This Farm to School resource guide is the result of a community collaboration between a variety of organizations in Northern Michigan dedicated to garden-based education and Farm to School programming. The purpose of this resource guide is to expand upon our shared mission of connecting youth to locally grown foods and their local food system, while also supporting parents in meeting their students’ educational and social-emotional needs during the COVID-19 crisis.
Our goal is to provide an easy to use, one-stop-shop resource guide for parents looking for Farm to School content and garden-based lessons and activities. We aim to create a space where enriching content is virtually accessible to families and students across the state through interactive videos and easy-to-follow lesson plans and hands-on activities. Please explore the resource guide at your own pace. We have put together a parent tip sheet to help you navigate the guide and offer some tips and suggestions.
Our shared YouTube channel is a great place to start — you can find recipe demonstrations, plant and garden-based lessons and so much more!
Farm To School of Northwest Michigan – YouTube Channel
Farm To School lessons by age & subject:
PreK-K | Grades 1-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-12
A new recipe & lesson every week:
Recipe of The Week
Want to learn more? We’ve got you covered!
Additional Resources
Contributing organizations include:
Interlochen Center for the Arts, FoodCorps, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, SEEDS, MSU Extension, TCAPS.
Please reach out with any questions or feedback to:
Terra Bogart (tbogart@tbaisd.org)
About Northwest Education Services’ Farm to School
Northwest Education Services’ Farm to School program serves 16 public school districts, six public school academies, and twelve private and parochial schools within Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Together, Northwest Ed and its local school districts determine the services needed to improve student learning, serve children’s special needs, develop teachers’ expertise and work collaboratively to maximize services and resources on a regional scale. The Farm to School program supports students and their families in developing lifelong healthy habits through nutrition and garden-based education.
About Interlochen Arts Academy
Interlochen Arts Academy is the nation’s premier boarding arts high school, where emerging artists transform passion and potential into purpose. Students pursue pre-professional training in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, creative writing, and film alongside a robust academic curriculum, preparing them to excel in the arts and beyond. Learn more at academy.interlochen.org.
About Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities (Groundwork) is a member-driven, nonprofit organization focused on solutions that protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build community resilience. Our largest program area is our Food & Farming Program. For more than 15 years, Groundwork has worked with numerous regional, state, and national partners to increase access to healthy, local food in Michigan schools. We are founding members of the Michigan Farm to Institution Network, which houses the Cultivate Michigan program; and a founding service site of FoodCorps, a nationwide organization that seeks to connect kids to healthy food in schools. Learn more at groundworkcenter.org
About SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers
Since 1999, SEEDS has been implementing local solutions to global challenges, working at the intersection of ecology, education, and community design. SEEDS exists to foster healthy, vibrant communities filled with clean food, great kids, and helpful neighbors. Out-of-School time is an important practice for life-long learning. We are committed to increasing the accessibility of K-12 content that is hands-on, self-directed, and encourages families to get outside. Learn more and connect at ecoSEEDS.org or on socials @SEEDSTC
About MSU Extension
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future. Learn more at canr.msu.edu/outreach
About FoodCorps
FoodCorps connects kids to healthy food in school. Our team of AmeriCorps leaders serve in high-need schools across the country teaching hands-on lessons in growing, cooking and tasting healthy food; partnering with farmers and food service teams to create nutritious and delicious school meals; and collaborating with communities to inspire a schoolwide culture of health. Learn more at foodcorps.org
