By Jenny Kessler

In March 2022, Townshend Elementary School (TES) launched its Farm to School (FTS) program, offering monthly taste tests and activities for students, focusing on the Vermont Harvest of the Month.  Part-time teacher Kelsey Taddei volunteered her time to run the program with Food Connects FTS coach Jenny Kessler.  By the end of the school year, it was clear that students and teachers alike really enjoyed growing their knowledge about local food. But the program needed resources to pay an FTS Coordinator to run programming, purchase supplies and curricular materials, and build a small garden.

Fortunately, the Townshend FTS team, working with their Food Connects FTS Coach, was able to raise funds for the program this summer.

In August, the Stratton Foundation generously donated $4,200 to the school. With part of the Foundation’s mission focused on promoting health and wellness in the area, this essential grant from the Stratton Foundation is ensuring FTS programming for all TES students for the entire 2022-23 school year. Personnel is one of the most serious challenges FTS programs face. Without a dedicated staff member who is compensated for their time, Farm to School programming becomes another extra thing to do in an extremely busy school day. With this grant, TES was able to hire Amy Duffy, a Townshend parent and Newbrook Elementary School’s FTS Coordinator since last fall. This brings security and stability to a new program, as well as resources for the supplies and ingredients needed for lessons and recipes.

Another change-making grant was awarded from the Whole Kids Foundation in August 2022. The Whole Kids Garden Grant provided $3,000 to build a garden at the school—something that felt out of reach last year. The teachers at the school are very excited. As the physical education teacher Carla West said, “A school garden will support health and wellness, encouraging students to make nutritious choices. And students will be able to connect with and appreciate nature”. Pre-K teacher Kathie Gatto-Gurney remarked, “students will build self-esteem without being competitive, but by using their skills for the good of all. The garden will also help students form community”.

The staff, students, and parents of Townshend Elementary School are so thankful for the opportunities for students that all of these grants will provide. They feel confident that there will be a direct impact on student motivation, engagement, and long-term outlook if these programs continue through future years. As Amy Duffy, the FTS Coordinator states:

“Farm to School is important because children learn to identify and recognize fruits and vegetables. The program gives children an opportunity to try new foods as well as learn where and how they are grown.  Continuous exposure to healthy food choices helps children make smart, healthy choices for the rest of their lives. 

Similarly, working with kids in the garden gives them an opportunity to be outside and explore nature. Children learn life skills like growing food, making healthy recipes and healthy food choices. It builds confidence while using math skills in everyday situations, planning skills, as well as working together as a group outside of the classroom. They learn growing food takes time, patience, and consistent maintenance and are rewarded with something delicious from their efforts”.

Thank you so much to the Whole Kids Foundation and the Stratton Foundation for funding Farm to School programming at Townshend Elementary School.