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Farm-to-School
Since May 2013, Ayers Foundation's Nourishing Schools program has produced over 15000 pounds of produce for area school cafeterias and garden programs. HELP US SET THE PRECEDENT AND DE FACTO STANDARD FOR COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND WELLNESS WHEREVER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS EXIST. In 2013, AYERS Foundation began collaborations with local school districts, the Westerly Land Trust and Westerly Rec department to identify and allocate arable land for expansion of a farm-to-school program. This kind of cooperation is a hallmark to community-supported agriculture and the revitalization of agriculture in the state. If we as a township, state, and land are to reduce our addiction to the centralized industrial food production system, then we must begin with educating our youth by doing and sharing - it's that simple. Farm-to-school is a concept designed around getting more locally grown food into school cafeterias while helping teach kids the benefits of growing and consuming farm-fresh food within the same community. In doing so, these programs can educate and inspire future consumers and producers. |
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Nutrition Lectures
Coupled with production, the Ayers Foundation has successfully launched a food and nutrition lecture series that will eventually impact every school in the district. This program has garnered the support of the Westerly Schools' Health Department and will work in conjunction with nurses and other health and nutrition teachers to broaden students' understanding of health and wellness.
Nestled right on the shore of Quonochontaug Pond in South County, RI, we at Hillandale and the Ayers Foundation are excited about forward progress, particularly due to its implications around small scale, "organic" farming in South County, the ecosystem services (e.g. protection of the pond) deliverable through sustainable agricultural practices, and the opportunity to inspire our youth to help proliferate farm-fresh food that's both good for the environment and the community.
Thanks to the Lewis Foundation, the Northeast Grassroots Environmental Fund, and over 100 individuals who include friends; family members; customers; and members of our community, we raised in excess of $14,000 dollars to secure the equipment and working capital to launch this venture.
Coupled with production, the Ayers Foundation has successfully launched a food and nutrition lecture series that will eventually impact every school in the district. This program has garnered the support of the Westerly Schools' Health Department and will work in conjunction with nurses and other health and nutrition teachers to broaden students' understanding of health and wellness.
Nestled right on the shore of Quonochontaug Pond in South County, RI, we at Hillandale and the Ayers Foundation are excited about forward progress, particularly due to its implications around small scale, "organic" farming in South County, the ecosystem services (e.g. protection of the pond) deliverable through sustainable agricultural practices, and the opportunity to inspire our youth to help proliferate farm-fresh food that's both good for the environment and the community.
Thanks to the Lewis Foundation, the Northeast Grassroots Environmental Fund, and over 100 individuals who include friends; family members; customers; and members of our community, we raised in excess of $14,000 dollars to secure the equipment and working capital to launch this venture.
Helping to ensure the success of these programs and those to follow
cannot be achieved without your participation.
cannot be achieved without your participation.
The wealth of a nation rests on the health of its children!