February 2026 Local Food in Schools Recap

Community of Practice

Welcome to the recap of our February LFS Community of Practice!

Today's Session Highlights:

• explored the ADE Farm Fresh Challenge and shared strategies for launching a local procurement project, including how to identify key partners and resources to support your farm-to-school goals

• making the most of funding for local food; Try It Local Funding

  • there is still $1.8mil remaining to spend before June 30th 2026!

• exploring seasonable options on the DoD catalog ie leafy greens from Yuma!

Special Thanks:

• Our partners AZ Department of Education

Resources from Today:

• February 2026 Slide Deck

• Local Food Goals document - please add your organization's information and draft your local procurement goals for this school year

• Pinnacle Prevention's Try It Local Office hours

• ADE's local food vendor list (based on Try it Local purchasing)

Upcoming Topics and Dates

March 4th: End of Year Preparations

April 1st: Pinnacle Prevention Guest Presenters