Selling to Schools

Selling your produce to schools can be challenging but offers many rewards! There is a growing awareness to the benefits of local foods and eating seasonally. Would you like to see your harvest in schools? If so, connect with the Food Service Director at the school/s nearest you to learn what their needs and requirements are. Consider visiting the school/s to talk about your produce or invite students to visit your farm.

 

First Contact with a School food buyer

  • Call to set up an informal meeting.

  • Bring business cards, sample product, price list and availability, pictures of fields and packaging

  • Talk about crops you are great at growing

  • Document your food safety practices and any training

  • Provide sample marketing materials that the school can use to market their local purchase

  • Have some knowledge of school menu requirements

Strategies to Building a Good Sales Partnership

  • Start small with taste-tests or salad bar items

  • Build to a more steady purchasing relationship until you reach weekly or biweekly sales

Farmer Resources

Sample Introduction Letter

Compare prices with the Iowa Local Food Purchase Report

Get listed in the Iowa Farm to School & Early Care Producer Directory

Food Safety

  1. Attend GAP or FSMA PSA Grower Training.

  2. Create and implement a food safety program for your farm.

  3. Complete the Retail Checklist for Purchasing of Local Produce and give to schools.

For more information on GAP and certification, contact Teresa Wiemerslage, ISU Extension field specialist, wiemer@iastate.edu, 563-794-0599.