by iphi | Jul 20, 2026 | Stories
Local school food system transformation takes time, dedication, and a commitment to ensuring the next generation has the knowledge and support they need to succeed. With funding from the USDA, these Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub grantees have...
by iphi | Jul 15, 2026 | Stories
“Buy Local, Cook Fresh Illinois” is a comprehensive training project helping three rural Central Illinois schools transform their food service programs into scratch-cooking operations that use locally sourced ingredients. The cohort approach allows participants...
by iphi | Apr 23, 2026 | Stories
Anita Garrett, a Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) grandmother, started attending school board meetings in 2022 because she was deeply concerned about the food being served to her grandchildren. Seeing that the meals didn’t match what the district’s wellness policy...
by iphi | Feb 27, 2026 | Stories
The idea for School Meal Sparks struck Kirsten Strong, the resident dietitian of Kalamazoo Public Schools, as she sampled school meal-appropriate dishes prepared by culinary arts students at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC). Invited as a guest to try their...
by iphi | Feb 27, 2026 | Stories
The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub supports school and food system leaders who have transformational ideas—but who may not have access to the resources or experience necessary to pursue federal funding opportunities. That’s why the Illinois Public...
