Cambridge, Wisconsin Farm to School Strengthens Organizational Capacity

A Grants in Place award supports a local Farm to School program.

January 24, 2019 |
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Cambridge Farm to School board members accept their Grants in Place award. From the left: Rachel Grauerholz, Erica Lien, Jacy Eckerman, and Ben Timp. (Gate courtesy of the Avid Gardener, Cambridge)

The Rural Schools Collaborative awarded a modest grant and provided technical assistance to Cambridge Farm to School in support of the southern Wisconsin organization's long-term sustainability efforts. The project was part of RSC's Grants in Place program, and it was made possible in part by donations from Steve and Laurie Struss of Cambridge and Grace and Galen Hasler of nearby Madison.

This capacity building project involved project fund management, ensuring organizational sustainability by obtaining nonprofit status, and a modest cash award.

Cambridge Farm to School is a volunteer-run organization that assists with programming and facilitates hands-on education and learning opportunities in the Cambridge School District.

Their core programs currently include:

  • Cambridge Elementary Chef in the Classroom
  • Cambridge Elementary School Compost and Recycling Program
  • Perennial Edible Garden at the Severson Learning Center (School Farm)
  • Collaborative Greenhouse-to-Lunch Program with Cambridge High School Agriculture classes
  • Partnership with Elementary School’s Blue Jay Garden Committee
  • Local Food-to-Cafeteria Lunch Network

Cambridge Farm to School is also committed to collaboration, and they currently work with the following entities:

  • Cambridge School District & Administration
  • Cambridge Wellness Collaborative
  • Cambridge Schools Food Administrator
  • Cambridge Middle and High School Technical Education
  • Cambridge High School Agriculture Classes
  • Local Future Farmers of America and FFA Alumni
  • Severson Learning Center
  • Rural Schools Collaborative
  • Cambridge PTO

The Rural Schools Collaborative's Gary Funk said, "Cambridge Farm to School is truly an exemplary program. We have shared their work with others across our network, and their scope of engagement is really impressive." Funk added, "The Cambridge community is truly fortunate to have such a strong Farm to School effort. Coupled with the new Koshkonong Trails Schools, Cambridge is uniquely positioned to become a regional or even national leader in conservation education and the development of community-based, sustainable food systems."

You can learn more about Cambridge Farm to School by visiting their website.

Pictured below: Laurie and Steve Struss (left) and Grace and Galen Hasler (right)


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