The D.C. Farm to School Network engages kids in the farm-to-table process, so they have a better understanding of where food comes from.
Farm field trips – In the spring and fall, we host school groups at Arcadia Farm. It’s two-acre sustainable farm at Woodlawn, a National Trust Historic Site, Alexandria, VA. Visiting students become farmers for the day and learn about soil health, plant anatomy, and the farm habitat. Then they enjoy the food they harvest on our salad bar, donated by Whole Foods. For more information visit our Field Trip Page or check out our blogs about field trips on Arcadia’s blog.
Mobile Market school visits – Arcadia’s farmers’ market on wheels will soon be visiting schools, leading hands-on demonstrations about where food comes from and how farmers’ markets work. Kids will also taste local foods prepared by a chef on the Mobile Market, and parents will be able to shop for fresh produce after school.
Special events – Each year, the D.C. Farm to School Network hosts two major educational events to get students engaged in the farm-to-table process. D.C. Farm to School Week in the fall, and Strawberries & Salad Greens in the spring! Sign up for our e-newsletter, so you’ll know when you can get your school involved. We also support schools that have their own food or nutrition related events, so please contact Andrea if you have some ideas at andrea[at]dcfarmtoschool.org.
Local Food taste tests – We’ll be visiting school cafeterias all over the city to conduct local food taste tests starting this spring. This will be a way to give students some exposure the best local fruits and veggies our region has to offer, and get some valuable feedback for D.C. school meal programs.
Farm-Fresh Feature program – We’re developing a set of free educational materials to help schools celebrate seasonal, local foods! Each month, there will be a local food featured in D.C. school meals. Posters, stickers, labels, and fact sheets will help teachers, staff and students celebrate that food in the classroom and at home. We hope to pilot the program in a few schools this spring. Find more information in our blog post here.
If you have any questions about our educational programs, please contact Andrea at andrea(at)dcfarmtoschool(dot)org.
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