Rogue Valley Farm to School educates children about our food system through hands-on farm and garden programs, and by increasing local foods in school meals. They aim to inspire an appreciation of local agriculture that improves the economy and environment of our community and the health of its members. Rogue Valley Farm to School is proud to serve as southern Oregon’s Regional Hub for Education and Procurement. Under the leadership of the Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network, they work across the state with regional leaders to discuss best practices in the farm to school movement, policy and funding initiatives, annual gatherings, and more.

RVF2S is proud to host a myriad of educational programs such as: 

Summer Cooking Camps for Kids 

Join Rogue Valley Farm to School staff as they cultivate the ability to grow and cook delicious, nutritious, seasonal meals. Each week, campers will dive into food production, preparation and exploration, with a mix of farm and kitchen experiences that delight the senses and inspire the budding chef!

Local Partnerships

The Digging Deeper School Partnership Program was launched in 2018 as a targeted effort to support a culture of health and project-based learning in school communities. The programs works with schools to identify a focused grade; then, staff offers a layered approach of program delivery to ensure that education about living and eating healthy is intertwined in classroom subjects and beyond to give students a rich, meaningful educational experience.

Harvest of the Month

Each month, students have the opportunity to try, like, and love recipes featuring local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. RVF2S partners with schools in Central Point, Phoenix and Talent to bring monthly Tasting Tables to cafeterias throughout the school year. Students sample local, seasonal fruits and vegetables in their cafeterias, then vote on what they thought about the new foods. RVF2S staff share the results with school food services to help inform future lunch menu items! Each student receives the recipes to take home and share with their families. 

With the average consumer being multiple generations removed from the farm, and modern food production often under assault in the media, it is vital that children be introduced to agriculture at an early age via primary education. Educating children about farm production not only connects them to their food source, but it creates a chain-linked response into their homes. Kids go home and tell their parents what they learned at school, unintentionally informing their family and friends in the process. Programs like Rogue Valley Farm to School are essential for the wellbeing and interconnectedness of our modern society. 

To find out more, visit www.rvfarm2school.org