Partner with a health nonprofit to develop recipes
Partner with a health nonprofit that has a dietician or nutritionist on staff who can support in the development of recipes for SFAs that incorporate local foods.
Producers Advocate for Local Foods
Local growers and producers meet with relevant school personnel to help create school/district buy-in and support for Food Service Directors who are interested in using local foods.
Salad Bar
Create a salad bar, featuring local produce, in the school cafeteria to encourage students to create their own salads. Example Resources
School Wellness Policy
School wellness policies, which can include local procurement goals as well as nutrition education, are written documents that guide a school district’s efforts to support an environment of healthy eating. Project includes opportunities to incorporate a committee of students into school policy initiatives (i.e.– student council).
Scratch Cooking Assessment and Learning Evaluation (SCALE)
Complete the SCALE self-assessment and receive custom recommendations and a step-by-step guide to improving school meals. Resources
Seasoning Bar
Work with a food industry partner to offer a “seasoning bar” or “flavor station” with culturally relevant, salt-free herbs and spices. Example Resources
State-Level Food Procurement
State agencies procure local food from growers, with school districts purchasing from the state agency, reducing time and cost for SFAs.
Student Recipe Competition
Students in culinary class have a competition to create a recipe to be standardized and featured on the school menu.
Student Seedlings
Students start seedlings in the classroom, which are then sent to local farms. Once harvested, the produce returns to the school.
Taste Tests
Provide samples of local foods for students to try. If students like the item, work with the food industry to incorporate it into future meals.
Use Promotional Day Serves to Highlight Local Foods
Work with the food industry on promotional serves such as Women’s History Month, Black History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month could highlight a specific local food.