Do your kids and students love local?
The Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards recognizes school districts, early care centers, and family day cares that go above and beyond to promote foods grown and raised by Minnesota farmers and producers. Whether it’s through locally sourced meals served in your cafeteria, community events to connect families and farmers, or food focused classroom lessons, we want to celebrate all the creative ways you connect your students and kids to Minnesota Grown food!
“Minnesota continues to lead the way in farm to school, creating stronger connections between local farms, classrooms, and communities.” says MDA Commissioner, Thom Petersen. “We’re proud to recognize the schools and early care providers that are making local food a vital part of how we nourish students and invest in resilient local economies that support small family farms.”
Applications for the 2026 contest are open now through March 20th! Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate your Farm to Kids program. See below for how to apply.
Questions? Email Izzy Bajek at izzy.bajek@state.mn.us
Cream of the Crop Awards
Contest Timeline
Applications for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Awards open on Monday, February 23rd and close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Winners will be announced in early May.
Applications are based on the 2025-2026 school year (or the 2025 calendar year for family day cares).
Contest Details
Download and review the Contest Overview document to learn about contest procedures, judging criteria, and awards.
Questions? Email Izzy Bajek at izzy.bajek@state.mn.us
How to Apply
2. Click “Apply” to see a list of open applications
3. Select the appropriate application within the portal:
⭐ 2026 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards – K-12 Schools and School Districts
⭐ 2026 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards – Early Care Centers
⭐ 2026 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards – Family Day Cares
4. Review the application before you get started
➡️ Click “Preview” to review the application in advance
➡️ Click “Question list” to download a PDF of the application questions
➡️ Click “Apply” to begin your application
5. Upload required information and photos anytime during the contest period – you can return at any time to add more information, edit your responses, etc.
⚠️ Please only submit photos in the provided upload slots on the application. Any outside links with photos or marketing materials will not be considered as part of the submission.
⚠️ Make sure to review contest rules as you finalize your entry.
6. Submit your entry by 4 p.m. on March 20, 2026. Incomplete entries will not be considered.
Award Categories
The highest scoring entry in each of three categories will be the Cream of the Crop Winners—the ultimate recognition for your dedication to Minnesota grown and raised food! Awards will be given for:
• School District of the Year
• Early Care Center of the Year
• Family Day Care of the Year
Additionally, we will recognize a broad range of achievements with three tiers of Outstanding in the Field Honors:
New this year, applicants will also have the opportunity to recognize a Minnesota Grown producer that’s been an exceptional partner in their Farm to School or Early Care efforts. During the application review process, reviewers will randomly select a nominated producer to be our 2026 Producer Appreciation Pick!
Start gathering your photos, stories, and examples of how your school, early care center, or day care is highlighting local food and farmers – through the food you serve as well as your lessons, gardens, events, and more. Visit the MDA's Farm to School and Early Care Overview to find additional resources and ideas on how your facility can explore local food!
Applications are due March 20, 2026. We can’t wait to see your efforts in action!
The 2025 Winners
Recognizing farm to school and early care leaders across Minnesota
St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards for Farm to School and Early Care. This new contest recognizes K-12 school districts, early care centers, and family day cares that go above and beyond to promote and serve foods grown and raised by Minnesota farmers and producers.
This year’s winners have earned the title of Cream of the Crop in their respective categories:
Minneapolis Public Schools
Little Skeeters Daycare
(Bagley, MN)
Golden Drumstick Honors
• ISD 196 – Rosemount-Eagan-Apple Valley
• Mesabi East School District (Aurora, MN)
• Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center (Bemidji, MN)
• Roseville Area Schools
• Love and Laughter Family Child Care (Anoka, MN)
Silver Squash Honors
• Foley Area Schools
• Holy Rosary School (Detroit Lakes, MN)
• Cannon Falls Area Schools
Bronze Berry Honors
• White Bear Lake Area Schools
• Winona Area Public Schools
• Holdingford Public Schools
Read the full press release for more information.
Resources
To learn more about Farm to School month in Minnesota and how to celebrate, visit farmtoschoolmn.org/f2smonth.
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