Indiana Grown for Schools Network

07/24/2026

🌱 Upcoming Training Opportunity! 🌱
Natural Learning Initiative: Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments Course
August 10 – November 1

The Natural Learning Initiative’s Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments course is designed for professionals looking to enhance outdoor play and learning spaces for young children. Participants will explore how to plan, manage, and promote high-quality outdoor environments that support physical activity, healthy eating, and nature-based learning. The certificate program includes 8 online modules, with optional interactive online sessions for deeper engagement.

👉 Register Here: https://reporter.ncsu.edu/index.html

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone dedicated to improving outdoor learning experiences for early childhood programs!

07/21/2026

📢 Grant Opportunity Alert: Up to $1,500 Available for Northern Indiana Schools!

Funded by the Indiana Department of Health (Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity) and aligned with the state's Farm to School strategies, this grant supports regional capacity-building and resource sharing. It is designed to bridge the gap between students, schools, and local food systems, similar to ongoing efforts supported by Parkview Health.

Learn more and check your regional eligibility on the Indiana Grown for Schools News Page: https://www.ingrown4schools.com/news/applications-are-now-being-accepted-for-the-2026-northern-indiana-farm-to-school-grant-program

07/20/2026

Our Events Calendar is officially up to date! It’s your go‑to spot for upcoming events, webinars, and learning opportunities from the Indiana Grown for Schools Network and partners across the state and the nation.

We’re also excited to share the topics for our upcoming Farm to School Office Hours, now listed on the calendar. Register today or pass it along to anyone who may benefit. All office hours will be recorded and added to our website afterward.

Check it out: https://www.ingrown4schools.com/events

This publication was supported by the Grant Agreement Number CN-F2S-IMP-18-IN-1 from the United States Department of Agriculture. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the United States Department of Agriculture.

07/17/2026

Calling all Indiana educators 📢🖍📘🌱

Indiana Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom is providing back-to-school ag educational materials for educators. Indiana licensed teachers can sign up to receive a giveaway package that includes a classroom poster, a set of pencils, a pair of scissors, a classroom set of Indiana Agtivity Sheets and more.

Kits are limited! Complete the form to claim yours at INFB.org/BackToSchool

06/26/2026

Cooking, tasting, learning — Book N Cook + Cucumber Craze made for a delicious week at the CenterPoint Energy YMCA.

06/25/2026

Central Indiana stakeholders—your voice is needed!

The Central Indiana Farm to School Regional Action Team is gathering input to help shape their Regional Action Plan. If you live or work in one of our Central Region counties, please take a few minutes to complete our brief survey before June 29.

Survey link: https://form.jotform.com/261553744978068

Counties included: Vermillion, Parke, Putnam, Vigo, Clay, Owen, Sullivan, Greene, Hendricks, Boone, Morgan, Howard, Tipton, Hamilton, Marion, Johnson, Grant, Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Blackford, Delaware, Henry, Rush, Jay, Randolph, Wayne, Fayette, Union.

Please share with others in these counties who should participate—broad engagement helps ensure we hear from diverse perspectives.

Thank you for supporting this important work!

06/24/2026

Shouting out this amazing district for their commitment to fresh, local veggies all summer. Their staff is doing the work that makes farm to school real.

Our staff is working hard to provide fresh veggies all summer long!

Fun Fact: Are you "Cool as a Cucumber?" The inside of a cucumber can be up to 20*F cooler than the outside air and this is where the saying comes from.

06/24/2026

Our Value Chain Coordinator, Anna Holloway, had the privilege earlier this spring of joining Becky Landes with FARMWISE Indiana and Lakeview Middle School in Warsaw for their annual Burger Day celebration.

Thanks to the strong partnerships Becky has built, Lakeview Middle School sourced locally grown lettuce and onions from Hawkins Farm and Berry Hill Farm. Food Service Director Stacie Light also featured locally raised beef from Sands 1845, creating a flavorful meal that showcased the impact of supporting local agriculture.

Even a few months later, Burger Day remains a great example of how meaningful collaboration between schools and local producers can bring fresh, local foods to students while strengthening Indiana’s farming community.

06/23/2026

We love seeing Portage Township Schools dive into the Cucumber Craze. Their team is growing cucumbers, engaging students, and bringing learning to life with visits from Cucumber Carl all summer long. 🥒🌱