Local Harvest for Growing Minds connects students to locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables and the farmers that grow them.
FREDERICK, MD. (PRWEB) MAY 16, 2023
Farm to School Frederick (F2S) was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $4,000 from the Ausherman Family Foundation. Thanks to the grant, a generous partial match from the Asian American Center of Frederick, and amazing community support; Farm to School received $9,000. The funds were used to launch Local Harvest for Growing Minds.
Local Harvest for Growing Minds connects students to locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables and the farmers that grow them. The project provides firsthand educational activities helping students discover locally grown produce and learning how their food is produced before it reaches their table. This initiative is led by Farm to School Frederick in collaboration with Frederick County Food and Nutrition Services, Frederick County Public Schools, and Frederick farmers. Since January, bi-monthly learning opportunities and taste tests have been conducted at Butterfly Ridge, Hillcrest, Lincoln, Monocacy, North Frederick, and Sabillasville Environmental elementary schools. Farm to School will round out the school year at Thurmont Primary. Collectively the program has reached over 2,100 students.
Frederick County Farmer, Ben Saylor of Pleasant Hill Produce shares, “I am happy to be using my time to make a positive impact in our community. I LOVE talking with our youth about farming and growing food. The students always have great questions and are genuinely engaged in something very new to most of them.” Ben has donated his time to give presentations at school events helping kids learn about farming, what farmers do in the different growing seasons, and sharing how soil and climate play a part in growing nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Farm to School empowers kids and families to make informed food decisions to grow for a healthier tomorrow. Local Harvest for Growing Minds creates a fun learning experience to explore new foods and connect with local agriculture. F2S hopes the program continues to receive support from Frederick County Public Schools and the community to embrace and educate on topics of sustaining a vibrant and resilient local food system.
Farm to School Frederick (F2S) is on a mission to make locally grown, highly nutritious food available to all Frederick County Maryland residents. This mission is conducted through partnerships and collaborations with dedicated farmers, schools, community members, businesses, organizations, and institutions who share the common goal of supporting the health and well-being of all residents. Their focus is on education, public health, procurement, equity, access, food recovery, and sustainability. To find out more information or support F2S by volunteering, donations, and/or sponsorships, please visit http://www.f2sfrederick.org or email info@f2sfrederick.org.