COLUMBUS, Ohio -- "Farm to School" is a growing movement in Ohio, with increasing opportunities for local produce growers to sell to schools throughout the state.
According to Julie Fox, direct marketing specialist for Ohio State University Extension, selling to schools gives producers the opportunity to reach new markets and offers many benefits, including having a committed market with constant, steady demand; getting reliable prices; increased community awareness and support; market diversity; and promotion of child nutrition.
But selling to a new market can be challenging.
Growers can learn more about how to work with school systems at Ohio Farm to School’s free webinar, "Selling Local Food to Schools," on Thursday, March 1. The presentation will include information about marketing and distributing to schools, including:
- School food pricing.
- Planning classroom visits and farm field trips.
- Addressing seasonality.
- The school food bid process.
To attend the hour-long presentation live, go to http://go.osu.edu/SellingToSchools on March 1 at noon. Participants do not need to register – just log on as a guest and provide your first and last name. A recording of the presentation will be available afterwards at http://farmtoschool.osu.edu.
For more information on the webinar, contact Mary Griffith at griffith.483@osu.edu or 614-292-0618.
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