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 groups of 2nd-5th graders for 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.  Find an overview of the Mobile Market school visits here, and contact Tom at tom[at]dcfarmtoschool[dot]org for more information.

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[dot]org.

Local Food throw-downs! – We’ll be visiting school cafeterias all over the city to conduct fun local food taste tests.  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.  Find an overview of this program here.

Farm-Fresh Feature program – We’re developing a set of 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, table tents and fact sheets will help teachers, staff and students celebrate that food in the classroom and at home.  We are piloting this program in 11 elementary schools in the spring of 2012.  Contact Tom at tom[at]dcfarmtoschool[dot]org for more information.

If you have any questions about our educational programs, please contact Andrea at andrea[at]dcfarmtoschool[dot]org.

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