Farm to Summer is heating up!

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Volume 4, Issue 9, May 1, 2018

The Dirt - New and Notes from FNS's Office of Community Food Systems
Boy eating fruit

Western Region States Launch Farm to Summer Week

Summer is fast approaching and that means the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is gearing up. This summer, several States in the western region are taking Farm to Summer one step further with Farm to Summer Week. Farm to Summer Week is one week during the summer months where all sponsors are encouraged to serve local foods and incorporate agricultural enrichment activities into summer feeding programs. Farm to Summer Week is a great opportunity to promote local foods, encourage high quality meals, and provide educational enrichment activities. States participating in Farm to Summer Week are listed below. Check with your State agency for state-specific Farm to Summer Week activities.

  • Alaska: July 23 – July 27
  • Arizona: June 11 – June 15
  • California: July 9 – July 13
  • Washington: July 29 – August 4

Summer is the perfect time to source local food for your summer meals program. Check out these resources and learn more:


Turnip the Beet!

The Turnip the Beet Award recognizes outstanding SFSP sponsors across the nation who offer high-quality meals to children during the summer months.

All summer meal sponsors, including SFSP and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sponsors, who are in compliance with program requirements are eligible for a Turnip the Beet award. There are three award levels available: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Sponsors may nominate themselves or be nominated by another party. Check out the 2017 Turnip the Beet winners!

 USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Acting Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps with Turnip

Advancing School Meals with New Technology

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has released technology-based resources to help Child Nutrition Program Operators effectively manage their programs. Enhance your summer meal program by using these helpful tools!