GCS Farm to School Program
Our Mission
We connect our classrooms and cafeteria with the community and local farms as we engage students in contemplating the complexities of the question “Where does our food come from?”. We aim to connect the children of Guilford with their food sources and agricultural roots, while supporting local economies and bringing local food into the school cafeteria. Our goal is to nourish children's bodies and minds through hands-on learning projects such as school gardens, farm visits, cooking activities, composting, and integration of food-related education into the regular classroom curriculum. We believe that growing, harvesting, and preparing nutritious foods helps children gain confidence, develop practical and real-world skills and knowledge, strengthen their critical thinking skills, and feel a sense of power over their own health.
Program Components
- School wide monthly taste tests featuring the Harvest of the Month
- Cooking projects using garden produce and local foods
- Curriculum connections
- Unique projects such as Iron Chef, Herbal Medicine, Hatching Chicks
- Gardening
- Agriculture and nutrition education
- Local food in the cafeteria
- School wide composting program and education
- Farm field trips
- PK-6 grade all actively involved
We teach about where food comes from, how to grow food, and how to cook food. We expose students to new foods and teach about the importance of a rich and varied diet… And so much more!
For more information, or to get involved, check out the GCS Farm to School website!