Kansas schools embrace local whole grains with USDA grant

By Scout Nelson

Kansas is seeing a significant shift in school nutrition, thanks to a USDA Farm to School grant. The grant assists schools and daycares across the state in sourcing locally produced flour and integrating whole grain-rich foods into their meal programs.

This initiative aligns with the USDA’s National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program guidelines, which mandate that 80% of weekly grains in meals must be whole grain rich.

The Kansas Department of Education, through its Child Nutrition and Wellness program, distributed the grant into sub-grants of $100,000 to 12 Child Nutrition Program sponsors. These funds have been used to purchase equipment for using locally milled whole grain flour and developing whole grain recipes.

Notable examples include Greeley County's initiative where students grow white wheat on campus, and USD 320 in Wamego's investment in oven racks and a mixer bowl, enhancing their bread-making capacity.

Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 utilized the grant for equipment to process locally sourced Willie's Pride whole wheat flour. These efforts are not only improving the quality of food served but also increasing student participation in meal programs.

Beyond schools, daycare networks like Childcare Links have also benefited, receiving equipment to involve children in baking activities. This holistic approach not only supports local agriculture but also instills a love of cooking and imparts valuable life skills to the younger generation.

This comprehensive farm-to-school programming in Kansas is a testament to the positive impact that such initiatives can have on children's health, local farming communities, and overall food culture in educational settings.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sveta