Welcome to the Utah Farm to School Peer Learning Groups!
These groups bring together a diverse range of stakeholders united by a passion for our three core pillars:
Local Procurement, Community Gardens, and Education.
​
​
​
Purpose and Structure
​
The Peer Learning Groups are designed to:
-
Foster Connections: Build a strong, collaborative network of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing farm to school initiatives in Utah.
-
Share Updates: Stay informed about the latest developments, successes, and challenges in the Farm to School movement across the state.
-
Provide Feedback: Offer valuable insights and suggestions on resources and support needed in your specific area of work.
-
Enhance Learning: Gain knowledge and inspiration from fellow participants to effectively contribute to the farm to school movement.
Meeting Schedule
​
Each group will convene twice a year, providing a structured yet flexible environment to:
-
Receive updates on ongoing and upcoming Farm to School initiatives.
-
Share your experiences and feedback on what resources and support would enhance your efforts.
-
Learn about new opportunities and ways to stay actively involved in the movement.
​
See below for the full calendar.
Growing Together.
Our ultimate goal is to continuously expand our network and learn from one another. If we identify trends indicating that various groups would benefit from closer collaboration, we may schedule additional meetings to facilitate these connections. This dynamic approach ensures that we keep the momentum going and that you stay informed and engaged.
Join us in this exciting journey to strengthen the farm to school movement in Utah. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our communities through local procurement, vibrant community gardens, and enriching educational experiences.
We look forward to learning and growing with you!
​
Peer Learning Groups
Join a group today!
Each group will meet twice a year, with all meetings scheduled from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. We encourage participants to attend both sessions - so please register for both!
If you belong to multiple categories, feel free to join more than one group.
.png)
Local Health Departments - Environment and Health
​​
January 7 - Register here!
July 1 - Register here!
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Environmental Health Teams in Local Health Departments is designed to equip members with the knowledge and resources needed to support schools in sourcing local food and developing school gardens. Through collaborative sessions, participants will share best practices, identify challenges, and provide feedback on what sets their county apart, ensuring resources are tailored to their region.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Tribal Groups in Utah aims to explore how they can introduce their products into schools and leverage unique opportunities within the farm-to-school landscape. Participants will learn strategies to increase farm-to-school practices and initiatives, fostering stronger connections and healthier food options within their communities.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Individuals and Organizations in Early Child Care Education, including TOP Star consultants, focuses on integrating local food sourcing and gardening into early childhood programs. Participants will exchange strategies, overcome challenges, and tailor resources to promote healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship among young children.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Chefs invites culinary professionals interested in participating in farm-to-school initiatives, including hands-on involvement like scratch cooking and developing locally sourced recipes. This is a great opportunity to share your ideas and collaborate on expanding farm-to-school efforts in Utah.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Farmers and Producers is designed for those interested in selling to schools and youth-based organizations, as well as participating in agriculture education programs. Participants will learn best practices for engaging with schools, navigate logistical challenges, and learn what route of local procurement works best for your operation.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Food Distributors provides a platform for distributors to proactively engage in Utah's farm-to-school movement. Participants will learn strategies to become preferred distributors for schools seeking local sourcing options, while also exploring how farm-to-school initiatives can align with and strengthen their business models.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for K-12 Students and Families empowers participants who are passionate about seeing more local products in their schools. Join us to discover how you can support your school in sourcing locally, advocate for local farmers, and promote agricultural education within your curriculum.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for School Nutrition Teams offers insights into local procurement strategies tailored to fit your school’s procedures. Join us to explore resources that simplify local sourcing and provide feedback on enhancing our network’s support. Ideal for schools seeking assistance with specifying local products in bids, connecting with nearby farms, and participating in initiatives like Farm to Fork’s Squash Summer Hunger campaign.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for School Gardens is designed for teachers, school staff, and volunteers interested in both outdoor and indoor growing practices, including hydroponics and aquaponics. Participants will learn best practices for integrating school gardens into the curriculum, promoting hands-on learning experiences, and incorporating garden-grown produce into school cafeterias to enhance nutritional education.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Health Care Professionals, including dieticians and nutritionists, is designed for those passionate about enhancing the nutritional value of school meals through local procurement. Join us to collaborate on strategies for integrating locally sourced foods into school menus, promoting health and wellness initiatives, and sharing best practices to support community-based food systems.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Higher Learning Institutions is tailored for educators and students in higher education who are passionate about advancing farm-to-school initiatives. Participants will explore ways to integrate local procurement and agricultural education into their work, programs, and studies, fostering sustainable food systems and community engagement.
The Farm to School Peer Learning Group for Food Educators, including family and consumer science teachers, is designed for educators focused on improving student health by incorporating locally sourced foods into meal programs. Collaborate on ways to integrate farm-fresh ingredients into curriculum, share strategies for promoting healthy eating habits, and support the development of sustainable food systems within schools and communities.