A Study in Rural Farm to School Success

At Shoals Community Schools, agriculture education is immersive and integrated. Going on 8 successful years, Ben Kent and Megan Hawkins are the two lead teachers behind it. This ecosystem of garden produce, livestock, students as caretakers, cafeteria and culinary class involvement, and not to mention the welding shop class providing equipment pieces, exposes all grade levels to the origin of food.

Our Day in Shoals

I initially connected with Shoals Community Schools as a part of outreach on behalf of FARMWISE Indiana to many schools in the southern region of the state. The outreach was a part of the Indiana Grown for Schools Southern Region Action Team, hoping to learn where districts currently are in their farm to school efforts and what supports may help them move forward. Megan quickly replied with an invitation to a pre-scheduled tour and I was luckily able to attend. Looking back now, I know how truly lucky that was! I was in awe as I saw firsthand what students are able to experience as a part of their ag/shop classes.

The school's on-campus farm produces tree fruit and melons. They care for two cows, a few hogs (when I was there, there was a new litter of piglets), and many chickens. The chickens are fed select food scraps from the cafeteria - a lovely way to avoid food waste! Students experience hands-on learning with care of all these animals. The best part: the education carries over inside the school when possible. For example, meat chickens are used in the culinary classes - on the tour, the culinary teacher shared that they made broth from the bones, used meat from the chickens, and made chicken and dumplings! The melons and sausage periodically make their way into the school meals. The students are involved in every part of the farm. 

Thank you Shoals Community Schools for serving as a model for agriculture and food education!

Laura Stoltz

FARMWISE Indiana, Value Chain Professional