Farm-to-school programs provide nutrition education, access to local foods, and agricultural education, serving families inside and outside the classroom. Classrooms that participate in farm-to-school programs such as farm field trips, gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local food system.
Through collaboration, planning and engagement of local community partners, two programs of the Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County — 4-H Youth Development and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) — held the second Elementary AgFest in June.
The event drew more than 500 third graders, teachers and chaperones over four days to the Chemeketa Community College Agriculture Complex and Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm in Salem. Students from Stayton, Santiam Canyon, Jefferson and Salem-Keizer school districts participated in the program.
In addition to the Chemeketa Community College Agriculture Complex and Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm, partners and collaborators with Elementary AgFest included Salem Harvest, AgWest Farm Credit, Master Food Preservers with the OSU Extension home food preservation program and Oregon Dairy Women.
A new partnership with AgWest Farm Credit, facilitated by Salem Harvest, provided $5,000 and volunteer support for Elementary AgFest. Salem Harvest coordinated buses and administrative needs. Additional volunteer support came from the home food preservation program. Salem-Keizer School District’s Food & Nutrition Services provided support by offering sack lunches using locally sourced foods. The Marion Polk Food Share Youth Farm grew radishes and turnips for each student to harvest and try.
Groups of students rotated through seven activity stations at the agriculture complex and youth farm. At the youth farm, they learned about the roles of honeybees, observed a honeybee hive, and tasted locally sourced honey. They learned about the functions of root vegetables and had the opportunity to harvest a root vegetable from the youth farm, wash it and taste it. They also explored the youth farm, learning about and identifying beneficial insects and quenching their thirst with different flavored waters.
At the agriculture complex, students participated in a self-led scavenger hunt, learning about farm operations and equipment. They also learned about farm-to-table through a food system relay, and about pollination and the honeybee waggle dance. Students also made healthy smoothies on a bike blender, while learning about dairy in Oregon.
According to post-event evaluations, when asked, “Did this experience meet your expectations?”, teachers and chaperones rated the field trips a mean of 9.27 out of 10. When asked, “How would you rate this experience for your students?”, teachers and chaperones rated the field trips with a mean of 4.7 out of 5.
When students were asked their feelings about Elementary AgFest, they rated them a mean of 4.48 out of 5. Students were also asked how likely they were to try new foods. On a scale of one to five, with one being the least likely and five being the most likely, their average response was 4.05.
When students were asked, “Are you more interested in visiting a farm?”, 70% said responded “yes.”
