Connecting Farms with Local Schools
Empowering students through farm connections
SCHULTZ FARM:
2026 USDA PATRICK LEAHY FARM-TO-SCHOOL AWARDEE
Beginning May 2026, the Farms for Schools project will embed a formal farm-to-CNP program at Pacific Beach Elementary School and 7 other Grays Harbor by establishing Farm-dedicated greenhouse space for seedlings, growing, harvesting, and distributing produce into school meal programs and local farmstands/markets. Workflow templates will be developed to support operations, and detailed reports will be generated for USDA. Deliverables include greenhouse infrastructure, curriculum-integrated agricultural education for students, a set of farmers-market/farmstand events (at school and adjacent community) and documented local-food sourcing into school meals.
- Fostering hands-on learning about sustainability.
- Enriching student knowledge on nutrition and healthy eating.
- Enhancing local food sources understanding.
Farms for Schools connects local farms with schools to enhance agricultural education. Students participate in hands-on experiences, promoting understanding of where food comes from and its impact on health.
Through interactive activities and farm visits, students learn about nutrition, sustainability, and local food systems. This initiative encourages a healthy lifestyle and deepens appreciation for agriculture.
The program, supported by a USDA grant, aims to create lasting partnerships between farms and schools, empowering students with the knowledge to make informed food choices.