The School Nutrition Foundation is holding an online fundraiser to support school nutrition professionals, who are working on the frontlines during continued COVID-19 feeding campaigns.
They will fund purchases of food and packaging for grab and go meals, mobile carts and kiosks for curbside service, supplies, and personal protective equipment so they and the children they feed remain safe. The campaign has already raised over $29,000 and has more room to grow!
Share the Campaign
The Northeast Farm to School Collaborative has recently started the #CommunitiesFeedKids campaign to recognize the importance of keeping kids happy and healthy during this time. New Hampshire communities are responding to COVID-19 with incredible generosity and ingenuity, recognizing the necessity of school meal programs and the connection to healthy and local food.
Remote Learning Opportunities
Schools might be closed and summer fast approaching, but education doesn't stop outside the classroom! Learning at home can be fun and easy for kids and adults. Here are some resources, a few even created by teachers right here in NH!
- Cooking Fresh by Androscoggin Valley Farm to School - A fun video showing how to make a delicious and fresh tortellini salad with the Fairy Garden Godmother!
- Egg Lessons - Watch this short video by SAU #7 about the incubation and development of chicken eggs. Then, follow up with the "Eggology" lessons by NH Agriculture in the Classroom (grades K-2 or grades 3-5)
- The Cornucopia Project Remote Lessons - These three lessons by the Cornucopia Project teach students about seed development and growth. There are three parts: "Germination of Seeds", "Parts of A Seed", and "A Year in the Life of a Seed"
Gardening Resources
Wondering how you can keep garden education vibrant, even when the school garden is closed? The NH Department of Education has put together an excellent handout with links to other resources for school and community garden educators, as well as ideas for creative lesson ideas (like the seed kits by Androscoggin Valley Farm to School in the photo!) and stories from other organizations and schools. The handout also references an online webinar hosted recently by Cultivating Success with useful public health tips to keep gardeners safe.
You can also visit the School Garden Support Organization, a network built to share resources and conversations from school garden educators in communities across the country. They are hosting a number of COVID-19 related virtual gatherings to answer questions and figure out best practices. The website even has a discussion forum!
UNH Extension Food Maps
Visit the UNH Extension Food Access map which aims to connect NH food pantries and community organizations with those facing food insecurity. There is also a second map for local Farm Products! This map connects NH farmers straight to consumers with up to date information including payment options, potential delivery/pick-up, and more. These maps are both excellent way for people all across the state to find food.
In addition, Extension has partnered with NH Sea Grant to offer a NH Local Seafood Finder. This map shows where to find local seafood around the state to support our state's fishermen and lobstermen, and get the freshest catch.
Please help share these tools, and ask food providers, farmers, and fishers to add themselves to the proper map!