Farm to School
Murfreesboro City Schools Farm to School Program enriches the connection students have with fresh, healthy food and allows students to experience the growing cycle of their food first hand. The district is currently funded through a grant with the State of Tennessee to grow the program. A farmer educator oversees activities in the school gardens and acts as an active resource to teachers and staff. MCS Farm to School initiatives include:
Procurement
The Department of Nutrition purchases and promotes local foods for consumption in the cafeteria as part of a healthy meal.
Education
Students actively participate in education curriculum and activities related to agriculture, food, health, or nutrition, such as: Farm Days, Chef Academy, and MTSU Farm Field Trips.
Outdoor Teaching Gardens
The outdoor teaching gardens are being used for curriculum integration and hands on learning. Students participate in garden activities during the regular school day and during the summer through the district’s extended schools program (ESP).
Greenhouses
The greenhouses have been developed with the sole purpose of growing crops that will be utilized in the school cafeteria. SOP’s were developed and GAP procedures are followed to ensure that food is safely delivered to the serving line. This year students may see carrots, beans, kale, chard, pumpkins, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, cucumber, tomatoes, and much more!
Hydroponic Growing System
MCS has several indoor hydroponic growing systems to that teach innovative growing methods in food production.
Active MCS Farm to School Locations
Cason Lane Academy Erma Siegel Elementary Hobgood Elementary
Northfield Elementary Overall Creek Elementary Reeves-Rogers Elementary
Scales Elementary Discovery School
Contact the Farmer Educator at: Farmer.Educator@cityschools.net