Transforming Education: How Students are Cultivating Food Sustainability at School – Insights from The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

The Tumwater School District is currently grappling with a significant budget crisis that threatens valuable programs, including FRESH, its student farming initiative.

FRESH began nine years ago as a way to help students at risk of dropping out. It offers them the chance to learn about farming while earning credits in subjects like science and social studies. But beyond academics, FRESH provides vital life skills. Students learn about teamwork and how to navigate differences—essential skills for participating in a democratic society.

The program has had a profound impact on many students, like Kaeonna Finnegan. In a recent speech, she shared how FRESH changed her life. She was struggling, failing classes, and felt hopeless. Now she’s on track to graduate a year early. “FRESH shows kids they have a voice,” she said, emphasizing how the program guides students towards becoming confident young adults.

Esra Fife, one of the program’s dedicated teachers, highlights another essential aspect of FRESH: community. She recalls collaborating with students to harvest crops for their local community, demonstrating that FRESH is about more than farming; it’s about cultivating compassion and connection.

Interestingly, the benefits of FRESH extend to the neighborhood too. Before FRESH, Isabella Bush Park suffered from neglect and was a gathering place for unsavory activities. Local residents now see the park transformed thanks to the program, engaging the community in a positive way.

However, budgeting challenges make the future of FRESH uncertain. Statewide, many school districts are experiencing financial issues that force difficult decisions. In Tumwater, partnerships with local organizations and a supportive community may be key to sustaining initiatives like FRESH.

It’s crucial not only to preserve programs like FRESH but also to expand them. According to recent surveys, educational programs that emphasize practical skills and community engagement yield better outcomes for students, which makes a strong case for FRESH to become part of a broader educational mandate.

Experts in education recognize the importance of hands-on learning. They argue that programs integrating life skills with academic learning prepare students for real-world challenges. The lessons learned in FRESH—on stewardship, collaboration, and resilience—will be vital as students navigate an unpredictable world, especially in the context of climate change and social justice.

Yes, the Tumwater School District faces tough choices. But with strong community support and a focus on effective partnerships, there’s hope to not just save FRESH, but also to expand its impact.

Jill Severn, an advocate for community gardening, writes from Olympia, where she’s passionate about sharing knowledge among gardeners. You can reach her at jill@theJOLTnews.com.



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