First Annual School Garden Farmer’s Market

Partnering with Whole Foods Market and Florida Hospital, I co-hosted the First Annual School Garden Farmer’s Market where students were invited to showcase their school garden to the community as well as share ideas and practices with fellow educators. The event also served as an educational opportunity for students, as they were encouraged to price, package, and merchandise their Farm Stand.

“This is an opportunity for students to learn the retail side of agriculture as they will be in charge of pricing, merchandising and selling their produce,” said Vicky Santamaria, Marketing & Community Relations Manager for Whole Foods Market. “We are proud to partner with Florida Hospital and Author D.S. Venetta to support this project for the youth in our community.”

Some schools simply shared what they were doing at school, inspired by others to expand their school garden programs. Such a wide array of gardening experts!

In addition to the school garden Farm Stands, this event featured activity and information stations from organizations such as Fleet Farming, Florida Hospital’s Mission Fit, Winter Park Honey, The Fresh Stop Bus, and the Amazon Treasure Truck.

Three area chefs conducted Garden Inspired demonstrations in the store’s produce department. Chef Shirley Stamper of John & Shirley’s Catering, Chef Allyson Van Lenten of Edible Education Experience and Chef Zac Kara from Master Chef Jr. Garden-inspired recipes included Asian Slaw, Homemade Fresh Pasta & Tomato Sauce and Grilled Pineapple Lettuce Wraps. All were delicious!

And what fun would there be without prizes? Courtesy of Whole Foods Market, of course!

Overall, it was a great day enjoyed by all and we look forward to making this an annual event. A huge thank you to Florida Hospital for sponsoring the event, as well as to the Whole Foods Market team that worked tirelessly to host the event. The kids worked hard, too, and their efforts were evident in every farm stand.

If you would like information on organizing a similar event for your area, contact dsvenetta@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to assist!