The connection between agriculture and education is vital, not only for teaching young minds about the importance of sustainability but also for fostering an environment where healthy eating and environmental stewardship are a priority.
This year, we’re excited to announce the Farm 2 School event, a comprehensive program designed to strengthen these connections through hands-on learning experiences and expert-led workshops.
Morning Session: Sharing and Learning (Plenary)
Kickstart your day with us at our plenary session where educators and farmers come together to share their experiences and insights into the integration of farming and schooling. This session will set the stage for a day filled with educational enrichment and collaborative learning, highlighting successful Farm 2 School programs and their impact on communities.
Midday Workshops: Cultivating Connections
Post-plenary, delve into our interactive workshops designed to provide practical knowledge and skills in three key areas:
- School Gardens: Learn how to start, maintain, and utilize school gardens as powerful educational tools. Participants will receive tips on garden design, seasonal planting, and curriculum integration to help students connect with nature and understand where their food comes from.
- Farm Education: Explore ways to bring the farm to the classroom through virtual farm tours, farmer visits, and student field trips. This workshop focuses on how to create engaging and educational content that aligns with current curricula while highlighting the importance of local agriculture.
- School Feeding Programs: Discover how to implement or improve farm-to-school feeding programs that support local farmers and provide students with fresh, nutritious meals. Discussions will include logistics, food safety, and building partnerships with local agricultural stakeholders.
Afternoon Session: Envisioning and Planning for the Future
As the day progresses, join us in a forward-thinking session where we envision the future of the Farm 2 School initiative. Participants will engage in strategic planning activities, set actionable goals, and discuss ways to overcome challenges in expanding their programs.
Day 2: Activities & Hands-On Engagement
- Hosted School Lunch: Enjoy a meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients, showcasing what school feeding programs can look like with a farm-to-table approach.
- School Garden Work Day: Participate in a live school garden setup, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned by getting your hands dirty. This activity is perfect for understanding the practical aspects of school gardening.
- Training for Teachers and Educators: End the day with a dedicated training session designed to equip educators with the tools and knowledge to integrate agricultural concepts into their teaching practices effectively.
Join Us
These two days are ideal for farmers, educators, school administrators, and all interested in the role of agriculture in education. It’s an opportunity to learn from one another, build new skills, and leave with a plan to make your local Farm 2 School program
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