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Walton Farm to School Project Receives Funding
Source: The Walton Reporter
5/21/2009
A new initiative called the Walton Farm to School Project has received $8,000 in start-up funding from New York state, which was arranged through the office of Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch. In addition, a Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) Education Program grant will provide $10,000.
Recently, a community member, Rebecca Morgan, approached the school to partner in this project and was responsible for writing the CWC grant. George and Linda Morgan own land along the east branch of the Delaware River and are supporting their daughter's passion to establish a sustainable organic farm. A portion of the land hosts the community garden project, which began this spring.
The Farm to School Project is envisioned as an effort to understand and adapt to the diverse and changing face of agriculture, to renew agricultural vitality for youth and Walton households, engage students in all aspects of food production and gain a greater understanding of how food systems are connected to fuel, the climate, watersheds, economic opportunities and, ultimately, community sustainability.
The project takes place in the field, as well as in the classroom; in the local schools and groceries, as well as in community households. The student-run farm is scheduled to begin operation this year, with organic vegetables produced in 2010.
A steering committee of Rebecca Morgan, Walton Central School staff and students, including the lunch manager, and outside agencies has begun meeting to plan the implementation of this project.
To this end, the state grant money is targeted to be used to cover start-up expenses for infrastructure and development of the land for next season's crops. The largest planned expense is a greenhouse on the site. The CWC money is targeted to provide partial payment for the part-time farm manager and the largest portion of the grant, for payments to Walton students who will be hired to work the farm.
Superintendent Thomas Austin said, "This is a win-win project, with numerous opportunities for our students and staff to learn, as well as providing a long-term sustainable community project connection."
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