October marks National Farm to School Month and this year we’re celebrating with the theme, From Soil to Sea: Nourishing People and Planet, which embodies a commitment to honor the vital role of producers in our food system. From dedicated farmers, ranchers and fishers, their work and expertise lay the foundation for a thriving farm to school movement. This month, we encourage you to plan a new farm to school activity, dive into more ʻāina-based learning opportunities, or initiate a new partnership with a local farm or farmer near you.
Check out a few of our favorite ways to celebrate Farm to School month below:
- Host an ʻĀINA Chef or Farmer Visit! As a component of the Agricultural Literacy Curriculum, chef or farmer visits are offered to all participating ʻĀINA schools. These visits connect students to where their food comes from through local chefs, farmers, or food producers and how a delicious, close to the source meal can be made with fresh ingredients. Contact [email protected] for more information.
- Integrate ʻĀINA In Schools – Garden-based Learning, Nutrition Education and Composting Curriculum, How-To’s, and Resource Guides are a great way to engage students of all ages!
- Get to know the ʻĀINA Food Guide and how nutrition plays an integral role in connecting food to place.
- Get inspired with the Farm to School Month Toolkit & Resources linked here. Check out ready made fact sheets, customizable social media graphics, and more through the National Farm to School Network.
- Access Farm to School curricula, funding opportunities, garden and tree planting, and more through the Hawaiʻi Farm to School Resource Hub linked here.