Connecting Children to the Sources of Their Food
At Meadowlark Schools, we believe children should understand where their food comes from and develop a meaningful connection to the natural systems that sustain us. Our exciting Farm-to-School vision represents the next evolution of our nature-based educational approach.
We're thrilled to announce the acquisition of a 50-acre property just two miles from our Hollister campus. This property, which features Blue Valve water and was previously farmed organically, will become the heart of our expanding educational mission.
Meadowlark Farm School: Our Growing Vision
The 50-acre farm property in Hollister will be developed into Meadowlark Farm School, offering children immersive agricultural experiences alongside our play-based curriculum. The farm will feature:
Organic Crop Production
Growing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains using sustainable practices
Animal Husbandry
Caring for farm animals and learning about their contributions to agricultural systems
Outdoor Learning Environments
Natural spaces designed for exploration, play, and discovery
Food Production Facilities
Spaces where children can participate in processing and preparing food from the farm
This working farm will provide fresh, organic produce for all Meadowlark campuses, creating a direct connection between the food children eat and the land that produces it. It will also serve as a farm school for children 6 weeks - 6 years old.
Why Farm-Based Education Matters
In today's disconnected world, many children have limited understanding of food sources. They may know food comes from grocery stores but have never seen a tomato growing on a vine or watched a chicken lay an egg. This disconnect can lead to poor food choices and a lack of appreciation for natural systems.
Research shows that children who participate in growing food are more likely to:
Try new vegetables and fruits
Develop healthy eating habits
Understand ecological concepts
Appreciate the work involved in food production
Develop stewardship attitudes toward the environment
By incorporating agricultural experiences into our curriculum, we help children develop foundational knowledge that supports science learning, nutritional understanding, and environmental awareness.
Our Current Farm-to-School Practices
While our full farm vision is still developing, we've already integrated farm-to-school concepts at our existing campus:
School Gardens
Children participate in planting, tending, and harvesting vegetables in our campus gardens.
Healthy, Vegetarian Menu
Our meals and snacks emphasize fresh, whole foods, avoiding processed options. We provide wholesome snacks such as soups, vegetables, fruits, homemade breads, pizza, etc.
Food Preparation Activities
Children with the ability to do so can assist with preparing and serving
Compost Systems
Food scraps are composted, teaching children about waste reduction and nutrient cycling.
These existing practices will expand dramatically as we develop our farm property,
creating even more opportunities for meaningful food connections.
Timeline and Development
The farm property development will proceed in phases:
Partnering with local organic farmers to maintain the land's organic status while establishing initial crops
While this development unfolds over the coming years, we'll be allowing farm visits for families to bring their children to tour the farm. We will also provide learning opportunities by bringing animals to the school, allowing current students to benefit from this exciting resource.
Community Connections
Our farm vision extends beyond our school community. We plan to:
- Offer farm-based educational programs for the broader community
- Create opportunities for family involvement in farm activities
- Share surplus produce with local food banks and community organizations
- Host seasonal celebrations connected to agricultural cycles
These initiatives will strengthen our community connections while supporting our educational mission.
Join Our Growing Vision
We invite families to join us in this exciting chapter of Meadowlark Schools' development. The farm represents not just an expansion of our physical space but an evolution of our educational approach—creating even more meaningful ways for children to connect with nature, food, and sustainable living practices.
For families interested in learning more about our farm vision or contributing to its development, please contact us.