March 2026 Local Food in Schools Recap

Community of Practice

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

Today's Session Highlights:

• ADE Farm Fresh Challenge Program framework and strategies for participating in local procurement projects that support your farm-to-school goals

• introduced Arizona (Straw)Berry Bite program part of LFS/TIL

  • free locally grown strawberries in partnership with Blue Sky Organic Farms

  • explored strawberry inspired menu items

  • discussed how to procure and serve local strawberries

  • reviewed how to make the most Try It Local Funding to purchase local food including strawberries

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

• Chef Ann's AZ Values-Aligned Purchasing Collectives for school meal programs

Special Thanks:

• Our partners AZ Department of Education

Resources from Today:

• March 2026 Slide Deck

• Try It Local Guidebook

• Pinnacle Prevention's Try It Local Office hours

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

Upcoming Topics and Dates

April 1st: Pinnacle Prevention Presents

May 6th: Details Sprouting Soon