The Arkansas Farm to School newsletter is buzzing with excitement this month as we celebrate significant milestones in our commitment to agricultural education and innovation. A highlight of the month was the STEAM Freight Farm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools. This state-of-the-art hydroponic farm, housed within a shipping container, represents a cutting-edge approach to sustainable farming and hands-on learning. Students and community members gathered to mark the opening of this transformative space, which will not only enhance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics) education but also provide fresh, locally grown produce to the school and surrounding community.
We are thrilled to share that JLCS has been named the Best Harvest Partnership School Garden in this year’s Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest! Sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas, this program highlights the vital role of engaging young people in fresh food production and cultivation, fostering hands-on learning and a deeper connection to sustainable agriculture.
In addition to the Freight Farm initiative, the school has seen remarkable success with its Beyond the Walls experiences, where students engage directly with agricultural practices outside the classroom. From field trips to local farms to interactive workshops with agricultural professionals, these programs deepen students' understanding of food systems and spark an interest in farming and sustainability.
Read the full newsletter, created by our own scholars, HERE!
