Celebrate National Farm to School Month by exploring how the New Richmond School District in Wisconsin is transforming its food service program with produce grown in their own Flex Farms.
October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate the connections happening all over the country between children and local food. From taste tests in the cafeteria and nutrition education activities in the classroom to farm visits and school garden harvest parties, schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities, and organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories join in the celebrations.
The National Farm to School Network advocated for the creation of National Farm to School Month by Congress in 2010 and now organizes the annual celebration with hundreds of partner organizations across the country. This month is all about recognizing the importance of local food in schools and the triple win it represents for kids, farmers, and communities.
A shining example of Farm to School success through hydroponics can be found at New Richmond School. Their innovative use of Flex Farms allows them to grow their own food right on school grounds. This initiative not only provides fresh, nutritious, and local food for their food service program but also serves as a hands-on educational tool for students. By integrating Flex Farms into its daily operations, New Richmond School is making a significant impact on the health and well-being of its students.
Farm-to-school activities enhance classroom education through hands-on learning related to food, health, agriculture, and nutrition. At New Richmond School, the Flex Farms serve as living classrooms where students can engage in practical learning experiences.
Through hands-on experience, students foster a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and cultivate a sense of stewardship for the land. These green spaces become hubs for education and growth, leaving impressions that extend beyond the school premises.
By educating students about the intricacies of food production, farm-to-school programs empower the next generation with the knowledge and awareness needed to advocate for healthy and sustainable food systems.
To learn more about how you can implement fresh foods into your school's food service program, click here.