Golden Sweet Potato Recognition Program

Through participation in Harvest of the Month, local food procurement, school gardens, and Farm to School activities, schools can work toward recognition while building stronger connections among students, farmers, and their communities.

Schools and ECEs of all sizes and experience levels are encouraged to participate. Whether your school is just getting started or already incorporating local foods and agricultural education, the Golden Sweet Potato Recognition Program provides a pathway to celebrate your progress and growth.

The Golden Sweet Potato Recognition Program celebrates Mississippi schools that are connecting students with local food, agriculture, and hands-on learning experiences.

Complete the Harvest of the Month sign-up form to begin working toward Golden Sweet Potato Recognition. Participating schools will complete seasonal check-ins and an annual survey to share progress, receive support, and demonstrate their Farm to School efforts throughout the year.

Sign up for the Harvest of the Month Program

Golden Sweet Potato Recognition Levels

Schools can grow their Farm to School efforts through three levels of recognition. Each level builds on the previous tier, allowing schools to start small and continue growing their local food connections.

Tier 1: Local Learner

Getting started with Farm to School

To earn Local Learner recognition, schools will:

☐ Sign up and participate in monthly Mississippi Harvest of the Month
☐ Serve at least one Mississippi-grown item each season (summer, fall, winter, spring)
☐ Sign up and participate in the Mississippi Farm to School Week Challenge (October)

Receive:
Monthly Harvest of the Month resources, social media spotlight for your program

Tier 2: Farm Friend

Growing Farm to School connections

To earn Farm Friend recognition, schools will:

☐ Complete all Local Learner requirements
☐ Serve at least two Mississippi-grown items each season (summer, fall, winter, spring)
☐ Maintain or start a school garden

Receive:
Monthly Harvest of the Month resources, social media, newsletter, and website feature for your program

Tier 3: Golden Sweet Potato School

A champion for Mississippi Farm to School

To earn Golden Sweet Potato recognition, schools will:

☐ Complete all Farm Friend requirements
☐ Serve at least one Mississippi-grown item each month
☐ Demonstrate ongoing Farm to School engagement through student activities, local food promotion, or community partnerships

Receive:

Monthly Harvest of the Month resources, social media, newsletter, and website feature for your program, Golden Sweet Potato trophy/award, and featured on the Mississippi Farm to School Champions along with other Golden Sweet Potato schools.