On May 17, join a contingent of Canadian Farm to Cafeteria colleagues at "Taking Root" - the 5th Annual US Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Detroit Michigan.

Farm to Cafeteria is TAKING ROOT all across the United States and Canada. In the US Farm to Cafeteria is entering its second decade - and local farm foods are becoming a permanent feature of school meals. It’s now the subject of collaborations with community groups, of state policy, and even of a new national initiative within the US Department of Agriculture.

Here in Canada we are just establishing Northern Roots! In BC we have the distinction of having one of the most extensive Farm to School networks in the country - linking urban, rural, remote and aboriginal communities. We also have an extensive Fruit and Vegetable nutritional snack program providing fresh BC fruits and vegetables to 1000's of schools. And there is much much more! And we are not alone! Farm to cafeteria activity is hot in each province - from Alberta's Growing Food Security Network and Saskatchewan's CHEP network to Manitoba's Food Charter and Toronto's FoodShare programs!

During the conference attendees will have an opportunity to learn about initiatives involving pre-school, K-12, childcare facilities, hospitals, colleges and prisons. One workshop – Farm to School by Land and Sea – will include examples of integrating local seafood into cafeteria menus. Prospects for professional development will abound with short courses on media training, policy advocacy, and research and evaluation.

During the conference, the Canadian contingent will find space to dialogue with our US colleagues about northern Farm to Cafeteria experiences. For details about the canadian contingent contact Joanne Bays at joannebays@gmail.com

Be sure to register now!

http://farmtocafeteriaconference.org/5/

Joanne Bays, MSc

Consultant, Farm to School

Co-Chair Vancouver Food Policy Council

Principal: BaysGroup Consulting

Email joannebays@gmail.com