More than $300K going to programs to encourage children, agriculture

(The Center Square) – Ohio plans to spend more than $300,000 in taxpayer funds to create educational opportunities for children related to agriculture.

The Grow Ohio grants go to 14 communities to support local agricultural education programs, including farm-to-school projects like outdoor or indoor school gardening, hydroponics, collaboration with local food producers and food literacy activities.

According to a release, many programs plan to incorporate food produced in the programs into school meals.

“The programs supported by our Grow Ohio Grants will enrich the lives of children across Ohio,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “My wife, Fran, is passionate about teaching young people where their food comes from and how it gets to their plate, and these programs do just that – offering first-hand experience at the rewarding process of growing, harvesting, and preparing fresh food. In many cases, food from these programs is even brought onto the school lunch menu for all students to enjoy.”

Schools in Vermillion, Cincinnati, Olmsted Falls, Lakewood, Marion, Portsmouth, West Branch, Joseph Badger, Springfield and Southwest Licking County, along with the Buckeye Ranch and Cleveland Child Care, received grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.

The programs had to meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Focus on workforce development and introducing students to food production and agriculture career opportunities.

• Partnership with one or more local farmers, food producers or local food aggregators.

• Sponsors that serve children in communities with high percentages (50% or more) of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

For example, West Branch Schools will use a 3-acre tract of vacant land to expand its farm-to-table program, increase its produce capacity and create an animal husbandry program.

“Teaching our youngsters about food and agriculture is critical to the success of Ohio’s number one industry,” Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge said. “Learning where their food comes from and about the people who produce the product will allow them to gain a deeper connection to agriculture, while inspiring the next generation.”