Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

Fresh Local Food on Every Child's Plate

This fall, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, a group of toddlers crunched into fresh apples grown just miles from their daycare center. For many of those toddlers, it was the first time they tasted a crisp local apple right off the tree.

That moment — as ordinary as snack time — represents years of work by IATP and our partners to bring nutritious, local foods to kids through 'Farm to School and Early Care.' 

But we can't stop here. Scaling the 'Farm to Kids' programs takes infrastructure, policy changes, and organizing power. Every apple crunched is backed by a concerted effort to put Minnesota-grown food on children's plates. That work is possible because of your generosity. Your donations help build a system in which children eat better, farmers earn a fair price, and communities thrive. Will you support us today? 

Our vision is bold but simple. We want a food system that prioritizes the wellbeing of people and the planet over corporate profit. 

Food system decisions are made at every level of government. From the state Capitol in St. Paul to our national Capitol in Washington, D.C. and the United Nations food organizations in Rome, IATP staff are there, advancing climate solutions, fair trade, and agroecology — approaches that restore soil, protect water, support farmers, and ensure communities everywhere can thrive.

We're paying attention, we're not giving up, and we're not backing down. We've had long, tough fights before and we're still here, putting kids at the heart of our food system. 

The toddlers crunching into apples that were picked close to home are already experiencing the joy of a food system that prioritizes them, their fellow humans, and the planet. With your help we won't stop until every child has fresh, local food on their plate.

I invite you to make a gift, that is personally meaningful to you! Every gift, large or small, helps write a bigger story than snack time. 

---

Mission: The Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy (IATP) works locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm and trade systems. 

Vision: IATP envisions agriculture, trade and food systems that are good for people, farmers and food system workers, ecosystems, and social justice globally.

Values: IATP is guided by values of economic and racial justice, environmental sustainability and resilience, and strong democratic institutions. 

To learn more about our work, visit our website.