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Farm to School program reports gardens at every building, seeks continued grant support
Summary
Sola Gradia and the district update the board: school gardens now operate at all 10 schools, classroom/garden curriculum kits are in use, Harvest of the Month reached middle/high school, and funding relies on USDA Farm to School grants, City of Urbana grants and USD 116 support; staff said a recent plants grant was denied and they continue seeking funds.
Representatives from Sola Gradia and the district’s Farm to School program told the board on May 7 that the initiative has expanded since its 2020 start to support active garden spaces at all 10 district schools and provide curriculum and garden kits for pre‑K through grade 5 classrooms.
Jenny Flowers, the district’s Farm to School coordinator, and Fiona Munroe of Sola Gradia described three program pillars: sourcing local produce for lunchrooms, supporting school gardens and garden coordinators, and providing agriculture education that connects students to careers and local food systems. "We started by supporting the development and maintenance of garden spaces at all schools, and we're really proud that all 10 schools now have some sort of garden space that's active," Munroe said.
The presenters said the program has partnered with Quest (food service) on a Harvest of the Month sampling program and has worked with local farmers and partners to create a local foods directory for teachers and field trips. They highlighted internships created this year to support garden work and outreach, and said 20 classroom/garden kits have been checked out so far.
On funding, staff said the program has been supported by the USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program, City of Urbana youth services grants, and USD 116 contributions. They reported one grant for plant supplies was denied earlier that day and said they are pursuing other funding streams. Officials also flagged administrative barriers for small farmers to sell directly to schools and said they will help Quest and local producers navigate certification and distributor requirements.
Board members and staff exchanged practical follow‑ups about using garden produce on the lunch line, curriculum examples (a fourth‑grade kit on food miles), and possible family workshops to bring garden skills home. Presenters said they will continue outreach and share the program newsletter and resources with the board.
