Step into the garden at NewBrook Elementary, and your eye may not know where to focus first. The space sings with color. The brightly colored zinnias, marigolds and amaranth are a magnet for bumble bees, but it's the positivity and intentionality of the space that brings the children.   From the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, to painted stones adorning the paths, every inch of this vibrant garden is adorned with creative decorations and careful thought. These personal touches reflect the heart of Farm to School Education, creating a place where students not only grow food but more importantly a connection to the earth. At the center of it all is Amy Duffy, Farm to School Coordinator, whose passion for nutrition and hands-on learning shines in the smiles of her students.

In the west river valley, Amy has become somewhat of a celebrity in the eyes of her students. In the local Riverbend Farm Market, a student jokes with her in passing: "Hey, Farm to School lady!". Though her students are well acquainted with her, it's a badge Amy wears with pride. She sees her work as far more than just a job—it's a mission to offer young minds exposure to rich, whole foods, much like Amy did growing up.

Amy’s food philosophy is a blend of heritage cooking and practicality. Growing up with an Italian grandmother who loved to cook and an Irish grandmother who embraced comfort foods, Amy saw both the joy of cooking from scratch and the realities of making food work in a busy life. “I share with the kids that it’s okay not to love every food—it’s a journey, and your tastes can change,” she says. "I want them to see food as something fun, something personal, and something that can evolve over time."

Amy’s journey to Farm to School is a blend of formal education and life experiences. "I went to school for health science with a focus on nutrition,” she shares. “I’ve always been interested in growing my own food and cooking, and I wanted to understand the science behind what happens in the body and why it’s important." This curiosity led Amy to study nutrition and work with programs like the Learning Kitchen, which teaches cooking and nutrition to young mothers. These experiences set the foundation for Amy’s belief that food should not only nourish the body but also the spirit.

After taking a break to raise her children, Amy was encouraged to apply for the Farm to School Coordinator position. Her love for early education and food made the role a perfect fit. For Amy, it’s all about bringing food education back to basics—helping kids understand where their food comes from and why it matters.

“I’m often surprised by how many kids don’t know simple things, like that potatoes grow in the ground," Amy remarks. "I think it’s really important to bring that knowledge back.”

One of Amy’s favorite moments is watching her students dig for potatoes. "They are so incredibly excited,” she says with a smile. “So much joy from just a potato.” For Amy, a simple activity like harvesting potatoes is like a treasure hunt into a deeper understanding of where  food comes from. And that’s only the beginning. Being able to sample fresh foods, straight from the garden is where the real magic is revealed. “If you haven’t ever tried a fresh potato, the flavor is amazing,” Amy says. “Creamy and vibrant, just like the difference between an out-of-season tomato and one grown in your garden. That same principle applies to all food.”

Amy believes in finding the right entry point for each child. Whether it’s the thrill of the harvest or the delight of tasting something new, she knows that food can inspire curiosity and connection. A parent once shared with Amy how her son came home after a pepper tasting in class and eagerly informed her that red peppers have more vitamin C than oranges. “We need to have red peppers with dinner, Mom!” he insisted. These moments remind Amy why her work is so important. Beyond just teaching her students the wonders of gardening and food, she hopes to instill a lifelong curiosity and understanding of food.

In her classroom and garden, Amy emphasizes hands-on learning. "Farm to School is such a unique experience because it’s something we all do every day—we eat!" she explains. She brings in her own experiences and encourages students to share theirs, creating a space where culture, family traditions, and personal tastes come together in a celebration of food.

Amy is quick to credit the strong foundation laid by those before her—Heather Sperling, who helped bring Farm to School to life, and Scotty Tabachnick, who continued to grow the program as well as the many allies who support farm to school programming across the district. With their support and the backing of a great team, Amy has been able to take the program to new heights.

Looking ahead, Amy dreams of expanding the garden and outdoor classroom space, adding seating and even a simple kitchen for cooking lessons. But for now, she’s content with the daily joys—the thrill of a student discovering that beans can be purple, the pride of a child teaching their parents something new, and the simple yet profound pleasure of watching kids connect with the food they grow.

- Devan Monette