Growing the Next Generation of Food Entrepreneurs
The Catskill Edible Garden Project (CEGP) works with area schools to build vegetable gardens, integrate garden based education programs into school curriculum, and offer summer employment to select area students. It affords all students and their communities the opportunity to grow and eat healthy local food, and learn about the importance of agriculture to the vibrancy of our region.
The goals of the program are to:
- Raise awareness of the components of a strong local food system
- Identify the connection between food, nutrition, health and environmental issues
- Introduce students to possible career paths in agriculture and food production
- Produce fresh, healthy food for local schools and food pantries
The Catskill Edible Garden Project is a collaboration between Catskill Mountainkeeper, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Green Village Initiative and Sullivan Renaissance.
The following farms and businesses are assisting or have assisted the CEGP in fulfilling its mission. For more information on them, please click on the links below.
- Berry Brook Farm
- Bethel Creamery
- Root ‘N Roost Farm
- Silver Heights Nursery
- Willow Wisp Farm
- Channery Hill
- Beaverkill Trout Hatchery
- Apple Pond Farm
- The Arnold House
- Early Bird Cookery
- Korwan Tree Farm
What's Next
CMK is currently working with project partners and other local advocacy and educational organizations to develop and assist with the integration of garden-based activities and curriculum within more schools in our region. Emphasis will be placed on promoting within the nine participating CEGP schools the Farm to School Initiative, the three core pillars of which are:
Procurement: Local foods are purchased, promoted and served in the cafeteria or as a snack or taste-test;
Education: Students participate in education activities related to agriculture, food, health or nutrition; and
School gardens: Students engage in hands-on learning through gardening.
To find out how to get involved and learn more about what’s next for our project, please read on or contact us!
