Local Farm-to-School Success Empowering Eastern Panhandle Students
The Journal reports on a successful multi-year initiative by the Jefferson Growers, Artisans & Producers Coalition, which has provided over 28,000 students in the Eastern Panhandle with locally-sourced food education and better tasting meals. Through a $54,700 USDA grant, the coalition facilitated teacher training, created school gardens, and organized field trips to local farms, notably benefiting schools such as Driswood Elementary in Shenandoah Junction. Community engagement played a crucial role, with partnerships including WVU Extension enhancing educational opportunities. The coalition aims to establish a regional food hub to streamline local farm produce procurement for schools, supporting the agricultural output of over 1,300 farms in the area.
