The Maize USD 266 Food Service Department has a new partnership with RISE Farms, a 15,000-square foot urban farm that grows a variety of produce through no-waste practices and is located on the top floor of the Fidelity Bank’s car park development in downtown Wichita. Maize USD 266 is excited to be the first school-based partner with RISE Farms. 

The partnership is part of a larger initiative to go green. This year, Food Service is moving toward becoming more environmentally friendly and sustainable inside cafeterias across the district. Students in Maize USD 266 elementary schools are using reusable silverware and plastic trays rather than styrofoam and plastic products. By utilizing produce from a local farm, the environmental impact decreases by the amount of miles the food travels to the schools. 

Maize USD 266 Food Service Director Megan Barnard said, “I’m excited for our Maize Family to experience food grown here in Kansas. We hope this sparks and interests our students and staff and they consider shopping local and growing their own garden in the future. I also hope this pushes students to try new vegetable items they may not have considered before!”

Through this new partnership, students will have the choice of locally grown produce each week at both Maize High School and Maize South High School, which includes mini bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, tri-colored carrots, kale, arugula, and spinach. Later in the school year, the selection will venture to fresh pesto and patty pan squash. Maize leaders are eager for students to eat local produce. Through strategic efforts, the partnership will trickle down to the rest of the schools in the district.  #MaizeFamily #266Success