Farm to School Program

Farm to School

EHPS Farm to School Vision Statement

The East Hartford Farm to School Program values strong relationships that connect students, families, educators, local farmers, and community partners. We are committed to supporting local agriculture and providing all students with access to nourishing, culturally inclusive school meals, hands-on learning in outdoor spaces, and an understanding of where food comes from. By building bridges between schools and local agriculture, we foster a resilient, connected, and thriving community.

What is Farm to School?

Farm to School is a program that connects students to fresh, locally grown foods through hands-on experiences in the cafeteria, classroom, and community. In the cafeteria, students enjoy school meals that incorporate local produce and engage in taste testing activities of new foods. In the classroom – both indoors and in outdoor learning spaces (i.e. school gardens), students engage in lessons about agriculture, nutrition, and the food system. In the community, partnerships with local farmers and organizations provide opportunities for farm visits and events that bring community members together. By integrating these three areas, Farm to School helps students build healthy habits, supports local agriculture, and strengthens the connection between schools and their communities.





2026-2027 School Year Goals

  • Secure dedicated funds for a permanent Farm to School Coordinator.
  • Reach 1 new school with an indoor garden space.
  • Facilitate taste tests at all 8 elementary schools within EHPS
  • Engage families and community members through regular communication and outreach efforts in order to boost student participation in FTS and program awareness.
  • More regularly incorporate more locally-sourced, scratch-cooked items into school meals.

Local Farm Partnerships

  • Handel Family Farm, East Hartford, CT
  • Holcomb Farm, Granby, CT
  • Cloverleigh Farm, Columbia, CT
  • Oxen Hill Farm, Suffield, CT
  • Hasting Farm, Suffield, CT
  • Blooms of Lost Acres, Granby, CT
  • Forest Mill Farm, Coventry, CT
  • Hytone Farm, Coventry, CT
  • The Garlic Farm, Granby, CT
  • Dzen Farms, Ellington, CT
  • Northwest Park, Windsor, CT
  • H2O Farm, Guilford, CT

Meet our Farm to School Coordinator: Emma Fetridge

Emma Fetridge

Emma graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in Food Systems and Community & International Development. She began working with East Hartford Public Schools during the 2024-2025 school year, as a FoodCorps member. In June 2025, Emma transitioned into the full-time Farm to School Coordinator position. She brings a background in food and nutrition education, school gardens, family engagement events, local sourcing, and community outreach to this role. Emma is also a steering committee member for the Connecticut Farm to School Collaborative and will be participating in the Farm to School Leadership Academy during the 2026-2027 school year.

As a Farm to School Coordinator, Emma connects students to locally grown food and knowledge about where food comes from through cafeteria taste tests, classroom cooking lessons, farm field trips, and garden education/programming. She strives to create a fun, safe environment for students to try new foods and learn new cooking/gardening skills through hands-on lessons and community programming.

Reach out to Emma at [email protected] with questions or to get involved with programming.

Contacts:

Chris Avtges
Foodservice Director
[email protected]
860-568-4252

Carolyn Pancarowicz MS, RD
Registered Dietitian
[email protected]

Emma Fetridge
Farm to School Coordinator
[email protected]




Follow Us On Social Media:

East Hartford Farm to School Facebook

East Hartford Farm to School Instagram


East Hartford Hunger Action Team Facebook