By Jamie Martin
Schools across Arkansas have an opportunity to enhance their farm-to-school initiatives by applying for the Farm to School Institute before the February 28 deadline. This yearlong program, organized by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, helps schools establish or expand their farm-based education programs.
Selected schools will send a team to a summer retreat where they will develop customized farm-to-school plans. Each team will receive $1,000 in funding and be paired with a coach to support implementation.
"Even if they already have something going, this is a great way to build their Farm-to-School program in all different aspects," said Jessica Chapman, program coordinator with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. “So, we focus on classroom, we focus on getting Farm-to-School in the cafeteria and in the community.”
Currently, 85% of Arkansas schools participate in at least one farm-to-school activity. Schools at any stage of development are encouraged to apply. Programs may range from outdoor classrooms and hydroponic systems in elementary and middle schools to FFA programs at high schools.
Arkansas is one of only 16 states in the country to offer this initiative. The program will select 15 teams to participate, with an emphasis on schools with strong community ties and engaged leadership.
The application is available at ARfarmtoschool.org, and selected schools will receive support in bringing fresh, locally sourced food and agricultural education into their curriculum and cafeterias.
Photo Credit: university-of-arkansas
Categories: National