Daley announces ‘Farm to School’ grant for Colonial SD elementary students

PLYMOUTH MEETING, May 4 – Young students from Colonial School District in Montgomery County will be able to learn about nutrition and farming thanks to a $4,125 Farm to School Grant from the Department of Agriculture, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley announced.

The funding, part of nearly $400,000 in statewide projects announced late last week by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, seeks to improve access to healthy, local foods while increasing knowledge of Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector for children pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

“I am thrilled for these students from Colonial School District, whose hunger for knowledge of agriculture will undoubtedly be satisfied after enjoying delicious, nutritional food straight from local farmers,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “Any time we can promote health, education and access to new opportunities for our youngest citizens, you can count on my support!”

According to a news release from the Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Farm Bill Farm to School Grant Program aims to enrich the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early childhood education sites.

Any school district, charter school or private school with pre-kindergarten classes, kindergarten, or elementary through fifth grade – regardless of offering in-person, virtual, or hybrid instruction models – was eligible to apply for the program.