SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. – A Unique Learning Experience at the Farm
This week, Need More Acres Farm is buzzing with excitement as students from Bowling Green Independent Schools visit for their fourth annual trip. As Farm to School Month comes to a close, this event highlights the importance of healthy eating through hands-on learning experiences. Hundreds of elementary school children are getting the chance to connect with the source of their food in a way that many of them have never done before.
Maximizing Federal Funds for Healthy Choices
The visit is made possible through a federal grant aimed at promoting fresh fruits and vegetables in schools, which allows schools to teach children about healthy eating habits. As Dalla Emerson, the food operations director for Bowling Green Independent School District (BGISD), shared, this time of year is particularly special. “This is my favorite time because many children are for the first time ever seeing a farm and exactly where their food comes from,” she said.
Learning Through Experience
During the visits, students are engaging with the plant cycle, which includes fascinating lessons on how fruits and vegetables grow. “We want to show them that the apple or orange didn’t just appear at the grocery store,” said Michelle Howell, co-owner of Need More Acres Farm. The farm aims to inspire children to appreciate farming, hoping some of them will consider trying their hand at gardening or farming in the future.
What Kids Are Taking Home
A big part of the trip is giving students the opportunity to take home seeds of their own. This not only makes the experience memorable, but it also encourages them to learn about growing their own food. “It’s important for them to know that they can grow their own food, even if it’s just a small garden at home,” Howell added.
Connecting Children with Nature
For many children in urban areas like Bowling Green, seeing a real farm is a novel experience. As they walk through the fields, they learn about different plants, insects, and the work that goes into maintaining a farm. “Just watching their eyes light up when they see the plants and hear about how they grow is rewarding,” Emerson noted. The hands-on learning approach reinforces classroom lessons about the importance of nutrition and physical health.
A Community Effort
The event is more than just a school field trip; it is part of a larger community effort to promote health and well-being among children. Local farms and schools are partnering to create a healthier generation by encouraging children to choose nutritious options. The interactions foster a greater understanding of local food systems, as students learn about the benefits of eating fresh produce and the positive impact it can have on their health.
Looking Ahead
As the fourth annual trip wraps up, it’s clear that the initiative has made a significant impact on both the students and the local farming community. The hands-on experience at Need More Acres will likely inspire a love for healthy eating and gardening in many young minds. With ongoing support for such programs, the future looks bright for both the children and their health.
Need More Acres Farm’s role in this initiative highlights the value of connecting children with their food sources, aiming to create responsible eaters who appreciate the effort that goes into growing what they consume.
As the final students board their buses to leave the farm, one thing is certain: they are not just taking home seeds; they are also taking home memories, knowledge, and a newfound appreciation for the food they eat every day.
