Discover the power of local food in schools at our cafeteria site visit and networking lunch! This unique event offers school food buyers and agricultural producers a behind-the-scenes look at a school district that champions local food sourcing.

Don’t miss this chance to ask questions, understand how your products can make a difference in school meals, and connect with agricultural producers and school nutrition buyers. Join us to build valuable relationships and grow your business in the school food market!

 EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn how Marietta City Schools integrates values-based, locally grown items into their school nutrition program.
• Participate in discussion groups that brainstorm ideas related to addressing challenges and opportunities in local food procurement for school meals.
• Get a glimpse of a school kitchen facility’s operations and learn how personnel receive, store, move, and prepare raw products for school meals.
• Network with fellow local food and farm-to-school advocates over a brunch featuring local foods.
• This site visit is sponsored in-part with funding from the USDA FNS Farm to School program.

Scholarships Available!

Contact tammyh@ncat.org to request

TRANSPORTATION

Arrive at the transportation hub at the Georgia World Congress Center Marshalling Yard (362 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) at 8:30 a.m. for registration and bus assignment. Buses will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. (refunds will not be issued for late attendees who arrive after buses have departed). Attendees will travel by bus to:

Note: All attendees MUST meet at the transportation hub and use the bus transportation provided. This reduces the logistical stress placed on the host, avoids the hassle of parking at the school, and ensures that all attendees arrive at the school at the same time. Do NOT drive yourself to the site.

AGENDA

8:30 a.m.: Arrive at the Georgia World Congress Center transportation hub for registration and bus assignment
9:00 a.m.: Bus to LOCATION (40 minutes)
9:40 a.m.: Bus arrives MCS
9:40 - 12:10 p.m.: Networking Brunch featuring local foods, presentations and kitchen tour
12:10 p.m.: Bus back to transportation hub (# minutes)
12:30 p.m.: Arrive at GWCC transportation hub

Attendees can plan to arrive at the Georgia World Congress Center transportation hub around 1:00 p.m.; however, this depends on traffic conditions. Please plan your day accordingly.

MARIETTA CITY SCHOOLS

ABOUT NCAT

The National Center for Appropriate Technology or NCAT has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. NCAT is a trusted, practical connector for individuals and businesses who are working to leave our world better than we found it. We do this work through a trusted knowledge base, providing individualized technical assistance, facilitating practical solutions, and connecting people to support sustainable agriculture and clean energy systems.

 ABOUT THE NATIONAL FARM TO SCHOOL NETWORK

The National Farm to School Network envisions a resilient, healthy, and just food system where all communities hold power. Through farm to school programs, NFSN promotes access to local, nourishing food for children, supports farmers with reliable markets, and strengthens communities. NFSN's mission is to increase access to local food and nutrition education to improve children’s health, support local growers, and build vibrant, resilient communities. NFSN's work is guided by values of racial equity, economic and environmental justice, community health, workers' rights, and strong, resilient local and regional food systems.

Tickets are nonrefundable. No-shows and late arrivals to the transportation hub will forfeit their farm tour ticket.