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 Community Mentors from a diverse set of communities across Pennsylvania will leverage their existing networks to lead farm to school initiatives in their geographical area and expand involvement by engaging additional community partners interested in supporting these efforts.
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 within their local community to assess, discuss, and collaboratively decide on strategies for enhancing farm to school initiatives with a diverse group of stakeholders.
- receive training, technical knowledge and information about resources, professional development opportunities and grants to help support and strengthen community’s farm to school efforts within their community.
- commit to participating in virtual meetings to receive training and guidance, including: a 2–3-hour program orientation in August, five 1-hour virtual “cohort” meetings, and one-on-one check-ins with program staff as needed.
- receive a quarterly stipend totaling $2,000 over an 11-month period.
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!
Nominate someone today! Forms close July 10. Community Mentors will be selected and notified by the end of July 2025.
Want to learn more? Watch the June 10th virtual info session