering data on families’ experiences with school nutrition
services and listening to their visions for a more vibrant school food future.
“Watermelon, tacos, lasagna, green beans!” Exclaimed students in The Carey School cafeteria, when asked what foods they would like to eat for school lunch. Both parents and afterschool care providers note that more nutritionally dense, student-centered meals would provide
more sustained energy for students to grow and learn throughout the school day and beyond.
Future Roots has partnered with thoughtful and impactful community groups to co-create
this Farm-to-School Action Plan, designed specifically for Blaine County School District, that
centers our local families’ needs. The BCSD Wellness Committee, The Hunger Coalition, and other
local Farm-to-School experts make up our Lead Team. By June 2027 this partnership will present
local procurement options to the BCSD Board of Trustees for approval.
If you or your student would like to support this project and be involved in the process,
please email hannah@futureroots.org.
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