Cornell Cooperative Extension

Jefferson County
Planting the Community Garden at Ohio Street School

Planting the Community Garden at Ohio Street School

Our Nutrition Educator gives a hands-on lesson in growing your own food

Our Nutrition Educator gives a hands-on lesson in growing your own food

Farm to School Program

Together with local school districts and community partners Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County is planning and implementing farm to school programs with the ultimate goal of providing fresh, local, nutritious food, while simultaneously benefiting the community and local farmers. The impacts described on the right are a result of partnering with the Watertown City School District. More information can be found on their website at http://www.watertowncsd.org/webpages/tschool/index.cfm.

We welcome interested parents, school personnel, and community members to contact us about your school becoming involved in a similar initiative. 

Contact

Amanda Root
Nutrition & Health/Parenting & Family Life Program Leader
Arr27@cornell.edu
(315) 788-8450 ext. 273

Last updated November 18, 2016

Local Foods

Impacts

1. Conducted comprehensive needs assessments to support farm to school activities

2. Performed district menu and local food procurement audits

3. Assisted with procurement of two local foods for summer meals

4. Created and implemented outreach and education plans for students and parents

5. Offered taste test events at local school buildings

6. Coordinated hands-on Common Core Standards aligning nutrition and education for each grade level

7. Collaborated with 7-12 teachers to provide education on topics such as food systems, food justice, and careers in agriculture

8. Assisted in the coordination, planting, and harvesting of a pilot school garden

9. Incorporated garden activities into classroom education for every student