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At Overbrook School for the Blind, extracurricular activities—a key component to each student's Overbrook experience—include a variety of sports, exposure to the arts and now even sustainable agriculture.
In 2009, Overbrook School for the Blind staff designed and implemented a Farm to Table program. Through "Farm to Table", our students learn and connect with sustainable agriculture in a meaningful way. First, the Farm to Table yield stocks the student salad bar which promotes healthy eating and dietary habits on campus. Second, our Farm to Table program creates a holistic experience wherein students not only come to know where their food is grown, but they play an active part in the process, as well.
Grants and Praise
What started out as a series of raised beds has since grown to include an orchard, and has attracted national support with a National Football League's "Play 60" grant, and additional funding from Whole Foods' Whole Kids Foundation. In the region, our Farm to Table program has received plaudits from the Philadelphia Horticultural Society.
Farm to Table Development
To help our Farm to Table program take the next step in its development and to also dramatically increase the program's campus-wide impact, Overbrook School for the Blind is currently in the process of planning and building an on-campus greenhouse. Once complete the Overbrook School for the Blind Greenhouse will provide the Farm to Table program with:
- A fully adaptive and accessible greenhouse;
- A climate-controlled environment that will enable the Farm to Table program to grow crops, plants and flowers year-round; and,
- An on-campus hub where older students in our High School and School to Work programs can gain real-life experience that may result in future employment opportunities.
Check back here for additional details as this exciting project comes to life. If you are interested in supporting the Overbrook School for the Blind Greenhouse, please contact our development office by calling 215-877-0313 ext. 264.
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