The Center for Rural Affairs, based in Lyons, Nebraska, has chosen five schools in southwest Iowa to participate in its new farm-to-school program. The selected schools are Carroll, Fremont-Mills, Logan-Magnolia, East Mills, and Stanton. The program aims to bolster agricultural education by promoting food production on school grounds and increasing student participation in growing food.
The schools were required to submit proposals outlining their ideas for on-site food production and their commitment to receiving technical assistance and attending the Iowa Farm to School Conference. The schools will receive a $2,000 mini-grant, which can be used to establish or expand school gardens and greenhouses, among other things.
The program hopes to involve K-12 students and at least one teacher at each school, with the aim of having 20 students engage in growing food. The Center for Rural Affairs will provide binder curriculum and other resources to help schools secure grants and sustain their program
The program seeks to strengthen education while providing an accessible location for schools to procure local food. The Center for Rural Affairs hopes to continue the program annually.
Photo Credit: Center for Rural Affairs
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle