As the days grow longer and gardens burst into life, Farm to School programs are thriving right alongside the crops. With school soon coming to a close, summer offers unique opportunities to connect students and communities to fresh, local food—even when school is out. It’s a season full of hands-on learning, networking, and growth. From garden camps and farm visits to farmers markets and summer meal programs featuring local produce, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the spirit of Farm to School alive during the coming sunny months.
We’re shining a spotlight on the professional development opportunities that help grow the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to keep Farm to School thriving year-round. From workshops and farm tours to curriculum trainings and collaborative gatherings, there’s no better time to cultivate your own learning.
A very exciting opportunity is the Educator’s Ag Institute!
June 22-27, 2025 | State College, PA | Registration closes May 25
PA Friends of Ag Foundation’s 2025 Educator’s Ag Institute provides a unique learning experience for PreK-12th formal educators, pre-service teachers, and informal community educators to learn how to bring agriculture into their classrooms. Attendees will learn valuable information from those involved in agriculture, including farmers, university professors, and agricultural leaders, through educational tours to Penn State University’s main campus and local family-run farms and hands-on classroom sessions.- Two tracks are available: 1.0 – for first-time attendees and 2.0 – for returning attendees. Attendees will receive educational resources and will have the option to earn up to 25-28 Act 48 hours. Learn more and register here!
There will be several PA Harvest of the Month (PA HOM) Culinary Training Sessions offered by PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education). PDE, through Penn State (Project PA) will once again be offering hands-on Culinary Training Sessions for School Food Service Personnel led by Chef Bill Scepansky, Smart Partners LLC. This summer’s sessions will focus on Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month (PA HOM). These sessions are designed to help you plan, prepare, and present attractive meals that students will enjoy. They are also designed to introduce you to PA HOM and provide ideas for implementing the program in your schools.
- Dates, Time, and Locations Vary
- Three 2-day hands-on culinary sessions focusing on PA HOM in summer of 2025
- Travel scholarships ($200) available
- Up to $1,000 available to participating schools to conduct PA HOM taste-tests
- Additional information is available on the Project PA website
SNAPA will be hosting its 2025 Annual Conference!
July 28 – 31, 2025 | Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA
SNAPA’s Annual Conference is a premier event designed exclusively for Pennsylvania’s School Nutrition leaders and staff to engage in a variety of professional development and network with colleagues and partners from across the state.- During the week, attendees will have opportunities to engage in informative sessions, see and taste what our industry partners have to offer, and get to know other members at pre-conference events and the receptions and dinners. Dedicated networking times are interspersed to foster meaningful connections with peers and industry partners.
- Learn more and register here!
Whether you’re cultivating curiosity with young ones, refining culinary skills, or connecting with fellow educators and food service professionals, summer is full of opportunities to grow. These upcoming events are just a few of the ways we can continue to nourish minds, strengthen communities, and keep Farm to School momentum going strong all year long. We hope to see you there.