Find Local Producers
South Dakota produces a vast range of specialty crops and local foods. Find local foods near you to serve in your schools, daycares and communities!
Find A School
The USDA-FNS Farm To Census Data provides information on which school districts, childcare institution and other relevant organizations are involved in or intend to participate in farm to school activities. The 2019 Census data indicates the following South Dakota programs indicated interest.
Special Events
October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients! Visit the National Farm to School Month for ideas of easy ways to get involved.
South Dakota Crunch Off events typically occur in late September- early October. This fun, annual event promotes nutrition education and healthy eating while supporting local agriculture. Learn more about the South Dakota Crunch Off!
Youth Programs
Resource Providers
Dakota Rural Action is a statewide nonprofit community organizing group that has been working on Farm to School issues across South Dakota since 2010.
The National Farm to School Network is a information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing, school gardens and food and agriculture education into schools and early care and education settings.
SDSU Extension provides educational resources related to gardens, farmers markets, food nutrition and preservation, youth development, community gardens and farm to school programs.
USDA’s Farm to School Program is housed in the Food and Nutrition Service’s Office of Community Food Systems (OCFS). OCFS helps child nutrition program operators incorporate local foods in the National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. OCFS staff works with tribal communities to respond to their desire to better incorporate traditional foods into our meal programs.
Resources
South Dakota Farm to School Resource Guide, 2nd Ed. (2022)
This resource manual assists schools in developing a farm to school plan. It discusses basic farm to school information, building a farm to school team, a school purchasing guide and menu planning information, guidance for producers, and additional resources. Originally published in 2019 by SDSU Extension, Dakota Rural Action, S.D. Dept. of Education and the USDA. Updated in 2022.
Farm to School Procurement Resource List, SD Farm to School Network
S.D. Farm to School Procurement Overview (Webinar), SD Farm to School Network
Farm to School Cooking: Kitchen Tool & Equipment Idea, SDSPA
Bison to School FAQ, SDSU Extension
Farm to School, Dakota Rural Action
USDA Farm to School Census Data
Identifies school district usage of local foods.
Organizations
SD Farm to School Network
The South Dakota Farm to School Network is a subcommittee of the S.D. Local Foods Coalition. It meets every other month on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The group has two main focus areas including ‘Farm to School Awareness & Understanding’ and ‘Farm to School Procurement Technical Assistance’. Please email SDSU Extension for the zoom link to participate.
National Farm to School Network
An information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and food and agriculture education into school systems and early care and education environments.
