Local students host Farmer’s Market while supporting non-profits

Students at Gary A. Knox Elementary School work hand-in-hand with their teachers to learn more about the multi-billion-dollar farming industry while growing vegetation for the community.

On January 16, 2019, Gary A. Knox Elementary School hosted their first Farmer’s Market of the new year, with support from JV Smith Companies.

The students were surprised by a visit from Squeezed Juices and Smoothie Bar owner, Renee Alcala, who stopped by the students Farmers’ Market and purchased several bags of spinach and kale for their menu.

“The garden has been a wonderful learning experience for our staff, our students, and our school community. Our school is blessed to continue our partnership with Vic Smith and JV Smith Companies,” Laura Hurt, Principal at Gary A. Knox said.

“Because we have learned from them, our kids understand the self-sustainability of gardening and farming, and are so proud to live in this community, the winter lettuce capital of the world,” she added.

From start to finish, students are involved in the growing and harvesting process. Students learn food safety principles, nutritional, and dietary significance.

The Farmer’s Market is an opportunity for the school to open its doors in a fun, fresh, and healthy way.

The market goes the extra mile by supporting local non-profits like Crossroads Mission.

After each harvest, all the food that is not purchased or consumed is then hand-delivered to the mission to provide families with fresh produce.