District Recognized for Farm to School initiative

White Bear Lake Area Schools was recently recognized as a Bronze Berry Honoree in the 2025 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards for Farm to School and Early Care. This new contest recognizes K-12 school districts, early care centers, and family day cares that go above and beyond to promote and serve foods grown and raised by Minnesota farmers and producers.

"This recognition for White Bear Lake Area Schools is a testament to our Nutrition Services team's dedication to providing students with healthy, locally sourced meals while also supporting Minnesota's agricultural economy," said Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald. "Our participation in programs like these helps to build stronger connections between local farms, classrooms, and our community."

Some highlights from the WBLAS application include offering local options on the menu (cherry tomatoes, summer squash, mini bell peppers, purple sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, maple syrup, and edamame), sharing Pine Tree apples at community events, and supporting local food taste tests.

Local partnerships include food sourced by:

• Hamel Maple Syrup, Hamel, MN
• SnoPac Farms, Caledonia, MN
• Pine Tree Apple Orchard, White Bear Lake, MN
• Taylor Ventures, Marine on St. Croix, MN
• Hmong American Farmers Association, West St. Paul, MN
• MhanPaj's Garden, White Bear Lake, MN
• Hugh's Gardens, Halstad, MN
• The Good Acre Food Hub, Falcon Heights, MN

Learn more about Farm to School initiatives at White Bear Lake Area Schools on the "Farm to School" tab on the Nutrition Services page.

See additional info in the MN Department of Ag Press Release here.