Farm to School: July 2026 Newsletter
July brings a welcome shift in rhythm for our regional food system. While school hallways are quiet, local farm fields are bursting with life, flooding our neighborhood farmers markets with an incredible bounty of fresh summer produce. This vibrant season offers a perfect window for all of us to reconnect with the soil and the dedicated growers who sustain us. Most importantly, July marks a crucial time of rest for our incredible School Food Service Directors. After a demanding year of nourishing our students, managing tight supply chains, and championing scratch cooking initiatives, you have more than earned this summertime off. We hope this month provides the space to slow down, recharge, and savor the sunshine. Thank you for your tireless dedication to our kids and communities. Grab some market fresh berries, take a deep breath, and enjoy a deeply deserved break!
Bring the summer bounty to your trays with Region Roots!
Summer is officially in full swing, and our local food hub, Region Roots, is bustling with the season's finest arrivals! This month, we are thrilled to feature a vibrant lineup of products that bring the very best of our regional fields straight to your radar.
🎉 Now Available:
Pasture-raised chicken: High-quality, locally raised, and perfect for building wholesome menus
Sweet cherries: Perfectly plump, juicy, and packed with irresistible summer sweetness
Green beans: Crisp, vibrant, and ready for simple, delicious side dishes
Gold cherry tomatoes: Sun-ripened, bite-sized bursts of sweet, golden flavor
👀 Coming Soon to the Marketplace:
Keep an eye on the ordering platform, because slicing tomatoes and peppers will be making their grand debut very soon! Whether you are dreaming up new menu ideas for the upcoming school year or looking for vibrant local ingredients to highlight in summer programs, Region Roots makes it simple to source directly from our trusted network of regional farmers and growers. Log in to the platform today to see what’s fresh!
Thank you for your continued commitment to serving fresh, local foods to your students! If you have any questions about product availability, contact our Wholesale Partnerships Coordinator, Ashley Barry at ashley@nwifoodcouncil.org
July Harvest of the Month Recipe Highlight
Cherry Berry Power Bar
Rolled oats, cherries, raisins, blueberries and sunflower seeds make up this delicious power bar! Applesauce and brown sugar are added for sweetness along with cinnamon and honey. Kids will love this tasty on the go treat! (Janie’s Mill Oats are available to order for this recipe).
Components: Fruit, Grains
Source: Healthy School Recipes (Iowa USDA Foods)
Servings: 120
Crediting: 1 bar is 1 oz eq. whole grain and ¼ cup fruit
Monthly Highlight: Hands-On Kitchen Collaborations
June was an incredible month of learning, tasting, and growing together! We were thrilled to partner with our regional community to host dynamic, hands-on training sessions, all generously hosted by the wonderful LaPorte Community School Corporation Food Service Staff.
These interactive sessions brought fresh energy and skills to our regional school kitchens:
Scratch Cooking Training: Food service teams built confidence with wholesome, fresh ingredients during this session, which was made possible through grant funding from our partners at Common Market and the Sustainable Food Institute of America.
Grains Training: Participants explored the culinary possibilities of local grains and learned how to easily incorporate them into school menus. This training was grant-funded by the Artisan Grain Collaborative and expertly facilitated by the Sustainable Food Institute of America.
By sharpening these skills, our school kitchen heroes are keeping regional agricultural traditions alive and setting the stage for even more delicious, fresh, and deeply nourishing student meals this upcoming school year. A huge thank you to our hosts, funders, and everyone who brought their passion to the table!
Announcements
FarmHop
Save the date for our 5th annual farm to school tour on September 25, 2026! For information coming soon.
Evening on the Farm
Friday, July 24, 2026 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Lake County Farm Bureau cordially invites Indiana elected officials, educators, school representatives, and their families to a private, invitation-only Evening on the Farm at Kleine Dairy Farm. Experience Indiana agriculture firsthand through crop tours, farm demonstrations, opportunities to meet local farmers, hands-on dairy experiences, and the chance to sit behind the wheel of modern farm machinery. Learn how agriculture can be incorporated into schools through agricultural literacy programs and school garden initiatives. This educational event is intended to foster understanding of modern agriculture and build relationshps with farming community. It is not lobbying event. Spouses, children, and grandchildren are welcome. Food will be provided. Kindly RSVP to Michael Pupillo at 219-869-5508, or scan the QR code, by Friday, July 10. We hope to see you there! In the event of rainy weather, Evening on the Farm will be rescheduled to July 25.
Big news for Indiana school food!
The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub has announced our 2026 grantees.Huge congratulations to Green Bridge Growers, Monroe County Community School Corporation, and What Chefs Want! These incredible organizations are receiving funding to transform school meals through scratch cooking, local procurement, and stronger connections with regional farmers.We are thrilled to see Indiana leading the way toward healthier, community-rooted school food systems. Learn more about their projects at InnovateSchoolFood.org
Questions or feedback about the program? We would love to hear from you! Reach out to Veronica Jalomo, Farm-to-School Coordinator: veronica@nwifoodcouncil.org, (765) 412-6136
