Chillicothe R-II School District has been selected as one of just ten teams to participate in the 2026–27 Heartland Farm to School & Early Care and Education (ECE) Institute. Our team attended the Institute’s three-day retreat last week, joining school and community partners from across the region to strengthen local food connections and expand hands-on learning opportunities for students.
The Heartland Farm to School & ECE Institute is a collaborative effort involving Farm to School and ECE partners from Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, formally led by the Kansas Department of Education, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Nebraska Department of Education.
Why Farm to School Matters
Every day, more than 95,000 schools and institutions rely on the National School Lunch Program to serve nearly 30 million students. This program is vital because nearly one in five children in America live in households without consistent access to adequate food.
Schools that adopt Farm to School initiatives see meal participation rates rise by an average of 9%. These initiatives connect schools and ECE programs with local producers, bringing fresh, whole foods directly to students. Increased participation also helps strengthen school nutrition programs by boosting revenue—supporting the ability to purchase even more local foods—while giving students meaningful opportunities to engage with their local food system.
Benefits for Students, Families, and Our Community
Incorporating Farm to School initiatives offers multiple benefits while also supporting local farmers and producers. Farm to School programs create hands-on learning experiences that allow children to explore where their food comes from and how food choices impact their bodies, the environment, and their communities.
By prioritizing local, fresh ingredients, Farm to School initiatives not only help address food insecurity, but also encourage healthier habits and support more sustainable lifestyles for students.
What the Institute Helps Teams Do
The Heartland Farm to School & ECE Institute is designed to support selected teams in designing and implementing impactful Farm to School programs that:
Promote a culture of wellness
Improve food quality and access
Engage students in agriculture and nutrition education
Strengthen local food systems
During the three-day retreat in Missouri, participants engaged in action planning, peer networking, and hands-on learning. With ongoing support from a dedicated coach, teams will work throughout the following year to bring their plans to life by introducing new activities such as farm visits, gardening and cooking projects, serving seasonal foods in cafeterias, and integrating food-based lessons into science, math, and literacy.
Our Commitment at Chillicothe R-II
At Chillicothe R-II School District, we are committed to providing students with nutritious food experiences that celebrate our agricultural heritage, strengthen community partnerships, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences that promote lifelong health and learning. Participation in the Heartland Farm to School & ECE Institute supports that commitment by helping us expand wellness-focused practices, increase student engagement, and deepen connections between our schools and the local food system.
Team Members Who Attended the Retreat
Chillicothe R-II was represented at the retreat by the following team members:
Tracy Minnis (FTS Coach)
Terria Cox
Melissa Young
Marcy Montgomery
Madelyn Wilford
Teams Selected for the 2026 Heartland Farm to School Institute
The ten teams selected for the 2026 Heartland Farm to School Institute are:
USD 200 Greeley County Schools (KS)
USD 410 Hillsboro (KS)
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (KS)
Bergan Catholic Schools (Fremont, NE)
Maxey Elementary School (Lincoln, NE)
Saunders County Catholic School (Wahoo, NE)
Shell Knob (MO)
Chillicothe (MO)
ESCSWA (MO)
Urban Sprouts (MO)