“This school is magical!” is what Ali Tomer, a third-grader, had to say when asked about her experiences with NewBrook Elementary’s Farm to School (FTS) program. Another third-grader, Piper Stafford, chimed in, “I like how we help each other. It feels like we’re all connected because we’re all working on this one thing together, no matter how different we are. And the sugar snap peas are delicious!”

With a degree in Health Science with a Nutrition focus, Amy Duffy hadn’t previously worked with children when she accepted the Farm to School Coordinator position at NewBrook Elementary, but that hasn’t stopped her from having a major impact on their lives. That’s one of many reasons Food Connects recognizes Amy as this year’s Farm to School Champion!

Since beginning in August 2021, Amy has worked with NewBrook students weekly, bringing FTS programming into their classrooms. She’s designed lessons, come up with recipes, run taste tests, and read books to educate students about food—where it comes from and why it matters—the students and staff more than appreciate her efforts. 

Principal Scotty Tabachnick shared, “In the midst of the pandemic, Amy hit the ground running. She quickly built positive and trusting relationships with our students and staff, and through her work, she actually helped us to bring our families to visit NewBrook as soon as the restrictions were lifted. Our students look forward to Amy's enriching lessons; she takes them outside, she has them working with their hands, and she ties new learning with prior knowledge in a natural and effective manner. It makes total sense to me that Amy Duffy's work would have such a positive outcome. Her diligence, positivity, and skill set all add up to benefit our students and NewBrook's programming as a whole. No one deserves (this award) more than her. She’s just been so amazing. Her way with the kids is wonderful.”

When I spent a day with Amy and her students at NewBrook, much of what Mr. Tabachnick said was evident. She is patient, kind, and gentle with students while also keeping them engaged. When students in one class grew agitated with each other, she stopped the garden activities and led them in a mindful breathing exercise. (It worked!). When Kindergarten students made text-to-self connections during a read-aloud, Amy made space for them to share their experiences (“tell us about your bees”). Students were eager to participate in Amy's planned activities, each of which seemed to build on what the students had done in previous weeks.

Later that week, the third-grade class tasted “microgreens” they had seeded and grown in their classroom. Amy set up trays with crackers, cheese, microgreens, and some herbs from the garden. Students made their own gourmet crackers and enjoyed their sprouts. “They are so good! I’m having a third one! It just tastes awesome, cause I like the hotness!” exclaimed Gunner Hackett, referring to the spiciness of the radish greens. 

Staff member Wendy McFadden said this enthusiasm is the norm. “The kids love this. They’re all about it. And Amy is so great. She does tastings with them—they get the movement, the outdoor time, and the education piece. This year the kids are even more into (FTS) because of Amy. She gives them a lot of information, and they retain it.” 

In addition to her position at NewBrook, Amy has also volunteered to be on the new Townshend Elementary FTS Committee, which began meeting in January. She’s a parent at the school and has been instrumental in helping to get a FTS program started there, as well as advising on which activities might be the most engaging or feasible given the school's programming needs. 

Amy has gone above and beyond as the FTS Coordinator at NewBrook. The school and Food Connects are so thankful for her work. She’s applied for grants, picked up donated loads of firewood and compost, fixed up garden structures, and prepared recipes at home for classroom tastings. 

In response to being recognized as our Farm to School Champion, Amy remarked: “I’m genuinely just happy to be able to be part of this wonderful program and work with such dedicated, creative, passionate & motivated people. Everyone involved cares so much for the kids and dedicates so much of themselves to making FTS a success. Not to mention the kids who make it all worth it! I never dreamed how invested and interested in learning the kids would be. It is so encouraging and fulfilling.”

Thank you so much for all your hard work, Amy. We are proud to name you a Farm to School Champion!