School Gardens

Umpqua Valley Farm to School provides garden-based education in schools throughout the county and is accepting applications from schools now. As part of our education network, your school will participate in hands-on activities in the garden from seed to table. Our educators will teach youth the importance of our food system and how to grow their own food and students will participate in growing food that can be consumed in classes or in the cafeteria as part of the school meal program. Curricula varies based on grade levels but can include plant basics, plate waste studies, agricultural methods that are based on Native American traditions from those who originally inhabited our land, and current agricultural trends, and much more.

Seed to table is an important aspect of our program and one that youth are especially excited to participate in. While learning about ecology and agriculture is important, it comes full circle when students have the opportunity to taste what they’ve grown. With the help of teachers or our educators, students are able to prepare recipes and try what they’ve grown! We also do cafeteria tastings when possible featuring the Oregon Harvest of the Month items. During cafeteria tastings, the entire school gets an opportunity to try a sample from the school garden or a local farm. When students are given the opportunity to taste what they’ve grown, they are more likely to try new fruits and vegetables!