Lawrence Times

Reps. Aaron Bernstine and Marla Brown have announced that two recipients in Lawrence County have been awarded Farm-to-School Grants. This initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture aims to improve access to healthy, local food and provide agricultural learning experiences for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Brown expressed her enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “These grants not only help connect children to local, healthy food but also enhance their agricultural education through hands-on experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to enrich the lives of our students and strengthen our local food systems.”

Bernstine highlighted the importance of these projects by saying, “These projects demonstrate the importance of connecting students with Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage and nutritious, locally grown food. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants will have on our community.”

The awardees in Lawrence County include Laurel School District and Lawrence County Social Services. The Laurel School District received $7,500 to purchase a freezer for storing locally sourced fresh beef as part of the Pennsylvania Beef for PA Schools program. This ensures students have access to high-quality local meat.

Lawrence County Social Services was granted $15,000 for its Healthy Start Ag and Nutrition Center. The funds will maintain grow zones and cover costs for early learning field trips where students can explore gardens, greenhouses, and hydroponic labs while participating in Harvest of the Month activities. Additionally, funds will support agriculture and nutrition programming at family engagement events.

Overall, the PA Farm-to-School Grant Program distributed $462,607 across 45 schools, school districts, and childhood education centers in 26 counties.