By Diana Pena
Diana Pena is a CDC Public Well being Affiliate serving because the Farm to Faculty Coordinator on the Georgia Division of Public Well being. She additionally helps the Georgia Organics Farm to Faculty crew in our work to realize Georgia Farm to Faculty alliance and Farm to Early Care and Training strategic plan targets.
Georgia Organics and the Georgia Division of Public Well being (GA DPH) have partnered to ascertain the Farm to Faculty Innovation Mini Grant Program. These funds help farm to highschool initiatives that:
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Improve entry to native, contemporary, organically grown meals
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Embrace culturally responsive meals and training,
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Improve native meals procurement,
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And/or profit Georgia-certified organics farmers in different methods.
To study extra concerning the Farm to Faculty Innovation Mini-Grant Program click on right here.
We’re excited to focus on Mini-Grant Awardee: Fannin County Faculty System. Martha Williams, Director of Diet and Wellness and agriculture instructor Seth Davis (pictured under) are main the Farm to Faculty Innovation Mini-Grant challenge at Fannin County Center Colleges.
All photographs have been offered by Martha Williams 
After receiving details about this grant, Mr. Davis got here up with a brand new agricultural endeavor that may strengthen their program at FCMS: vermicomposting.
Vermicomposting is vital as a result of it boosts vitamins accessible to vegetation and enhances soil construction and drainage.
One of many challenges Fannin County Center Colleges had was buying and receiving the vermicomposting gear. Martha stories, “in a time of provide chain deficits, this program took longer to provoke than anticipated.” Regardless of this problem, Martha states that, “the success of this system highlights the value of the endeavor.”
Martha shares that the scholars of FCMS, “beloved being a part of the method and look ahead to seeing what the worms are doing every day.” She even says, “a few of the fertilizer is getting used to develop cilantro for a Taco Tuesday style take a look at.”
Martha and Mr. Davis are hoping to proceed this vermicomposting challenge and prolong this chance to different college students in FCMS! Martha shares that she and Mr. Davis are working collectively to develop their vermicomposting system past the classroom actions and hope to, “[include] a few of the cafeteria’s waste stream for his nutrient supply. The by-products of the vermicomposting will likely be used as fertilizer when potting vegetation for FCMS greenhouse.”
Lastly, Martha shares, “we’re excited to foster this symbiotic relationship between man and the surroundings. Fueling Georgia’s future whereas offering significant, hands-on experiences is an superior alternative for all stakeholders!” Sustain the nice work Fannin County!
To study extra about Georgia Organics, go to georgiaorganics.org, and comply with us on social media @GeorgiaOrganics and at fb.com/GeorgiaOrganics. To study extra about Fannin County Faculty System go to: www.fannin.k12.ga.us and to see updates of their ongoing Mini-Grant comply with them: https://www.fb.com/fannincountyschoolsystem/
