6 Steps to Get Local Foods in Your Cafeteria

  1. Contact Stacey Purslow, Program Coordinator, NH Farm to School
    • Phone: 603-862-2542
    • E-mail: stacey.purslow@unh.edu
    • Stacey is available to assist you with each step, and answer your questions about the program.
  2. Identify local farms that may be able to supply your school with locally grown products. Stacey can help you find farms in your area. To get you started, we have posted some useful farm directories on our NH Agriculture Resources page.
  3. Contact your local farmer(s) to begin the communication process.
  4. Work with NHFTS staff and your local farmer(s) to determine these details:
    • Locally grown products desired/available
    • Packaging requirements
    • Billing/payment method and dates
    • Insurance needs
    • Distribution methods, frequency, dates and times
  5. Make arrangments to purchase food from the farmer(s) and begin offering fresh, local foods at your school! Some schools will require a written contract.
  6. Spread the word to your school's staff and students. Post information about the local foods being served in the cafeteria, and which farms they're coming from. Direct school staff and parents to the NHFTS website and encourage them to contact Stacey for educational materials and resources.