PA Secretary of Agriculture visits Erie schools to see progress on Farm to School initiative
About five years ago, the Commonwealth launched an initiative called Farm to School.
It's a program that provides grants to schools in an effort to connect and teach children about fresh, healthy foods in their local food systems.
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Since its inception, 280 projects have been completed across the state, and one district that has taken part is Erie's Public Schools.
"Every time that I talk about the program and what the potential is, I talk Erie. It's at the elementary level and you've got gardens at 14 different schools, you've connected it into the curriculum, you got a certification program and credentialing here," said Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding.
Secretary Redding toured Wilson Middle School's garden and greenhouse as well as visited Erie High's landscape management and student-designed mural.
This mural that's painted with different fruits, vegetables and flowers was inspired by the 53 countries that are represented within the students and staff of the high school.
"It took like a month to plan it and then we started getting into it for like a few weeks," said Tylee Lawrence, a 12th grader at Erie High.
"It helps us learn new things about people too. Like their fruits and vegetables from their countries, I didn't know half of these so it's cool to learn and experience," said Graciana Trainor, another 12th grader at Erie High.
Secretary Redding said projects like this bring awareness to how critical food access is.
"You've got food deserts in Erie," said Redding. "How do you change that and part of that is what happens in school both in terms of access to food nutrition to breakfast and lunch."
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The secretary said it's important to educate students not only about the farming process but also about the wide variety of opportunities available to them.
"There are 100 partners. Some with equipment, some are artists, some are teachers but everyone is around this common goal of how do you change the access to fresh fruits and vegetables," said Secretary Redding.
"One of the biggest industries in the area so were getting our students ready for a career pathway. So we're very proud of our students and teachers and what they do every day," said Don Orlando, principal at Erie High School.
Secretary Redding said Erie continues to stand out for the district's approach to all grade levels.
