By: Ryan Duey

Photos Courtesy of USD 364

Marysville USD 364 started an exciting initiative this year with a new ‘Farm to Plate Program.’ This Program brings the school and community together to provide fresh, local food to students.

Darren Schroeder, USD 364 Superintendent, said that with community-based learning being a big focus in the schools, they took the steps to get started, and it has grown faster than they would have imagined. He said the biggest hurdles are making sure the Program follows state guidelines.

“The hurdles are just making sure that you’re following all the guidelines and requirements by the state.”

“Whether that’s what you can provide for the kids concerning all the nutrients. How you can accept food, whether it’s processed or not, and all of those hurdles, and ensuring the food’s going to maintain fresh.”

In the first few months, the school has already brought in six hogs and three beef, along with fresh fruits and vegetables, all from community partners.

This year is the first of a three-year process.

“Year one is our Exploitation Phase. Next year is our Partnership Development Phase, and then the third year is what we’re calling our Sustainability Phase.”

“We just finished the application for a Farm to Plate grant. Within that grant, we feel really good that we’re partnering with some local community entities, creating those partnerships, and just getting that sustainability.”

Schroeder said one of the highlights is the connection between the younger and the older population, joining groups together in an extremely positive manner.

USD 364 is taking big steps to connect students and the community, while bringing community-based learning to the schools.