Missoula Farm to School Programs
The farm to school program was implemented in the Missoula County Public School district in August 2005. On May 9, 2006, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted in support of a resolution supporting the efforts of the program. View the resolution.(PDF)
In the Cafeteria:
The Miss
oula Farm to School introduces Montana grown foods into cafeteria meals in adherence with the seasonality of fresh produce and year round Montana products. MCPS food service staff implement on-going local food procurement when possible. In addition, meal events highlighting locals foods are held throughout the school year. Such events have included a week where the lunch menu featured a Montana-grown item each day, to a one day event where the majority o
f the meal was Montana-grown. A favorite was the taco lunch, consisting of Montana beef, cheese and tortillas, with honey sticks and a huckleberry parfait.
Other Montana items provided in the school lunches include apples, cherries, carrots, peaches, cantaloupe, cucumbers, potatoes, zucchini and spring salad greens.
In the classroom:
Missoula Farm to School is one component of the BEANS program (Blending Education, Agriculture, and Nutrition in Schools), in combination with Garden City Harvest's School Garden Program and Community Education Program.
Missoula BEANS offers teachers and students in Missoula an opportunity to learn more about our food system, gardening and farming, and healthy eating habits both inside and outside the classroom. The BEANS program works within the curriculum standards of the Missoula County Public Schools, especially in the areas of science, social studies, and health enhancement.
Farm to School offers in-class activities about nutrition, agriculture in MT, and local food and can be adapted to fit your curriculum. Other Farm to School activities include:
Kitchen Tours: Tours of the MCPS central kitchen reinforce nutritional concepts learned in the classroom setting and expose youth to the steps involved in getting food on their lunch plates, such as preparation, storage and delivery.
Taste Tests: In-class taste tests allow students to try new foods before they see them in the lunch line, while exposing them to more fruits, vegetables and seasonal, local products. Youth are also given the opportunity to rate the food items and provide feedback regarding their meals.
Montana Farmer Classroom Visits: Farmer visits provide students with an opportunity to make a personal connection with the individual who grows some of their food, as well as facilitate learning regarding MT agricultural issues.
Curricular Integration: Provide resources for integrated curriculum and activities that link nutrition, health and school lunch to core curriculum.
For more information, contact Erin Foster West at (406) 549-0543 missoulaf2s@montana.com
