S.D. Farm to School Update- July 2025

The S.D. Farm to School Core Leadership Team hosted two sessions and an informational booth at the School Nutrition Association of S.D. State Conference June 25, 2025. Janielle Peterson from the S.D. Dept. of Education, Megan EisenVos from Dakota Rural Action, and Malisa Niles from SDSPA hosted the session that focused on the ‘Five Root Cause Analysis’ topics the team has been reviewing from the April 11th focus group. Session attendees were asked to brainstorm the current trends and future opportunities on the root cause analysis statement that the connection between food, nutrition, behavior and academic performance is not widely apparent, especially among parents, school administrators, or decision makers. Many ideas and conversations were generated. These sessions were the starting point of the two upcoming S.D. Farm to School Root Cause Analysis meetings July 8th in Sioux Falls and July 22nd in Rapid City. More information and registration can be found at Farm to School Summer Brainstorm Event Registration.