HISD Awarded USDA Grant to Expand Farm to School Program, Boosting Food and Agriculture Literacy

HISD Awarded USDA Grant to Expand Farm to School Program, Boosting Food and Agriculture Literacy

The Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) Nutrition Services Department has been awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant to enhance its Farm to School program, aimed at increasing food and agriculture literacy among students. Building on the success of past programs like Get Growing Houston and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, HISD will use this funding to develop school gardens at 85 campuses, enabling students to learn about food origins and the importance of agriculture.

The grant supports comprehensive training for 271 educators to incorporate garden-based learning into classrooms, fostering a deeper understanding of nutrition and sustainability. “We are thrilled to have received the USDA’s Farm to School Grant this year,” said Nan Cramer, HISD Nutrition Services Director. “This funding will enable us to expand our garden programs and enhance agriculture and nutrition education for our students, along with involving parents in these initiatives.”

The Farm to School grant also enables HISD to strengthen partnerships with organizations including the Whole Kids Foundation, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services, Texas AgriLife Extension, and the Texas Farm Bureau. This collaborative effort aims to enrich educational experiences by connecting food, health, and the environment, contributing to a healthier future for students and communities alike.