By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced the winners of the 2026 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards, recognizing schools and childcare centers that support and promote Minnesota-grown foods. The awards celebrate organizations that encourage healthy eating, agricultural education, and strong connections between students and local farmers.
Hutchinson Public Schools received the School District of the Year award for its strong commitment to serving local foods and teaching students about agriculture. Young Family Childcare earned the Family Daycare of the Year honor for incorporating local foods and gardening activities into children’s daily experiences.
“Currently we purchase local foods from 31 farms and businesses—everything from fresh produce to grains and meats,” said Child Nutrition Director with Hutchinson Public Schools, Lesli Mueller. “The use of local foods really comes to life in the scratch meals we prepare for students throughout each month.”
The school district also operates indoor hydroponic growing systems in two schools and maintains a school farm with vegetable production areas and a high tunnel to extend the growing season. These programs help students learn where food comes from while supporting Minnesota agriculture.
At Young Family Childcare, owner Jillayne Young teaches children about gardening by involving them in planting, watering, and harvesting fresh produce. The daycare also receives support through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Local Tots Cost-Share program, helping reduce the cost of purchasing Minnesota-grown products.
“We were able to purchase a large amount of locally raised ground beef from just 10 miles away for our weekly meals,” said Young. “The kids’ favorite ways to enjoy it are meatballs, sloppy joes, lasagna, tacos, meatloaf, and beef stroganoff.”
Several additional schools and childcare providers received Outstanding in the Field Honors. Golden Drumstick Honors winners included Morris Area Schools, ISD 196 Rosemount-Eagan-Apple Valley, Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center, Roseville Area Schools, Cannon Falls Area Schools, and Little Skeeters Daycare. Silver Squash Honors went to St. Croix Preparatory Academy, Becker Public Schools, Holdingford Public Schools, New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, and Brandy’s Daycare. Bronze Berry Honors recognized Columbia Heights Public Schools and Robbinsdale Area Schools.
Thom Petersen praised the winners for supporting local agriculture and helping students better understand Minnesota food systems and farming communities.
Photo Credit: minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Education, General