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“Farm to School” is a agricultural sector partnership where Minnesota school districts are encouraged to develop relationships with nearby producers to bring local, sustainable food into the school.  The program also promotes understanding of various edibles and their origins. Kids learn what certain foods look like in their raw state, they see that not all eggs are white and some are green or brown, and they find out what grows underground, on a plant and what grows on a tree.

Sunrise River Elementary School has an active Farm-to-School program, which the lead food service contractor said he hopes can be expanded if grants from state and federal funds can be leveraged.

There were 33 Sunrise elementary classrooms that got  outdoors last week on the special day to mingle with farm animals on the school front lawn.  Sandra Holmgren has been bringing small herd animas and fowl for many years.  This year retired educator Barb Siqueros joined her.

Students also can dress like a farmer in overalls, hats, bandanas and many get their picture taken as a group on the tractor.  Olson Power & Equipment provides the tractor every year.  Pam Connolly, Food Service staff member, said Dan Olson “...always takes the time for our students here at Sunrise.”
Connolly added, “I am so grateful to have volunteers in this community that take time out of their busy schedules for our students here in North Branch....it is important for them to get healthy meals at school and this learning opportunity.”

Connolly is joined by fellow “lunch bunch” staff Shirley Walter, Bev Johnson, Nikki Herkenhoff and Sherri Matheson in making the Farm to School nutrition education effort such a hit.

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