At the Texas Center for Local Food, we’re planting seeds for a brighter, more sustainable food system with our Farm-to-Kids Texas program.
This initiative connects K-12 students to their food, communities, environment—and most importantly, to the local farmers who grow their food.
By engaging students in hands-on cooking and learning activities, we aim to bring locally grown produce into classrooms and inspire families to choose more local produce at home.
Our educational modules incorporate grade-appropriate science and language arts concepts aligned with Texas Education Knowledge and Skill Standards (TEKS), while also encouraging teamwork, critical thinking and social emotional growth.
Farm-to-Kids Texas is designed to cultivate the next generation of food leaders by providing enjoyable class content to students of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.
Ultimately, by increasing students’ knowledge and access to seasonal, local produce, we encourage healthier eating habits and an appreciation for local food.
Beyond the Classroom
Farm- to-Kids Texas coordinates fun filled field trips to local farms, giving students hands-on experience with where their food comes from.
In the past, we have lead the distribution of Veggie Boxes full of local produce to hundreds of Elgin ISD families.
In addition, we also provide our students with the experience of visiting and shopping at their local farmers market, where they get to meet their local food growers and get to understand the value of sustainable agriculture.
Our program goes beyond the school year by providing our Farm-To-Kids Texas Fresh Futures Summer program, where students are awarded a certification upon completion.
This program allows them to deepen their connection with healthier eating habits, cooking, and understanding their food system, all while engaging in fun educational activities
Our Growing Program
We currently operate within the Elgin Independent School District as a part of the ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) program.
The Farm-to-Kids Texas Program was developed and tested in partnership with the Elgin Independent School District with grants from the Texas Education Agency and the Texas 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program.
We are in the process of expanding our programing and developing curriculum that can be implemented Texas wide.
Interested in Farm-to-Kids Texas?
Want to learn more about how you can bring this program to your school or community?
Contact us and a team member will be in touch!