Farm to School: A Tool to Increase Agriculture Awareness and Create Connections
Agricultural Issues
Andrea Slye
Extension Agent
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Suffolk
Abstract
As cropland disappears and existing farmers continue to age without a succession plan, it is critical to raise awareness of agriculture in our communities to keep it viable. Farm to School programs can play an important role in this by providing greater food access, education, and opportunities to connect to the larger food system and Virginia’s regional agriculture systems. The United States Department of Agriculture’s 2023 Farm to School (F2S) Census found that about 88% of Virginia’s school divisions participate in some type of F2S activity, with 83% serving local foods on the menu. As part of a Farm to School Regional Network, I planned several events to promote procurement connections and agriculture education in the Virginia Department of Education Region 2. Two of these events were focused on bringing growers and school personnel together, and they included a Farm to School panel of school nutrition professionals at the Hampton Roads Fruit and Vegetable Workshop and a produce tour for school personnel at the sites of two local produce vendors locally. I also introduced opportunities for agriculture education in the classroom through a tour and talk at the Isle of Wight County Public Schools Agricultural Land Lab and a webinar highlighting different types of school gardening happening throughout region 2. Overall, 100% of follow-up survey participants indicated that they gained knowledge and resources from the events. Growers and school nutrition personnel totaling 38 attended the procurement opportunities. Sixty-six percent of those had little to no knowledge about local procurement before these events and they gained knowledge on payment options, product availability/crop timing, and delivery/pick-up options. One hundred percent of the school nutrition personnel said they would likely purchase from a local vendor in the future. For the agriculture education events, 32 participants including regional staff in Career and Technical Education, school curriculum, Economic Development, and other agriculture-related agencies, were introduced to options for integrating agriculture into the classroom. One hundred percent of the participants said they left with ideas for classroom integration.
Authors: Andrea Slye
1. Andrea Slye Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Suffolk, VA, 23434
Authors: Andrea Slye
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Andrea Slye Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23439