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Create a More Connected Minnesota

New research suggests filling school lunch
trays with locally grown foods isn't just good for students'
health. It's also good for the local economy.


      A new study from the University of Minnesota examined the
potential economic impact of farm-to-school programs, focusing on a
five-county area of central Minnesota.


      It found the potential economic benefit to the region ranged
from about $20,000 if each school served one locally grown meal a
month to up to $430,000 if they bought large amounts from farmers.


      Ryan Pesch, who co-wrote the report, says in that part of
Minnesota, $400,000 could support two or three full-time farms.


      The analysis focused on foods easily added to school menus,
including apples, beef hot dogs, cabbage, carrots, oatmeal,
potatoes, sweet corn and wild rice.

University of Minnesota Extension's Farm-to-School

New research suggests filling school lunch
trays with locally grown foods isn't just good for students'
health. It's also good for the local economy.


Study shows farm-to-school benefits in Minnesota

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Create a More Connected Minnesota