Howard-Suamico School District

We all know that eating fresh, wholesome foods is essential for our well-being. That’s why the Howard-Suamico School District (HSSD) has made access to local, fresh produce a top priority. Through its Farm to School Program, the district has worked diligently to bring locally sourced foods directly to students at breakfast and lunch, from vibrant fruits and vegetables to high-quality meats. 

 

Over the years, the Farm to School program has grown stronger, and the results have been incredible. Students are enjoying a variety of foods—like raw rutabaga and beets—while also learning the importance of incorporating these healthy, wholesome options into their diets. Through this program, students are making better food choices and are also becoming healthier and more empowered in their eating habits. 

 

“We’ve really made it a priority to bring in food from closer to the source—moving it from the farm to the fork,” says Laura Rowell, Director of School Nutrition at HSSD. “We are taking great strides to reduce the distance food travels, from thousands of miles to under a hundred, all while creating a sustainable way to accomplish this.” 

 

Making these bold choices in the way Howard-Suamico schools are feeding students hasn’t been without challenges. One major hurdle has been rewriting the narrative on how food is prepared and getting staff on board with the new methods. It takes a team effort to make this transition successful, as well as investing in new equipment. For example, they’ve added immersion blenders to make fresh smoothies, moving away from the reliance on commercially prepared foods.

 

Another challenge is navigating the funding restrictions, as commodity dollars are only available for certain items, and local produce may not always be covered. Despite these obstacles, HSSD is working to overcome these issues because they know the true value of eating fresh foods from close to home. 

 

“Locally procured food is better in every way—it smells better, looks better, tastes better, and even provides higher quality nutritional properties,” Laura says. “Getting foods in its raw, unprocessed form is so much better for the students. We are providing the best quality products at a fair price while supporting our community and local farmers at the same time.”

 

Beyond having direct access to amazing foods, students are also being educated through the Farm to School Program. Learners are building nutritional knowledge about where their food comes from and how the choices they make affect their health. This education builds a strong nutritional foundation that students can carry with them into adulthood, shaping lifelong healthy habits.

 

As the program expanded, HSSD was looking for a simple, efficient way to streamline the procurement of fresh, local foods. HSSD began working with Seasonal Harvest to meet this need. Partnering with Seasonal Harvest has made buying in bulk and sourcing locally easier than ever. 

 

“The value of Seasonal Harvest is not only the time they save you but also that it's a one-stop shop,” Laura says. “It's a very simple form for our team to fill out. Then the product is delivered on time and efficiently. The invoicing is on time, and the entire process is articulated very well. There is no other vendor that can pull all of these amazing products together. It truly is a one-stop shop.”

 

Beyond the convenience, Seasonal Harvest has become an invaluable partner through their exceptional customer service and expertise.

 

“I really value the way in which Sheri leads with her head and her heart equally. She, along with her team and the farmers she works with, are wonderful,” Laura says. “They are kind and thoughtful. They do the right thing, they are on time. Sheri’s care and compassion are on the next level, and to have that kind of exceptional service from the leaders of the organization to the delivery people is unmatched.”

 

Through this collaboration with Seasonal Harvest, HSSD has made significant strides toward creating a more sustainable and nutritious food system for their students, all while supporting the local economy. It’s a win for everyone involved, especially the students who benefit from better food and a deeper understanding of where it comes from.