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Bringing Fresh Experiences to the Classroom
At Arlington Heights School District 25, our Food & Nutrition Services Department, in collaboration with our teaching staff, goes beyond the cafeteria to bring engaging, hands-on experiences into the classroom. Through interactive taste tests and special classroom activities, we help students discover new flavors and explore fresh, nutritious options in a fun and supportive environment. Our goal is simple: to nourish not only the bodies of our students but also their curiosity and appreciation for fresh, healthy food. Because when students are engaged and excited about what’s on their plate, they’re better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed!
One exciting initiative is our Fork Farm Initiative, where students have the opportunity to grow and harvest their own vegetables and fruits right in their classrooms! This hands-on experience allows them to see the growing process firsthand, fostering a deeper connection to the food they eat.
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Fork Farm Initiative
Through the Fork Farm Initiative, students have the unique opportunity to grow and harvest their own vegetables right in their classrooms. This hands-on experience helps them learn about where food comes from while fostering a deeper appreciation for fresh, healthy ingredients. Watching their plants grow encourages curiosity, responsibility, and a connection to the food they eat.
The Fork Farm Initiative is made possible with the generous support of the ABC25 Foundation, whose commitment to innovation and hands-on learning has helped bring this experience to our classrooms. We are grateful for their dedication to enriching student learning and fostering a deeper connection to fresh, healthy food.
Click on the school to see the photos and progress of what our students have grown!
Farm Happenings in School Year 2024-2025:
Dryden Elementary LMC: Basil, Lettuce, and Currently Growing Cucumbers
Patton Elementary 3rd Grade - Strawberries; Currently Growing Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Olive Mary Stitt 4th Grade - Currently Growing Romaine, Butterhead & Summer Crisp Lettuce
Westgate Garden Club - Basil and Lettuce VarietiesFarm Happenings in School Year 2023-2024:
Dryden Elementary LMC & 4th grade: Basil and Lettuce Varieties
Ivy Hill Elementary 4th grade: Lettuce Varieties
Patton Elementary Garden Club: Lettuce Varieties
Thomas Middle School: Basil and Lettuce Varieties
Windsor Elementary: Basil and Lettuce Varieties -
Taste Testing
Our taste-testing experiences give students the chance to explore new and exciting flavors right in their classrooms. By sampling fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods, they expand their palates in a fun and engaging way. These hands-on experiences encourage students to make healthier choices while discovering foods they may not have tried before.
