Not only does this grant allow TK Schools to support and invest in Michigan agriculture, but it also helps improve daily nutrition and eating habits for children. The program started in 2016 statewide with 16 school districts, then expanded in 2017 to 32 school districts.
With the funds, school food services are able to provide a better variety of produce to students. Grant funds are used at TK to purchase and offer Michigan produce. A variety of apples grown in Michigan are offered every day in every building.
The district food service department also features a Michigan-grown menu item monthly. Some of the items highlighted so far have been butternut squash, rainbow carrots, beets, Brussels sprouts, purple cabbage, a variety of greens, zucchini, Saskatoon berries, strawberries, blueberries, mixed color cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes and black beans.
The food service department will continue featuring Michigan-grown items as a way of exposing more students to different types of healthy food options.