Minnesota Grown is hosting the 2025 Farm to School and Early Care Cream of the Crop Contest, a statewide competition designed to recognize and celebrate the efforts of Minnesota-based school districts, early care centers, and family day cares that actively purchase, serve, and promote foods sourced from Minnesota Grown farmers and producers. The contest is part of Minnesota Grown’s ongoing efforts to foster stronger connections between local farms and educational institutions, supporting both healthy eating initiatives and local agriculture.

The contest period spans from February 24, 2025, through April 11, 2025. To participate, eligible applicants must submit entries documenting their support for Minnesota farmers and producers. These entries include a summary of local food procurement and educational activities conducted during the 2024-2025 school year, along with up to seven photos showcasing their Farm to School or Farm to Early Care efforts. Entries must be submitted through the designated online entry portal no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Eligible applicants include public and private K-12 school districts, early care centers, and family day cares located in Minnesota. School district entries should represent district-wide efforts rather than individual schools, encouraging districts with multiple schools to submit comprehensive entries that highlight activities across the district.

Each entry must contain several key components: a written summary detailing the local foods purchased and served, including a list of farms and frequency of use; a description of educational and promotional activities that connect the cafeteria, classroom, and community; and up to seven photos documenting these efforts. Photos must include at least one image that features the Minnesota Grown logo for school district applicants. Optional personal essays of up to 500 words can also be submitted for consideration for the School District, Early Care Center, or Family Day Care of the Year awards.

The contest offers several award categories, including the Cream of the Crop School District, Early Care Center, and Family Day Care of the Year, awarded to one winner in each group. Additionally, all applicants are eligible for Outstanding in the Field Honors, which are presented in three tiers: Golden Drumstick, Silver Squash, and Bronze Berry Honorees. Winners will be selected based on their local food promotion, procurement efforts, and educational activities during the 2024-2025 school year, with final scores out of 100 points.

Winners will be announced the week of May 5, 2025, with official award presentations to follow. Winners in the top categories will receive exclusive rights to use the Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop branding for the award year, along with a commemorative plaque. Outstanding in the Field Honorees will receive branded rights and a signed certificate. For questions, applicants can contact Jennifer Alexander, Food Business Development Administrator, at jennifer.j.alexander@state.mn.us or 651-201-6213.