USDA Farm to School Grant Program

The USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program that was provided to BCPS (2024-26) equipped six schools to incorporate garden herbs into cafeteria meals. Funds from the grant, with matching funds from the Broward Education Foundation, were used to procure and install materials for harvesting and cleaning the bounty in compliance with regulations and in accordance with food safety plans.  Each site had a diverse Edible Garden Team trained and have ongoing access to online video resources.

Background:  Broward County, the second most populous county in Florida, faces rapid land development, leaving few local farms.  Schools serve as vital spaces for agricultural education, impacting over 265,000 students from diverse backgrounds. Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) aims to enhance agricultural literacy and sustainability through the Broward's Urban Bounty program in partnership with key organizations.

This initiative is designed to set a precedent for fostering healthy food choices and environmental stewardship among Broward's diverse student population.

The six schools in this grant are: Collins Elementary, Forest Glen Middle, McArthur High, Miramar High, and Ramblewood Elementary.