Our School to Farm initiative represents a hands on approach to food education. It’s about cultivating a deeper understanding of food among students, fostering a genuine excitement about knowing how food is produced. We are part of efforts in Sullivan County to connect students to food, agriculture, and hands on programming. We currently work with Livingston Manor Central School, and with the merger will work with Rockland Central School starting in fall of 2025.

How we engage students on the farm:

1. Field trips during spring and fall, and summer school. Students get to be part of what is happening on the farm throughout the seasons, seeing everything from the germination of seeds they planted, to newborn baby lambs.

2. Gael Roots farm crews visit the classroom and school garden to share with students about agriculture.

3. Offering a High School Internship Program

Building Connections: At its core, School to Farm is about establishing meaningful relationships between students and the food they consume. By integrating farm field trips, hands-on experiences, and high school internship opportunities, we help students understand all the the pieces that go into understanding food and textile production and land stewardship. This connection encourages them to appreciate the value of fresh, local produce served in the school cafeteria. 

Fostering a Love for Veggies: Kids are more likely to try new food and enjoy vegetables when they have had their hands in the soil. Through interactive learning experiences, we aim to change perceptions about vegetables. By engaging students in the growing process—from seed to plate—we empower them to make informed choices. 

Nurturing Life Skills: The School to Farm initiative also encourages environmental stewardship and hands-on skills. As students learn about agriculture and eating seasonally, they also develop an understanding of soil science, animal husbandry, ecology, and wool processing. This instills values and opportunities for workforce development as students get older.