In the process of unprocessing school food — together.
Our next gathering will be in Spring 2027.
Check back here in 2026 for more updated information. In the meantime, visit our Community Building and Policy sites to learn how to stay engaged. To propose a content session for a future ScratchWorks Gathering, submit a short description to info@wearescratchworks.org.
If you are interested in future Gatherings, join ScratchWorks and become eligible to attend by clicking here.
Take a look back at our 2025 Gathering
May 5–8 2025 | Minneapolis (MPLS) MN
See our Gathering Agenda & Speakers Here.
Our 2025 MPLS gathering will bring together 100 school food leaders who are actively transitioning their districts to scratch cooking. Our purpose is to share, learn, and connect. This Gathering is a key element of ScratchWorks complemented by shared learning and policy work. The Gathering ensures that members have the opportunity to connect and grow into a community that will serve as a support network for one another.
Key stakeholders in the cook-from-scratch school food movement are invited to attend the Gathering. Invitees range from pioneers in scratch cooking to aspiring operators committed to change. Attendees will leave with the resources, connections, and knowledge they need to create change in their programs.
Keynotes from:
- June Jo Lee, Food Ethnographer & Author
- Dr. Akua Woolbright, PhD, Food Scientist & Healthy Eating Educator
Break Out Sessions Including:
- Getting Started with Farm to School
- Culinary Training Models that Engage & Inspire
- Earning Staff Buy In
- Mastering Scratch Cooking with Limited Space
- RAD Recipe Creation Competition
- Healthy School Meals for All: Lessons Learned and What’s Next
- Round Table Recipe Sharing & Challenges
- Exploring the Future of School Food Procurement through CLOC and Cash in Lieu
- Values-Based Procurement & Ingredient Guide
Field Trips:
- Minneapolis Public Schools Central Kitchen
- Roseville High School Kitchen
- Ferndale Turkey Farm
- Bongards Cheese
If you are interested in future Gatherings, join ScratchWorks and become eligible to attend by clicking here.
To propose a content session for a future ScratchWorks Gathering, submit a short description here. info@wearescratchworks.org