Bridging the Gap: Connecting Farm to School

Wisconsin Farmers Union and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are teaming up to host “Bridging the Gap: Connecting Farm to School” at noon on Tuesday, December 14. Join us for a conversation with farmers and supply chain partners to lay groundwork on Farm to School procurement amid new opportunities. 

This free webinar will offer an overview of how schools and farmers can work together to enhance access to locally grown products. Presenters from both DATCP and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), who have identified needs and opportunities for education around producers and local food businesses in working with schools. 

Those involved in school food procurement, from farmers to local food suppliers, who interested in learning more about selling to local institutions are encouraged to attend. The program will provide information on WI School Procurement Methods, new policies and waivers to assist in sourcing needs, DATCP and DPI Farm to School resources, tools and tips on accessing markets and developing relationship-based sales.

This webinar will be an hour and a half from 12:00-1:30pm. A recording and resources will be sent out to all registrants following the program. 

Speakers include: 

• April Yancer, Wisconsin Farm to School Coordinator, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
• Susan Bostian Young, Nutrition Program Consultant, School Nutrition Team, WI Department of Public Instruction
• Kara Ignasiak,AmeriCorps Farm to School Program Nutrition Education Consultant, WI Department of Public Instruction
• Jessica Oele, USDA Foods Procurement Contract Specialist- School Nutrition Team, WI Department of Public Instruction
• Lera Karns USDA Foods Procurement Contract Specialist- School Nutrition Team, WI Department of Public Instruction