Need Farm to School Assistance? Schedule a Meeting With Our Team!
Nearly 50 enthusiastic students from Ms. Windham's culinary class at Gulfport High School recently planted over 120 crops, including watermelon, tomatoes, okra, and spicy peppers, at the 34th Street Wholistic Garden and Education Center in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Are you involved in Farm to School or Farm to Early Childcare Education (ECE) initiatives in Mississippi? At the Mississippi Farm to School Network, we're excited to announce our new office hours, which are dedicated to providing tailored technical assistance to support and enrich your efforts. Starting this month, you can schedule a meeting with our team every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., where we will work together to support you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
Why Farm to School and Farm to Early Childcare Education Matter in Mississippi
Mississippi faces significant challenges when it comes to food insecurity among children. As of 2022, the state has the third-highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, affecting over 20% of children. This issue not only impacts their physical health but also their cognitive development, school performance, and long-term well-being. At the Mississippi Farm to School Network, we believe that access to healthy, locally grown food is fundamental to building strong communities and nurturing the health of Mississippi's children.
Support and Resources for Your Initiatives
Implementing Farm to School and Farm to ECE programs can be complex. Whether you're a farmer/producer, food service director, educator, childcare provider, school administrator, policymaker, funder, or community leader, navigating these initiatives requires support and expertise. Our team at the Mississippi Farm to School Network is here to provide:
Technical Assistance: Tailored guidance to help you navigate program implementation and operational challenges.
Educational Support: Resources and training on gardening, nutrition education, and local food procurement to engage students and promote healthy eating habits.
Join the Growing Movement
Farm to School and Farm to ECE are more than just trends; they're movements that empower communities and transform the lives of children. By integrating hands-on learning with nutritious, locally grown foods, these programs foster healthier habits, support local agriculture, and strengthen local economies. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Mississippi's youth and build a brighter, healthier future for our communities.
Schedule Your Meeting Today
Ready to enhance your Farm to School or Farm to ECE initiatives? Schedule your meeting with us during our new office hours every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Let's work together to nurture healthier communities and empower Mississippi's children through education, nutrition, and local agriculture.
