Minnesota’s Farm-to-School program began in 2006 in an effort to provide local food to public school students across the state. A result of the program is that Cannon Falls Schools is an increasingly important player with a variety of local agricultural partners.
Cannon Falls Schools received two grants totalling over $30,000 for the 2024-25 school year according to a press release by Governor Tim Walzs’ office. The program serves over 60 schools and childcare centers in Minnesota. These grants are used for both supplying local food and purchasing new equipment to process the new foods.
Lori Hanson, Cannon Falls Schools’ Food Service and HR Director, spearheaded the schools’ connection with the Farm-to-School program. She initially heard about the program through the state department and decided to take on the grant writing process. The program was a clear solution to balancing the schools food service budget, Hanson said. Currently Cannon Falls Schools has 10 local food partners, including CannonBelles and Ferndale Market…