As part of our Farm to School programs, Farm Cart in the Classroom extends our mission to schools, preparing the next generation to create change. A hands-on program, it teaches students about the importance of local food and sustainable agriculture by hosting a mini farmers market. We host Farm Cart programs for grades 4-12, working one-on-one with teachers and classes to engage students in business, environment and agricultural topics. Contact us to get started.

Farm Cart in the Classroom is a hands-on, experiential learning program for 4th - 8th grade students. Farm Cart connects students to where their food comes from and the importance of local, sustainable agriculture.

Students will work together in small groups to create a mini-farmer’s market for their class. They gain skills in academic discourse and are introduced to the idea of eating sustainably-grown foods and their role in supporting a local food system.

Students will research local farms, order seasonal produce and interact with customers (peers and parents) on the day of the market. The Farm Cart activity aligns with numerous Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), as well as math, language arts, and reading standards. This is a free program including two 30-minute in-classroom sessions with the students to prepare for market day. We work one-on-one with the teacher to adapt the program to the Classroom program is available direct for the teacher to run the program themselves.

In addition, students will learn about philanthropy and giving back to their community. They will donate funds raised by the mini-farmer’s market to a local organization of their choice.

Objectives

• Educate students on the environmental and community benefits of eating sustainably-grown foods and what it means to support a local food system.

• Provide students a unique space to practice communication and collaboration skills.

• Lessons and activities align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and CA state standards for math, reading, and language arts.

How It Works

1 - GET STARTED.
Contact us with your inquiry.

2 - SET A SCHEDULE.
Work with F2S Coordinator to schedule planning sessions and a Farm Cart day.

3 - GET THE PRODUCE.

Students select seasonal produce from local farms in the Sierra Foothills. Produce costs are covered by Farm Cart sales. This is a NO COST event for your classroom!

4 - MARKET DAY!

Students learn about local produce, practice communication and collaboration, and have a blast!

What TEACHERS ARE SAYING

“My class had so much fun the first time, and I know they would love to learn more about the fruits and veggies that are in season for late spring and early summer.”

- Ms. Scoville, Tahoe Lake Elementary, 4th grade