By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the winners of the 2025 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards. This new contest celebrates schools and early care centers that support local food efforts by purchasing, serving, and promoting food grown in Minnesota.
This year’s top honors went to Minneapolis Public Schools as the Cream of the Crop School District of the Year and to Little Skeeters Daycare in Bagley as the Family Daycare of the Year.
“Minnesota continues to lead the way from farm to school, creating stronger connections between local farms, classrooms, and communities,” said 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.”
Minneapolis Public Schools shared that they have sourced directly from hundreds of local producers since 2013 and expect to spend over $500,000 on Minnesota-grown produce, grains, beans, and proteins next year. This food is used across more than 60 cafeterias.
At Little Skeeters Daycare, children learn about nutrition by planting and growing their own food. “We make jams, jellies, and they freeze all the vegetables that we grow,” said the owner.
Additional awards were given under Outstanding in the Field in three levels:
- Golden Drumstick – including ISD 196 and Roseville Area Schools
- Silver Squash – including Foley Area Schools and Holy Rosary School
- Bronze Berry – including White Bear Lake Area Schools and Winona Public Schools
Winners receive special branding rights and official certificates. The awards are part of Minnesota Grown, a program that supports local agriculture.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Crops