ST. PAUL – Two local school districts have been honored for their commitment to Minnesota-grown foods. Holdingford and Becker Schools received Silver Squash Honors in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s 2026 Cream of the Crop Awards.
These awards celebrate K-12 schools and early care centers that excel in promoting and using food sourced from Minnesota. This year, Hutchinson Public Schools earned the top title as School District of the Year, while Young Family Childcare in Hutchinson was awarded Family Daycare of the Year.
A new addition this year allowed schools to nominate a Minnesota-grown producer who has significantly supported their farm-to-kids efforts. Country Blossom Farm from Alexandria was selected as the Producer Appreciation winner.
The Cream of the Crop Awards began in 2023, evolving from the previous Farm to School District of the Year designation. Award recipients are recognized for their dedication to local sourcing, educational programs, and community engagement around food.
Here’s a quick list of all the winners:
Cream of the Crop Awards:
- Hutchinson Public Schools – School District of the Year
- Young Family Childcare – Family Daycare of the Year
Golden Drumstick Honors:
- Morris Area Schools
- ISD 196 – Rosemount-Eagan-Apple Valley
- Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center (Bemidji)
- Roseville Area Schools
- Cannon Falls Area Schools
- Little Skeeters Daycare (Bagley)
Silver Squash Honors:
- Becker Public Schools
- Holdingford Public Schools
- St. Croix Preparatory Academy (Stillwater)
- New Ulm Area Catholic Schools
- Brandy’s Daycare (Marshall)
Bronze Berry Honors:
- Columbia Heights Public Schools
- Robbinsdale Area Schools
Supporting local agriculture not only helps schools serve fresh and healthy meals but also teaches children about food origins. A recent survey by the American Farm Bureau found that over 75% of consumers value locally sourced foods. This growing trend is encouraging more districts to engage in farm-to-table practices, creating a stronger community connection.
Learn more about Minnesota agriculture initiatives here.
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