State Procurement Innovation Spotlight Series | Marinara Across the Nation: Products That Combine USDA Foods & Locally Grown Ingredients
September 17, 2026 2:00PM - 3:00PM
How can we create cost-effective school food products that highlight local farms? Across a small number of states, innovative public-private partnerships are blending local ingredients with USDA commodity foods. The result is local economic development, simplified purchasing for child nutrition program operators, and delicious marinara sauce that kids love.
This webinar will feature speakers who will share their journey in developing these products (marinara and more); what partnerships are involved, how it works, what kinds of products are used, and how they are messaging about these combined local products. After introducing their programs, we’ll close with a panel discussion that highlights key lessons learned for those looking to apply these ideas in their own community.
Featuring:
- Maine Marinara Collaborative
- Commonwealth Kitchen (Massachusetts)
- Mission West Community Development Partners (Montana)
This session is a part of the National Farm to School Procurement Community of Practice project, which is co-facilitated by National Farm to School Network, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
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