Allegany County staff report new 4‑H volunteers, farm‑to‑school expansion

At the Feb. 5, 2025 meeting of the Allegany County Resource Management Committee, a county staff member reported that the county’s 4‑H program has gained new volunteers for shooting‑sports activities and that the farm‑to‑school program is expanding with local partners.

The staff member, identified in the meeting as Laura, told the committee, “We have new volunteers for our shooting sports program,” and said the program now has trainers for archery as well as “the loaded weapon type of… trainers” for rifle and shotgun. Laura said the program has not had those volunteers “since I’ve been here,” and that the county is “very excited that we’re gonna be able to move forward with that.”

Committee members asked logistical questions about certification. A committee member asked whether firearms‑safety training is required and whether it is local; Laura replied that the required training is a weekend course currently held “over in the Hudson Valley” and that the training previously rotated to Camp Waiomoco in Wyoming County.

On the farm‑to‑school effort, Laura said the program has two components and has operated in Genesee Valley for “a year and a couple months” through a grant. She said Ellicottville Greens is a collaborator that has supplied microgreens and other produce for the program. Laura described the program’s classroom outreach and sampling work and said the program is working toward a goal to have 30% of school food purchases come from local sources, noting that staff coordinate with schools’ health teachers, grade‑level teachers and cafeteria staff.

Laura recounted an example from a school visit — students were given sample packages of microgreens — and said students “enjoyed the program.” Committee members expressed support for expanding participation by additional schools and for finding more local volunteers for shooting sports, while also noting the time commitment required for the 4‑H instructor certification.

No formal committee action was taken on the programs at the Feb. 5 meeting; the items were presented as staff updates.

Next steps identified in the discussion include follow‑up outreach to prospective instructors and continued coordination between the farm‑to‑school educator and district schools to increase participation and local procurement.