Connecting farmers and schools for supply chains

Gathering for a hearty meal is a rite of the holiday season. However, given supply chain issues, some favorite staples may have been in shorter supply this holiday season.

Households are not the only ones struggling with supply shortages; school food services have also scrambled to secure items.

To address this shortage, the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), are connecting the dots and hosting a “Bridging the Gap: Connecting Farm to School” webinar.

Join farmers and supply chain partners at noon, Tuesday, Dec. 14, for an overview on how schools and farmers can work together, to enhance access to locally grown products.

The webinar will include presenters from the DATCP and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI); two state agencies that have identified needs and opportunities, for education around producers and local food businesses, in working with schools.

Those involved in school food procurement, farmers and local food suppliers interested in learning more about selling to local institutions, are encouraged to attend.

The program will provide information on Wisconsin School Procurement Methods, new policies and waivers to assist in sourcing needs, DATCP and DPI Farm to School resources, and tools and tips on accessing markets, and developing relationship-based sales. “Wisconsin local food producers help feed their communities,” said DATCP Farm to School and Institution program specialist April Yancer. “Many schools are turning to our local food system partners, because of their reliability and resilience.”

To RSVP for the webinar, visit at wisconsinfarmersunion. com.