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.
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 S.D. Dept. of Education’s Farm to School program strives to connect South Dakota’s children with local food producers, to provide them with fresh food grown in our local communities. The program seeks to educate kids about food production to promote field trips to local farms, school gardens, and cooking lessons for youth.
SDSU Extension provides educational resources related to gardens, farmers markets, food nutrition and preservation, youth development, community gardens and farm to school programs.
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.
USDA’s Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program helps child nutrition program operators incorporate local foods in the National School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program the Child and Adult Care Food Program and all associated programs. In addition, USDA staff work with tribal communities by promoting food sovereignty and the integration of traditional food ways into tribal meal programs.
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!
Upcoming Events
Washington Pavilion Ag Day 2025
Ag Day gives children and families a wonderful opportunity to learn about agriculture’s significance – in South Dakota and beyond. The exhibits are exciting and educational – great for the whole family! Make sure and stop by the S.D. Specialty Producers Association booth to learn more about
Youth Programs
If you are involved with a youth program that involves farm to school activities and would like to be added to this listing, please contact sdspamarketing@gmail.com.
Organizations
SD Farm to School Network
The South Dakota Farm to School Network 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’. Learn more. Please email SDSU Extension for the zoom link to participate.
Development 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.
S.D. Farm to School Procurement Overview (Video), SD Farm to School Network
Farm to School Procurement Resource List, SD Farm to School Network
Farm to School Cooking: Kitchen Tool & Equipment Idea, SDSPA
Beef to School FAQ, SDSU Extension
USDA Farm to School Census Data
Identifies school district usage of local foods.
Educational Resources
Growing Minds Farm To School, ASAP Local Food Research Center
- Lesson Plans
- Get Local @ School calendar, recipes & relevant lessons
Agriculture in the Classroom
Free lesson plans, virtual field trips, teach resources for K-12.
Latest SDSPA Resources
Presenter: South Dakota Dept. of Education’s Child & Adult Nutrition Services Description: The South Dakota Farm to School Network’s procurement workgroup set a goal of helping to educate members on the procurement process that schools follow, so we can better support school staff. This training is a
For a complete listing of SDSPA videos, publications, podcasts and recommended resources visit our Resource Library.
