Thinking about applying for the Farm to School Entrepreneur Award?  Not sure if your idea qualifies?  Take a look at the example applications below–one for a Social Entrepreneur project, and one for a Business Entrepreneur project.  Many different types of ideas qualify for the contest!  If you think you could answer all the questions for your project, submit an application here!

Social Entrepreneur Example Application:  Local Foods Poster Campaign

1.  In three sentences or fewer, what is the goal of your project?

The goal of my project is to educate students and teachers at the school about why it’s important to eat local food.  I will create a poster campaign with quotes from farmers, chefs and students.  The result will be that be that kids want to eat more fresh foods when they’re on the menu at school.

2.  Describe the history of your project:  Where did you get the idea for your project?  When did you start working on it?  What have you accomplished so far?

My project is still in the planning phases.  I had the idea for the project when I learned in my science class last year about the what a big difference eating local food makes:  buying local food supports farmers, is better for the environment, and the food tastes better and is fresher. 

Since January, I have worked with a teacher to find quotes for the posters.  She helped me contact some farmers.  I also talked with the Foodservice director here and I have quotes from some students.  For example, one quote I want to put on a poster is from my friend, who said:  “I like eating local food because I’ve met some farmers who live around here, and I know they care about their work.”

3.  What is the issue or need that you are addressing at your school?

The issue I am addressing is that students and teachers at the school can use more reminders to eat local food.  There is still a lot of food that students bring to the school or can buy at the school that isn’t local, and I want them to choose the local food instead.  It’s important to me because I care about health and having a strong community.

4.  On average, how much time have you spent each month working on the project?  How do you see this changing in the future (i.e., if your project is finished or will be picking up soon)?

I spent about 4 hours in January and about 8 hours in February talking with teachers and getting quotes from people and planning.  My plan is now to talk to the Nutrition Committee to see if we can get some students to make art for the posters.   Then, in April when a lot of local food starts to grow and be available, I want to hang the posters in the cafeteria.  I also want to take pictures and send them to the paper.

5.  What has been the effect on students at your school?  If your project has not taken place yet, what will be the effects on students?

The effect on students will be that they will have a daily reminder in the spring when they eat in the cafeteria to choose local foods.

6.  Please attach at least one picture that gives the judges an idea of what your project is about. 

[Example of a photo for this application would be a photo of the student with one of the farmers she interviews; a photo of a wall in the cafeteria where she wants to put the posters; a photo of some poster art that is finished; etc.]

Business Entrepreneur Example Application:  Sam’s Sweet Corn

1.  In three sentences or fewer, describe what your business is about.

My business is called Sam’s Sweet Corn.  I grow corn and then sell hot grilled corn at the Bristol Farmers Market during the late summer and early fall. 

2.  Describe the history of your business: How did you start the business or become involved in it?  When did you start?  Have you worked with other people?  Where do you do business?

I decided to start my business because I like farming and meeting new people.  At my house, I grew a few rows of corn last summer when my parents offered to buy me some seeds and tools to garden.  My plan was to just grow it for myself and my family, but I had so much that I started to think about how I could sell some.  I live in Bristol and like hanging out at the Farmers Market, so I decided to sell my corn there.  I talked with the market coordinators and figured out how much I would need to sell in order to make a profit after paying the vendor fee. 

Since there are already a couple of farmers who sell corn and other vegetables, I thought about how to make mine different.  People buy things to eat right away at the market, so I decided to grill the corn there.  I borrowed a small grill from my friend and we sold the corn together.  I made enough money to give some to my friend and also to buy what I need to grow corn again this year.

3.  Who (if anyone yet) buys your products or services?

People at the Farmers Market buy the corn. Some people I know, but most are just passing through the market.

4.  On average, how much time do you spend each month working for your business?

I want to grow more corn this year, so I estimate I will need to spend about 5 hours/week from April-October taking care of the corn, give or take some hours depending on rain.  During and after the harvest, I will spend an extra 4-5 hours on Saturdays setting up, selling, and cleaning up for the Farmers Market.

5.  What community need does your business fill?  How does your business have a positive impact on the community?

The Farmers Market is an important part of the Bristol community because it’s a regular gathering spot for people to talk and have fun.  My business has a positive impact on the market because people have another choice of food to eat.  Plus, my product is delicious and healthy.  Finally, when adults see me and my friends at the market, they realize that youth around here are responsible and care about farming.

6.  Do you plan to pursue an agricultural career?  If so, what do you value about having an agricultural career?

I don’t know yet if I want to pursue an agricultural career.  However, starting this business has made me think about it seriously.  I value this kind of work because I like working with my hands, I get to be outdoors, and people like to eat the food I grow. 

7.  Please attach at least one picture that gives the judges an idea of what your business is about.

[Photos for this business could be one of Sam at the Farmers Market; people eating corn at the Farmers Market; etc.]