Page 19 - Demo

19Enhance Wellness Throughout the DistrictFarm Field Trips - Growing Our OwnBeginning in December 2023, SFS organized Farm Field Trips for five middle schools, benefiting a total of 250 students. These students embarked on a journey beyond their classroom walls, visiting a local farm for a unique hands-on experience. Carefully designed to integrate sensory exploration of agriculture with academic standards, the trip seamlessly blended education and adventure.At Stitt Ranch in Clewiston, students explored vibrant green corn stalks, sugarcane, green bean plants, and cabbage, delving into plant biology, agriculture, and nutrition.Witnessing corn harvesting and picking ears from the stalks, they marveled at the transition from field to table, claiming it was the best they had ever tasted. During lunch, students sampled sugarcane and fresh green beans from the farm and participated in discussions about plant life cycles and nutrition.Further academic ties were reinforced with a visit to a packaging plant, where students observed how harvested vegetables were packaged for distribution to their school. Lessons in supply chains, economics, and environmental sustainability came alive, highlighting local agriculture%u2019s impact on the community.As the day progressed, students gained a deeper understanding of their academic lessons and forged a connection with their food%u2019s origins. The local farm served as a living classroom, bridging theory and practice, fostering an appreciation for agricultural complexities. This experiential learning underscored that education thrives beyond textbooks and classrooms when students immerse themselves in the world around them.Stitt Ranch in Clewiston