The opportunities and benefits for Connecticut farms to sell to Connecticut schools and early care providers are greater now than ever!
Considerable policy and funding is being directed toward local procurement for schools right now! It's never been a better time to scale up your business to meet this growing market. The resources here will introduce how to sell to schools. Most importantly, it starts with a conversation with your local food service director.
Looking for support connecting with a public K-12 district or Early Care (preschool) provider? Email Shannon Raider-Ginsburg with your questions and ideas.
6 Things to Know About Selling to Schools
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There are state-funded incentives for schools to buy local and regionally grown products. Districts can be reimbursed 50% for the cost of purchasing CT Grown products and 33% for regionally grown products. Minimally processed items are eligible as well.
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Schools can make individual purchases direct from farms with no bidding or need for a contract.
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Schools can pay a fair price for your product. They do not need to buy at the lowest price.
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It is up to districts to set food safety requirements. There are NO federal or state food safety requirements when selling to schools.
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Schools that offer summer meal programs are purchasing year-round.
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Many schools are moving toward scratch cooking or they are already doing it! They understand the taste and freshness of locally grown.
Ready to Sell Farmer Training
UConn Extension implements a cohort-based learning experience for 10-12 farmers each year who are ready to learn how to sell to schools. Participants in the program learn about school buyer expectations, forward contracts, food safety considerations, and more. A goal of the training is for all participants to attain new sales to a school buyer.
Please email Shannon Raider-Ginsburg to learn more.