Kate Solko picking produce

Program Overview

Interested in selling to K–12 schools?

This program connects newer farm-to-school producers with experienced peers to share practical guidance, answer questions and build confidence in entering or expanding sales to school food markets.

Key Benefits

Iowa’s school lunch programs are some of the largest and most consistent “restaurants” in the state – many serving hundreds or even thousands of meals a day, every day of the school year. Schools plan their menus months in advance, around the same time many farmers are planning their growing season and ordering seed.

For the right fit, schools can be a reliable wholesale market. But selling to schools also comes with real challenges: timing, pricing, volumes, food safety requirements and tight budgets.

This program connects you with experienced farm-to-school producers and PFI staff support to help you think through a plan to grow farm-to-school sales and figure out how to execute it on your farm. You’ll have access to peer insight, technical assistance and connections to resources and events.

Apply by March 1, 2026 to be prioritized for matching with a mentor during this year’s pilot.
Farmers may submit the intake form at any time to be connected to resources about selling to K–12 school markets  

Apply Now

Eligibility

This program is for farmers who want to sell to schools, hospitals, colleges and other wholesale buyers, including help with minimal processing for school food programs.

If you choose to sign-up, we’ll reach out to let you know when opportunities for field days, mentoring, technical assistance or new market connections pop up.

Who can participate?

This pilot is designed for:

  • Farmers and food producers interested in selling food to K–12 schools
  • Produce, meat, poultry, grain and other food producers
  • Farmers who primarily sell direct-to-consumer (CSAs, farmers markets, farm stands, etc.)
  • Producers who are new to selling to schools or interested in expanding from occasional school sales to more regular sales
  • Farmers located in Iowa or neighboring states who serve Iowa school markets

What does participation look like?

Participation is flexible and designed to fit farmers’ schedules. The mentorship is:

  • Informal and farmer-led
  • One-on-one between a newer producer and an experienced farm-to-school producer
  • Time-limited; not an ongoing long-term commitment
  • Participant will:
    • Complete a short intake form
    • Participate in a consult call with program staff
    • Be matched with a mentor
    • Connect with their mentor by phone, video or in person as makes sense

How does the mentorship work?

Mentors and mentees are matched based on:

  • Farm type and scale
  • Products grown
  • Geographic region
  • Experience and goals related to selling to schools
  • Mentorship may include:
    • One-on-one calls or texts
    • Farm visits (when feasible)
    • Sharing templates, pricing strategies and lessons learned
    • Talking through school buyer expectations and common challenges

Stipend

Participants will receive a stipend for their time.

How to Apply

Submit an interest form to sign up.

Apply Now