Minnesota State Wire

Educators in Minnesota are invited to participate in the 2025 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Contest, aimed at Farm to School and Early Care initiatives. The contest, organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) through its Minnesota Grown program, is now in its second year and has been expanded to include K-12 schools, early care centers, and family day cares that excel in serving and promoting locally grown foods.

Eligible participants can submit their applications on the Minnesota Grown website starting February 24. The deadline for submissions is April 11, 2025.

The contest will award the highest-scoring entries with the Cream of the Crop Awards across three categories: School District, Early Care Center, and Family Day Care of the Year. Additional recognition will be given through three levels of Outstanding in the Field Honors: Golden Drumstick, Silver Squash, and Bronze Berry.

“The Cream of the Crop contest is a great way to showcase the farm to school and early care efforts in Minnesota. It’s the cherry on top for schools and early care providers who serve up fresh, local food that fuels students, and supports farmers,” said Jayme Anderson from the Minnesota Department of Education.

Past winners are enthusiastic about participating again. "Winning the Minnesota Grown District of the Year Contest in 2023 was a tremendous honor for Prior Lake-Savage Area School’s Child Nutrition Department," stated Krissy McIntyre. She emphasized gratitude towards local farmers and her team for their foundational role in their Farm to School program.

The awards are a collaboration between Minnesota Grown and the Minnesota Farm to School Leadership Team. Educators seeking resources can visit MDA's Farm to School and Early Care Overview page.

Minnesota Grown is an initiative by MDA that has been promoting products grown within state borders for over four decades by connecting consumers with local agricultural producers.