The "Grow with Me" program is Anderson's Farm to School program that aims to improve child health, foster environmental stewardship, boost the local economy, and rebuild relationships between eaters and farmers. It does this by incorporating local produce into school cafeteria menus, farm field trips to educate students on food sources, and nutrition education like cooking demonstrations. Recent accomplishments include expanding the number of schools with gardens and obtaining over $100,000 in grants to upgrade kitchen equipment to better serve local foods in schools.
4. Health Benefits Chronic Illness Food Security Environmental Benefits Development Storm Water Run-off & Air Standards Economic Benefits Farm Profitability Cost Savings Social Benefits Stronger Community Protect Our Culture
6. “ Grow with Me” Mission By incorporating educational components with the substitution of local produce on cafeteria menus we will improve the health of our children, foster better environmental stewardship, boost the local farm economy and rebuild relationships between “eaters” and farmers.
7. “ Grow with Me” Vision Local Food in Schools The main goal of the farm to school program is to provide farmers a viable market in their community to sell produce, while supplying our schools with the freshest food possible. Farm Field Trips This component of the program strives to rebuild a connection to where food comes from and who is growing food in our local communities. Nutrition Education With the loss of connection to where food comes from, there has also been a disconnect with preparing food and healthy eating. The nutrition component of the farm to school program consists of cooking demonstrations and classes to help students learn to enjoy preparing and eating healthy fresh foods. Schools Gardens Students will eat what they grow. The school garden component is the link between healthy eating and reconnecting students with their agricultural heritage.
8. “ Grow with Me” Current & Future Programs Local Food in Schools Summer – tomatoes, cucumbers Fall - Blackberries Spring – strawberries Long Term - Substitute as much as possible Schools Gardens Expand to more schools Nutrition Education “ Ag in the Classroom” Taste Tests / Cooking Demonstrations Farm Field Trips Anderson County CVB database to promote farms offering tours.
