The Farm to Community Public Health Initiative began with Tina Wheeler, Food Service Director, Little Falls Community Schools. Tina had a vision, she wanted to improve the health of school children by bringing locally grown produce to Little Falls school lunch program while influencing them to make healthier food choices through education.

Tina  began by assembling a group of community leaders and local producers and formed the  Farm to School Committee which consisted of Robert Bromeling & Stan Estes- Whole Farm Coop,  June Varner – Grace of God Mission, Kate Bjorge – Healthy Communities Collaborative, Win Borden – Borden Road Farm Market, Stephanie Hakes -  University of Minnesota, Extension Service, Nutrition Education Programs, Sandra Driscoll – Morrison County Public Health, Ron Lyschik – Chef Consultant  and eventually add me,  Jody Scott Olson – Morrison County United Way.

Their plan was simple: To improve the healthy eating habits of K-12 children in Morrison County through food service education programs that connect nutritious healthy foods to farming and by introducing area farmers and producers as educators.

To be continued….