SDSPA Working On Developing Farm to School Connections
One of South Dakota Specialty Producers Association’s 2026 goals to foster strong Farm to School connections between schools and specialty producers in South Dakota.
Malisa Niles, SDSPA Farm to School Contractor, has surveyed all S.D. public schools, and several private and tribal schools to determine their level of participation in utilizing local foods and what their needs are in their food service programs.
Niles is now seeking input from specialty producers on their participation in supplying local schools, their goals in Farm to School and how SDSPA can assist them. Her goal is to develop a communication toolbox for schools and producers. Producers please find her at the SDSPA booth at the Producer Summit Conference in Rapid City or drop her an email at sdspa.urbanag@gmail.com.
Niles will also be hosting a series of producer focused webinars developed by the National Farm to School organization. The webinars will be every Tuesday, Feb 24 through March 31, 2026. The first webinar will focus on the power of Farm to School. For more information, click here.