The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is driving initiatives to help schools expand local food procurement, create school gardens and integrate agricultural eduction into their curriculum. Applications are being accepted for the Arkansas Farm to School Institute, a year long professional development program. Applications are due by Feb. 28 and up to 15 schools will be selected to participate.
The program provides training, resources, and hands-on support for educators, administrators, nutrition staff, local farmers, and community partners. Selected schools will attend a summer retreat to develop action plans for incorporating school gardens, local food procurement, and agricultural education. Participants will also receive a $1,000 grant to implement their plans, along with yearlong support from Department staff and coaches.
Jessica Chapman, the Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, said the initiative helps connect schools with local food producers and educators, fostering growth in farm-to-school programs statewide.
Schools will also join the Arkansas School Garden Project, where up to five teachers per school can complete a professional development course on school gardening. Each teacher who completes the course will receive a $1,000 grant to enhance their garden programs.
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