Rdale receives Bronze Berry honors from MDA

Having demonstrated commitment to local sourcing and serving Minnesota grown foods, Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) has earned Bronze Berry honors as part of the 2026 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

During the 2025-26 school year, students enjoyed locally-sourced dairy, produce, grains, and tortillas, as well as culturally-relevant menu items as part of meals across the district. An emphasis on local foods was featured in everyday menu offerings as well as special celebrations, including Three Sisters Soup during Native American Heritage Month and locally produced tortillas (purchased from Nixta) during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Rdale Nutrition Services continues to grow Farm to School efforts through strong partnerships with local farmers, producers, distributors, and food businesses across Minnesota. Partnerships with organizations such as HOYO Foods, Nixta, Pan-O-Gold, Momo, St. Paul Bevsco, and Upper Lakes Foods helped bring fresh and locally sourced foods to students year-round.

“We are really proud of how our Farm to School program keeps growing. These partnerships let us bring fresh, local foods into our schools while celebrating the cultures of our students,” said Brianna Smith, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services. “It’s been exciting to see students try new foods, recognize familiar flavors, and get curious about where their food comes from!”

Student favorites included locally grown roasted carrots, Honey Sriracha delicata squash, spicy caramelized green beans, fresh pico de gallo, cucumbers, watermelon, and apples. Most of these produce offerings were purchased in partnership with The Good Acre, a Minnesota-based nonprofit food hub that works to empower farmers and food entrepreneurs and support their economic success while connecting local food to schools and communities.

The Cream of the Crop Awards recognize K-12 school districts and early care centers that show outstanding leadership in promoting and serving Minnesota grown and raised foods. Awardees were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to local sourcing, including how they incorporate Minnesota-grown foods into meals, educate students about where their food comes from, and engage families and communities through hands-on learning and events.

“These schools and childcare providers should be proud of the work they’re doing. Not only are they serving great food, but they’re helping kids understand where it comes from, building stronger connections to Minnesota agriculture every day,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.