Farm to School: April 2026 Newsletter
The Dirt on April
April has officially arrived, and with it comes the unmistakable energy of a new growing season. As the days stretch longer and the soil finally begins to warm, our school communities are heading outdoors to embrace the fresh air and the first signs of green. This month carries a special significance as we celebrate National Garden Month. It’s a time to honor the incredible impact that school gardens have on our students—transforming simple plots of land into living laboratories where lessons in science, nutrition, and patience come to life. From the quiet magic of a seed germinating to the collective effort of preparing the beds for spring planting, April is a month of anticipation and renewal. We invite you to join us in celebrating the hands-on learning and the vibrant local partnerships that make our Farm to School program flourish. Let’s get growing!
School City of East Chicago - Harrison Elementary 4th grade class
Region Roots: Fresh Finds for April
Our Region Roots hub is buzzing with seasonal staples and frozen favorites.
From the Freezer to the Bowl
Keep your menus colorful with our local frozen berries—we currently have all varieties in stock! They are the perfect, nutrient-dense base for trending smoothie bowls or layered yogurt parfaits. Along with berries, we still have a steady supply of crisp apples to round out your fruit offerings.
Spring Greens & Root Staples
As we move into National Garden Month, we are featuring fresh spinach and lettuce, providing a crisp foundation for seasonal salads. To keep your sides hearty and satisfying, we also have plenty of potatoes ready for your menus.
Harvest of the Month: Pork
We are thrilled to highlight pork as our Harvest of the Month! From savory roasts to student favorites, it’s a versatile protein that anchors any plate. We specifically recommend our pork loin, which is perfect for crafting authentic, tender Pork Carnitas.
Local Proteins for the Main Course
In addition to our featured pork, we have a consistent supply of high-quality beef to keep your kitchen running smoothly:
Ground Beef & Beef Patties: The ideal choice for classic burgers and school favorites.
If you have any questions about product availability, contact our Wholesale Partnerships Coordinator, Ashley Barry at ashley@nwifoodcouncil.org
April Harvest of the Month Recipe Highlight
These delicious quesadillas are filled with tender pork, flavorful salsa verde and shredded cheese for a hearty dish that students will enjoy..
Components: Grains, Meat/Meat Alternate
Source: Healthy School Recipe
Servings: 30
Crediting: 2 oz grain equivalent and 2 oz meat/meat alternate
March Highlight - School Breakfast Week
To celebrate National School Breakfast Week, our Farm to School Coordinator toured the kitchens at River Forest Community School Corporation to see how students are fueling up. From farm-fresh eggs to local grains, the menu was a hit!
Here’s a look at the highlights:
High School menu featured:
Huevos Rancheros Skillet: Made with local farm-fresh eggs, roasted potatoes, and savory breakfast sausage.
Local Apples: Crisp, sweet, and sourced right from our region.
Blueberry Muffins: These weren't your average muffins! They were baked using stone-ground flour from Janie's Mill.
Elementary Excitement
The energy at Evans Elementary was electric. Students dived into Signature Smoothie Parfaits: A vibrant blend of local strawberries and blueberries, mixed with creamy yogurt and a touch of honey, then topped with a fun crunch of crushed Pop-Tarts.
The Student Verdict: Smoothie parfaits were a total hit! Students went back to the line to ask when they’d be on the menu again!
"10 out of 10, yummy!"
"1000% out of 1000%!"
"Loved it! When are you serving it again?"
We are so proud to bring local flavors and fresh ingredients to students' plates. A huge thank you to our local farmers, Janie's Mill, and our incredible food service staff for making School Breakfast Week so special.
Announcements:
Get in on the Grain Game!
Curious about local grains but not sure where to start? We’re making it easy to explore new textures and flavors with our Grain Sample Boxes. Whether you’re looking to diversify your baked goods or find a new favorite side dish, these boxes are the perfect introduction.
Want to get in on the grain game and receive a sample box? Please reach out to Veronica Jalomo atveronica@nwifoodcouncil.org
Indiana Food Day 2026 Registration is open:
Indiana Food Day serves as an annual statewide initiative dedicated to highlighting the locally grown products that define Indiana’s agricultural pride. The program encourages schools and childcare centers to partner with local farms, bringing fresh produce into the cafeteria while educating students about the journey from farm to fork. This year, the spotlight shines on the Indiana Tomato. By registering to participate, sites gain access to a variety of promotional materials, including free stickers, posters, and tomato seeds to jumpstart school gardening efforts. In addition to physical materials, participants receive comprehensive electronic toolkits. these digital resources offer a wealth of activities, recipes, and coloring pages designed to support a day—or an entire month—of tomato-centered curriculum and culinary treats. Through this initiative, Indiana educators and food service professionals continue to cultivate a deeper connection between students and the vibrant local food system. Register here!
Grow It, Try It, Like It!
April is National Garden Month! Celebrate with Team Nutrition’s Grow It, Try It, Like It! resource. This garden-themed nutrition education kit has resources for caregivers and activities for children to teach them how fruits and vegetables are grown.
Sign up for office hours here!
Questions or feedback about the program?
Would love to hear from you!
Reach out to Veronica Jalomo, Farm-to-School Coordinator,
veronica@nwifoodcouncil.org, (765) 412-6136
