BRING THE FARMER TO YOUR SCHOOL

SERVING 200 SCHOOLS AND THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN!

The Bring the Farmer to Your School Program was a collaboration through the support of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Specialty Crop Block Grant. Through this funding, we were able to bring California farmers into the classroom at Title 1 Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools across Los Angeles County to provide students with an incredible learning experience filled with fun facts about farming and fresh tastings of locally-grown produce. Over time, the program expanded to provide interactive kids classes at select Food Access LA markets.  Many times, we discovered through this program that this is the first time children get to taste a variety of locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Over 142,000 students, grades Pre-K to 12th, were served and 7,405 parents attended farmer presentations in the 200 schools that participated.

Farmer In The Classroom

The Farmer in the Classroom format provided students with a 30-minute interactive presentation by a farmer. Visits took place during regular school hours with farmers presenting to 250 students per day. At the end of each presentation, students received a sample of locally-grown produce from the farmer’s farm to enjoy. The program is both fun and educational. And a great experience!

Farmer Produce Stand

The Farmer Produce Stand format was designed for students to enjoy and learn while participating in a school-wide event such as a Health Fair or Open House. Farmers set up a stand as they would at a farmers’ market and included educational visual aids. Students visiting the Farmer Produce Stand learned about the farm and healthy eating and left with a sample of produce.

  • “I've learned to make more nutritious foods and found out that it actually tastes good.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I learned to cook healthier and to be better. [The classes] help me to be better physically and to share recipes with my son.”

    Central Avenue Farmers Market Participant

  • “I've made many changes in my daily life because of what I’ve learned thanks to the wonderful staff who motivate me to live healthier [...] progress like never before and many of my friends have even made comments about my “Healthier” appearance.”

    Raphael Santillan, Central Avenue Farmers’ Market

  • "The program was amazing; I learned that eating healthy is a lifestyle I should make. I am thankful for everything. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”

    Cindy Ortiz, Parent Center

  • “Nutrition classes helped me to make right choices in regards to shopping more veggies and fruits than meats and dairy products.

    Narina Kazarian, Parent Center

  • “There was a reason I kept coming back week after week. I want to thank you for teaching me how to read the labels because now when I go to the store I know how to tell what’s good for me and what isn’t."

    Darryl Turner, MLK Campus Farmers Market

  • "I never liked green beans or red peppers [but after learning about stir fry] I had to convert! It’s helpful to have different things to cook that are not only healthy but also very good. I’m very happy that I was introduced to something new by coming to your class.”

    Andres Lara, MLK Campus Farmers Market