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Board approves farm‑to‑table foods course tying Big Sky students to local farms
Summary
Trustees approved a new farm‑to‑table foods course that will be taught at Big Sky High School and emphasize Missoula‑area agricultural products, field trips to local farms and expanded food processing pathway options.
The school board approved a new 'farm‑to‑table foods' course that district staff said will connect Big Sky High School students to local agricultural production and the district's food‑processing pathway.
Teacher Heidi West, who works at the MCPS agricultural center, proposed the course and said it would be housed at Big Sky High School (borrowing an existing classroom) because the center lacks a teaching kitchen. The course will focus on foods grown in Montana and Missoula County, seasonal planning, farm visits and, where appropriate, processing and preservation skills. West said the course aligns with the district’s plant and animal systems pathways and could increase student engagement for those who might not elect traditional production‑based classes.
Trustees discussed logistics, including potential use of Fort Missoula’s unused kitchen and the goal of leveraging existing district meat‑processing facilities. Trustee Walsh praised the proposal and trustees approved the new course by unanimous vote. Staff said details about scheduling and instructional resources will be finalized in implementation steps.
