Umpqua Valley Farm to School (UVF2S) partners with schools across Douglas County to provide hands-on, garden-based education that connects students with where their food comes from.

Through our program, students actively engage in growing, harvesting, and tasting fresh produce while learning about the food system, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. Lessons are designed to be interactive, meeting students at their grade level with topics such as:

🌱 Plant Science & Growing Food – From seed to harvest, students explore plant life cycles, soil health, and what plants need to thrive.
🥗 Food & Nutrition – Hands-on activities help students understand the connection between fresh food and a healthy lifestyle.
♻️ Sustainability & Food Systems – Students investigate composting, plate waste, and traditional and modern farming techniques, including Indigenous agricultural practices.
🌎 Cultural & Historical Perspectives – Lessons incorporate cultural food traditions, local agricultural history, and current trends in farming and food production.

Schools in our program benefit from on-site educators who guide students in growing food that can be enjoyed in the classroom or even integrated into school meal programs. By fostering a love for gardening and healthy eating, UVF2S helps cultivate the next generation of informed eaters and environmental stewards.

🌿 Interested in bringing garden-based education to your school? Apply today to join our network of farm-to-school partners!

At Umpqua Valley Farm to School (UVF2S), we believe that understanding our food system goes beyond the garden—it’s about experiencing food from seed to table. This hands-on approach excites students and fosters a deeper connection to the food they eat.

🌱 Growing & Harvesting – Students learn about plant life cycles, soil health, and sustainable agriculture while tending to their school garden.

🥗 Preparing & Tasting – The learning experience comes full circle when students get to harvest and prepare recipes using the food they’ve grown. With the guidance of their teachers or our educators, students create simple, seasonal dishes and taste the results of their hard work!

🍎 Cafeteria Tastings & Oregon Harvest of the Month – Whenever possible, we bring the experience into the lunchroom with cafeteria tastings featuring fresh, local produce—including school garden harvests and Oregon Harvest of the Month items. These events give all students a chance to sample new fruits and vegetables, helping to build lifelong healthy eating habits.

Incorporating Native Plants in School Gardens & Education

🌾 Connecting to Local History & Ecology – Native plants tell the story of our region, offering a way to teach students about the deep relationship between plants, people, and place. By incorporating these plants into school gardens, students gain insight into the traditional ecological knowledge of Indigenous communities and the natural adaptations that allow plants to thrive in our environment.

🌎 Teaching Climate Resilience – Native plants are well-suited to our local climate, requiring less water and maintenance while supporting native pollinators and wildlife. Studying these plants helps students understand how nature adapts to changing conditions and what we can learn from these adaptations as we face climate challenges.

By giving students the opportunity to grow, prepare, and taste their own food while learning about native plants and local ecosystems, we empower them to make healthier choices, build environmental awareness, and develop a deeper appreciation for the land around them. 🌿✨