Erie Farm to School asks district to help sustain gardens, programming at every school

Doreen Petrie, project manager of Erie Farm to School, told the school board committee the volunteer program manages 14 school gardens and after‑school garden clubs across the district and supports curricular work from pre‑K through high school.

Petrie said the gardens have been supported by grants and donations totaling roughly $600,000 specifically for gardening programs and more than $800,000 across related environmental and curriculum projects during her 15 years of involvement. The program runs after‑school garden clubs (six weeks in fall and spring at elementary sites; multiple sessions at middle and high schools), culinary segments and indoor growing modules, and it donates produce to students’ families and local nonprofits.

"We've been recognized in many publications," Petrie said, and she described visits by the Pennsylvania secretary of agriculture and invitations to present at the state level. The program includes a home‑garden pilot that has installed eight backyard gardens for students and families, with six more installations planned for May, Petrie said. She called the program a pathway from pre‑K through grade 12 that links agriculture, food preparation and consumption.

Stephanie Steiner, Petrie's co‑lead, highlighted community partnerships that have brought employment and distribution opportunities for students. She described a multi‑year collaboration with Groundwork Erie, which led to summer employment for students who care for school gardens and collect food for community distribution. "Through this sustained partnership... we've been able to see that come to fruition with actual employment opportunities and more food distribution throughout our community," Steiner said.

A Department of Health consultant who worked with the team said she found the district's wellness policy and farm‑to‑school activities aligned with best practices and noted every district school has a garden — an uncommon statewide achievement. She and the presenters said the program strongly meets farm‑to‑school best practices but faces a sustainability crossroads and is seeking clearer district support.

Board members and staff discussed options for district support. A board member said the administration has been talking with the group and that the program will be considered in the budget process. Petrie asked the district to consider how it could "build upon, leverage, advertise the uniqueness of this program," noting the gardens could be used as a marketing tool and that the program has taken about 15 years to create.

Board members praised the program and asked staff to explore options to maintain momentum, including possible funding partnerships with local nonprofits and foundations. Petrie invited board members and community members to visit school gardens and to meet with her and Steiner to learn the full scope of the initiative.