Scottsville Elementary Students Experience Farming Firsthand During Farm to School Month

Scottsville Students Get a Taste of Farming During Farm to School Month

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. – This week, the air is buzzing with excitement as Need More Acres Farm welcomes hundreds of eager elementary school students for a hands-on learning experience. With the end of Farm to School Month approaching, Bowling Green Independent Schools are bringing students out to the farm for their fourth annual field trip. This event is made possible due to a federal fresh fruits and vegetables grant aimed at encouraging children to embrace healthier eating habits.

A Growing Experience

As the students make their way to the farm, they are not just visiting a picturesque rural setting— they are diving into the wonderful world of agriculture. This year, they are getting a taste of the plant cycle and will leave with seeds of their own to plant and nurture. Dalla Emerson, the food operations director for the Bowling Green Independent Schools, shared how much she loves this time of year. “For many children, it’s their first time ever seeing a farm,” she said, adding that it’s a unique opportunity for them to discover where their food actually comes from.

Connecting Kids with Nature

Michelle Howell, the co-owner of Need More Acres, echoed this sentiment. “We hope to inspire kids to pick up a spade for themselves one day,” she noted, expressing a heartfelt desire to educate younger generations. Howell pointed out that many children might not realize that the apples and oranges they see at the grocery store don’t just magically appear there. By exposing them to the process of farming, they can gain a better understanding of food production and, hopefully, appreciate it more.

Learning Through Fun

As students engage in various activities around the farm, they are learning vital lessons that extend beyond just farming. They’re discovering where their fruits and vegetables originate, and they are introduced to the importance of agricultural sustainability. With each passing year, the program seeks to cultivate a connection between children and the land, helping them understand how to take care of it.

Nourishing Future Generations

The initiative is also vital in promoting healthy eating. Research shows that children who learn about food production are more likely to make healthier food choices. The fresh fruits and vegetables grant facilitates not just field trips but also programs in the schools themselves, where students can continue to explore and understand nutrition and health.

More Than Just a Field Trip

For many of these kids, the adventure does not end with just one visit. The lessons they learn on the farm can be taken home, where they can plant those seeds and even start a small garden with their families. It’s more than a day trip; it’s a way to nurture curiosity and a sense of responsibility for the environment.

The Community’s Role

Need More Acres Farm is a small operation, but it plays a significant role in the community. By collaborating with local schools, they are helping to lay the groundwork for a healthier generation. Many parents are witnessing the positive impacts of this program, hoping their children will continue to make healthier choices and possibly pursue gardening or farming as a hobby or career.

A Bright Future Ahead

As this school week wraps up, the memories made at Need More Acres are sure to last. From learning about the farm to planting seeds at home, these experiences are vital. This field trip embodies the spirit of community, education, and the joy of discovering where food truly comes from. Here’s to hoping more children get the chance to visit farms like Need More Acres and continue to grow in knowledge about their food and the environment.