As the program grows, more schools are looking to apply. To ensure your school has a competitive application, consider the following tips: 1. Learn About the Program and Determine Your Eligibility. Does your school participate in the National School Lunch Program? Are you located in prosperity region 2, 4, 6, 8, or 9? Yes to both questions means you are eligible to apply. Look for news this summer to see if the program has expanded to an even larger geographic region. Brush up on program specifics at tencentsmichigan.org. 2. Gather Information to Support Your Application. Applications are typically due in August, so start collecting information now. List out how you will source, prepare, and menu Michigan produce for your school meals. Consider the techniques and equipment you will use. 3. Plan Your Marketing and Outreach. Brainstorm ideas for how you can market and promote Michigan grown products in your school. Consider the types of educational activities you could carry out to increase student knowledge and consumption of Michigan grown produce and legumes. Who could help you? Can you track or evaluate any of these activities? 4. Refine Your Ask. Whatever funding you apply for, remember you will have to match it. Start small—you don’t have to apply for full funding. 5. Reach Out, Stay Connected, Get Involved. Have questions? Need support? Visit the program’s “Tools for Schools” page (tencentsmichigan.org/toolsforschools), reach out to the 10 Cents a Meal team, and join the 10 Cents a Meal Network (tencentsmichigan.org/join). Share 10 Cents Resources with your community and encourage them to sign on in support (tencentsmichigan.org/supporters) and contact their state legislators.
Cultivating Strong Children and Communities KELLY WILSON, RDN
Director of Community Partners
Healthy food for kids? Check! New markets for farmers? Check! Increased flexibility for schools? Check! The 10 Cents A Meal For School Kids & Farms pilot program provides all this and more across Michigan. By matching up to 10 cents per school meal, Michigan’s K-12 education budget funds this pilot program for purchasing Michigan grown fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Participating schools offer greater diversity in their fruit and vegetable choices (i.e. purple cauliflower, colored carrots, fresh berries), engage students in taste tests and other educational activities, reduce their food waste, and build relationships with area farmers. Students at these schools consume more fresh fruits and vegetables and farmers in these communities connect to new, stable markets. The program has deep impacts, bipartisan support and is a win for school kids, schools, farmers and our local communities.
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