Mississippi Farm to School Network Featured in Google’s 50 States, 50 Stories Campaign

Something incredible happened this year—the Mississippi Farm to School Network had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Mississippi in Google’s 50 States, 50 Stories campaign, which aired during the Super Bowl!

Bringing Farm to School to the National Stage

What started as a simple idea—connecting local farmers with schools—has grown into a powerful movement transforming how students learn about gardening, agriculture, and nutrition. Through hands-on experiences, students aren’t just discovering where their food comes from—they’re developing a deeper appreciation for nutritious ingredients and cultivating lifelong habits that nourish their bodies and communities.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Filming

Our filming journey began in December 2024 at Gulfport High School in Gulfport, MS, where Ms. Windham’s culinary class prepared an outstanding shakshuka dish using local produce. The kitchen buzzed with excitement as students worked together creating a savory blend of sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic. Under Ms. Windham’s careful guidance, they operated like a well-oiled machine. This experience not only showcased the students' culinary talents but also emphasized the importance of using local ingredients to create flavorful, nutritious meals.

Next, we visited Galloway Family Farm in Ocean Springs, MS, where students explored and learned about chickens, discovering their role in our food system. They also tasted a delightful array of freshly grown produce—sweet sugarcane, vibrant Jamaican greens, ripe bananas, robust dinosaur kale, and even fiery cayenne peppers! The invigorating scents of lemongrass, oregano, turmeric, and ginger filled the air as we discovered the farm’s abundance. Mr. Galloway inspired us by demonstrating how just ONE acre can flourish into a thriving food ecosystem with creativity and care.

Back at Gulfport High School, students got their hands dirty planting vibrant Swiss chard, hearty Brussels sprouts, crunchy cabbage, fragrant rosemary, and zesty mustard greens in their school garden. The excitement was contagious, and to add to the thrill, Farmer James Franklin from 34th Street Wholistic Gardens & Education Center joined us, bringing along a blackberry bush and fig tree!

Watching students actively engage with their food sources was a powerful reminder of the impact of Farm to School programs. Initiatives like local procurement, gardening, and hands-on agricultural education not only shape young minds but also cultivate strong, resilient communities.

Mississippi Farm to School Network on the Super Bowl Stage

On February 9, 2025, our story, our people, and our passion for food systems and education premiered on WDBD during the Super Bowl, showcasing how Google’s Gemini in Docs has helped streamline our grant writing process, allowing us to expand our impact across Mississippi.

But this wasn’t just a story about technology—it was about people, food, farms, and vibrant communities that bring our mission to life. From bustling kitchens to thriving farms, we shared a slice of Mississippi’s rich agricultural culture with the nation.

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning because when you plant seeds of knowledge, the harvest is limitless. Farm to School programs are transforming food education, strengthening local economies, and creating healthier futures for Mississippi’s children.

💡 Want to support Farm to School initiatives in Mississippi? Get involved today!