Farm to School grants bring local food to Holdingford students

Farm to School grants bring local food to Holdingford students

The Holdingford school district is hoping to expand its ability to incorporate food grown on Minnesota farms into student meals with new Farm to School grant funding.
The district currently serves locally grown corn and cabbage, according to Minnesota Department of Agriculture spokesperson Michael Crusan.
To begin serving more types of food, the district needed some kitchen upgrades. So they plan to purchase kitchen supplies and light processing equipment through a combination of their own money and grant funds from the MDA and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson joined Minnesota Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Jessie Montano, Blue Cross Blue Shield representative Kristi Probst, Holdingford school staff and local farmers at an award program Friday at the school. They toured the kitchen and school garden.
Holdingford was one of 15 districts in the state to receive 2014 Farm to School grant funds.
Crusan said with almost $4,000 the district will purchase sheet pans, knives, serving trays and storage equipment, among other items, to increase its capability to serve locally grown food.
Holdingford serves about 575 breakfasts and about 835 lunches each day, he said.
"They are hoping to increase the frequency of food purchased through Minnesota growers by 50 percent," Crusan said.
Grants were created with legislation that established the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program.

http://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2014/04/25/farm-school-grants-bring-local-food-holdingford-students/8180765/

Do You Have A Century Farm ?

In June Stearns History Museum, with the assistance of the Stearns County Parks Department and the Stearns County Highway Department, erects Century Farm markers. Century Farm status has been awarded to over 366 Stearns County farms since 1978. If your farm has been continuously owned by your family, was settled by 1905, and contains at least 50 acres, you are a likely candidate for Century Farm recognition. To designate your farm a Century Farm call John Decker at (302) 253-8424 or toll-free at 866-253-8424. more information

10 tips to Lower Your Water Bill

10 WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER

In the Kitchen

1. Only run the dishwasher when it's full and necessary. Use the 'short' cycle if your machine has that option.
2. Take a break from dishes on the weekend - use paper products instead.
3. Don't use the garbage disposal; toss scraps in the garbage bin instead.
4. Rinse produce with a bowl of water rather than running the faucet. Use leftover water for plants.

In the Bathroom
5. Put timers in your family bathrooms to encourage shorter showers. Reducing your time in the shower by one minute will save hundreds of gallons per household each month.
6. Replace older shower heads with new low-flow models. Pre 1992 showerheads 5 gallons of water a minute after 1992, showerheads legally required no more than 2.5 gallons of water can buy showerhead that puts out as little as 1.0 gallons of water per minute and still offers an enjoyable shower). The average person uses a shower for 10 minutes per day
7. Only flush the toilet when necessary.
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9. Running water faucets use 2-3 gallons per minute. Men should consider using an electric shaver or turning off the water while they shave. Or grow a beard.
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