The Danbury Board of Education Community Relations Committee discussed a slate of fall farm-to-school activities and early feedback on the district’s new food service vendor during its meeting. Committee members and district staff said the events are intended to promote fresh produce and family engagement.

The committee heard that a farm-to-school activity begins this Saturday at the Danbury Farmers Market on the Green, where Danbury High School chefs will demonstrate recipes and students will take part in a scavenger hunt. “Brian Turner, the head of culinary there, is gonna bring out some chefs,” committee member Kate said during the meeting. Family University, billed as a farm-to-school event, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, at Rogers Park and will start at 8:30 a.m., organizers said. Chartwells, the district’s new food service provider, will offer a breakfast spread and demonstrations such as make-your-own-salad and burrito-bowl stations.

Committee members said other fall and winter events include a November convening for the Danbury Collective (Nov. 6, location to be announced) and a Team Forum at Danbury High School on Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m., focused on drug prevention with Danbury Police presenting vaping materials. District staff said the office has been busy with family orientations and outreach; staff reported that the district’s outreach activities reached more than 350 new families before school began and that the district recently presented at the 2025 Family Engagement Conference.

“Thank you. We’re getting really good feedback from the students about the food,” said Doctor Mead, district staff member, summarizing early reactions to Chartwells. Committee members added that custodial staff report less food waste in bags after meals, an informal sign of greater student acceptance.

The district also plans workshops on school gardens — including Rogers Park Garden — and hands-on activities such as planting winter vegetables and a pollinator gardening workshop intended to support local ecosystems and healthy food production.

Committee members encouraged board participation at the Family University and other community events so board members can speak with parents and students in public settings. No formal actions or votes were taken on the events; staff asked committee members to help publicize and attend the listed activities.

Details confirmed in the committee discussion: the Farmers Market demonstrations will take place on The Green in downtown Danbury; Family University at Rogers Park will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 18; the November and December events have dates announced but locations and additional specifics will be shared when confirmed.