The Farm to School Program introduces nutritional education by encompassing a variety of activities and learning experiences, giving students broad knowledge of nutrition, gardening, agriculture, and cooking. In addition to nutritional education, the program will provide a pathway towards establishing and maintaining sustainable lifestyles for the students and community of the school.
When determining the pilot school for this program, location and facilities were key decisions. Broughal Middle School is located on the southside of Bethlehem, which is known to be a food desert, an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food. With over 80% of the student population offered free lunches, Broughal Middle School students have a great need for an enhanced nutritional education program. Available facilities include a vegetative roof, cistern, and large sunroom that will be transformed into a state-of-the-art greenhouse allowing students to grow produce year-round. When the program is fully implemented in three years, all sixth, seventh and eighth grade students at Broughal Middle School will participate in the Farm to School program across several subjects including science, math, language arts, social studies, history, and physical education. Broughal Middle School’s staff and community supporters are committed to a sustainable Farm to School program for many years to come.
