The PA Farm to School Network (PFSN) is excited to announce the launch of a new program to help local communities build and enhance their Farm to School efforts.
The PA Farm to School Community Mentor Program will build capacity for communities to engage in or expand farm to school efforts and build thriving local food systems. Community Mentors will connect and convene individuals – school and early care and education (ECE) educators, school food service directors, farmers, parents, kids – who can collectively leverage their community’s existing expertise, experiences, and resources to enhance local farm to school programming.
From August 2025 – June 2026, 5 Mentors from a diverse set of communities across Pennsylvania will tap into existing networks leading farm to school initiatives in their geographical area and grow involvement from additional community partners who are interested in supporting farm to school initiatives.
Many farm to school practitioners have experienced the power of hearing success stories from peers and having the opportunity to convene with other people who have a shared vision to discuss challenges, ideas and resources. If you’ve ever attended a PFSN virtual open house, you may have already had the opportunity to learn and connect with others – if you haven’t – join us for the next one! This Community Mentor Program will tap into these proven strategies and support local communities in building partnerships and co-creating a holistic action plan for their local farm to school initiatives.
Community Mentors will:
- lead and facilitate in-person or virtual convenings in their local community to assess, discuss, and make decisions about how the group can enhance their farm to school efforts
- be provided with training, technical knowledge and information about resources, professional development and grants to help support their community’s farm to school efforts
- commit to participating in virtual meetings to receive training and guidance including: a 2-3 hour virtual program orientation in August, five 1 hour virtual “Cohort” meetings held bimonthly, and one-on-one check ins with program staff as needed
- receive a $2000 stipend
Do you think your community would benefit from having a dedicated Farm to School Community Mentor? If so, nominate yourself or someone else from your community!
Nomination forms will open June 10 and close July 10. Community Mentors will be selected and notified by the end of July 2025.
Learn more at a virtual info session on Tuesday June 10 at 3:30.