Field trips aren’t just for kid – they’re for learners of all ages! For the 9th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, we’re excited to offer a selection of 11 fields trips across the greater Ohio Valley region for local food advocates to experience farm to cafeteria in action. From food hubs and dairy farms, to healthy hospital cafeterias and college campus farmers, there’s something for every interest and level of expertise. Here’s a snapshot of some of the options:
Interested in farm to college? Experience how colleges in Ohio are making sustainable choices on campus and engaging students in local food systems. The first stop is Wilmington College, where you’ll tour learning labs, greenhouses and a 260-acre crop and animal production farm, as well as hear how students are engaging in rural life issues and training to become the next generation of agricultural leaders. Next, visit the Antioch College Farm, where students and faculty explore environmental conservation and food sustainability. The Farm includes a two-acre growing area with a 600-square foot hoop house, pasture for animal grazing, two acres of food forest, and a composting site. Staffed primarily by Antioch students, the Farm produces 28% of the food served on campus. This “farm to college” field trip will offer new insights into how colleges are empowering students to be food movement leaders and changing local food system.
Perhaps your goal is to reduce food waste in your community through food recover. Deepen your understanding of food waste’s connection to food insecurity through our field trip to La Soupe. To bridge the gap between food waste and hunger, La Soupe rescues otherwise discarded produce to create delicious and nutritious meals for customers, non-profits and food-insecure families in Hamilton County. Each week, La Soupe rescues up to 5,000 pounds of perishables and feeds nearly 2,000 servings via 47 partner agencies - which include schools, community groups, pantries and more. On this field trip, explore the La Soupe kitchen, hear lessons learned about cultivating community partnership, and gain insight into how La Soupe has organized and mobilized a network of dedicated volunteers. Attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Executive Director and Founder Suzy DeYoung and the La Soupe team.
Curious about alternative school garden models? Sitting atop the fourth floor of a century old building, the Rothenberg Rooftop School Garden is home to raised beds, potted plants and a vast array of fruit and vegetable plants that are tended to and harvested by nearly 450 preschool and elementary students. It’s a unique model that serves both students and community by encouraging engagement with the natural environment and promoting issues of nutrition, healthy eating and sustainability. See some sights of Cincinnati along your 30-minute walk from the Duke Energy Center, then dig in with students during a garden lesson and take a first-hand look at how the garden program enriches and supports teachers and students with their learning.
Learn more about each of the 11 field trip opportunities on our conference website. All field trip options are offered as a part of our Full Registration Pass (Education plus Intensive). Additionally, all 11 field trip options can be selected a la carte. Save on all tickets option when you register before the Early Bird deadline on March 9. Learn more and register today at www.farmtocafeteriaconference.org