The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program provides schools with funding to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The program aims to bridge the gap between children and the food system by connecting them to the fresh, healthy food available from Pennsylvania agricultural producers in their community and the surrounding areas. Through changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early childhood education sites, children will become more aware and engaged with their local food system as well as empowered to leverage their own consumer influence to support Pennsylvania agriculture.
Congratulations to the early childhood 2022-23 Awardees:
- Centre County: The Learning Station | Award $14,700. Project to include: The Learning Station will renovate and expand their school Garden, enjoy field trips to local farms, purchase local meat, dairy and produce, conduct staff trainings and implement agriculture curriculum.
- Chester County: The Children’s Treehouse Early Learning Center | Award $10,525. Project to include: Implementation of the Color Me Healthy Curriculum, support of a hydroponic children’s garden, attend a farm field trip and to participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
- Erie County: Early Connections, Inc. | Award $8,589.66. Project to include: Incorporate gardening into pre-K curriculum, add taste-testing of nutritious foods, and procurement from local farms.
- Lancaster County: New Holland Early Learning Center | Award $15,000. Project to include: Education for staff, experiential learning, gardening, field trip to Oregon Dairy and connection to a local farmer.
- Lawrence County: Pre-K Kids Learning Center | Award $11,677.50. Project to include: Take students on field trips to Marburger Dairy Farm and Apple Castle, purchase local dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, sustain the Center’s operation of its eight garden beds
- Philadelphia County: Methodist Services | Award $15,000. Project to include: Provide preschool and kindergarten students with farm-based experiences and nutrition education.