The Illinois Farm to School Summit was the first event hosted and coordinated by the Illinois Farm to School Network, and we had a great time in Springfield working with so many enthusiastic farm to school supporters!
Quick Facts:
- Over 90 people from around the state registered for the conference, including teachers, food service staff, community advocates, and farmers.
- Food service workers from school districts all over the state were able to quickly learn some advanced skills and cooked a huge meal from scratch.
- We worked with five farms, including a local meat processor, to set our menu.
- Composting at the Summit was able to divert over 50 pounds of food scraps from the landfill, meaning that we turned our local lunch into local soil!
- We mapped out a strategic plan for farm to school in Illinois – which you will hear more about over the coming months.
- Illinois farmers came out to speak about their participation in farm to school, including Wayne Sirles of Rendleman’s Orchards and Gary Neibrugge of the Krops 4 Kids Program.
- The local CBS news affiliate brought a camera crew to document the incredible kitchen work – watch the coverage here!
We’ll share the strategic plan and workshop materials soon. Here are some great photos from the day, including the hands on cafeteria training and lunch!
