Microfarm an Outdoor Classroom for River Valley Students

Helping kids stay healthy is key to their success in school and in life.

That was the motivation behind River Valley Local Schools' RV FARM in Caledonia, Ohio, a village in Marion County. Established in 2023 on the grounds of the school district's high school and middle school campus, the microfarm is an outdoor classroom of sorts with lessons incorporated into the school district's curriculum.

"This microfarm provides students with hands-on learning experiences around sustainable farming practices, nutrition, and producing food for the community," said Brent Herdman, Food Service Director at River Valley Local Schools. "At the same time, it's an opportunity for our food service department to offer truly fresh, locally grown produce in our cafeterias."

Today, the RV FARM (Fresh. Accessible. Resourceful. Mindful) has grown significantly beyond the school district's original plan, said Brent, crediting support from the Ohio Department of Health's Creating Healthy Communities program, Marion Public Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and a combination of private/corporate donations, grants, and funds raised by his food service team.

Students nurture plants from seeds to harvest on three acres of growing space. The farm includes 50 indoor raised beds, two outdoor gardens (8,200 square feet), 35 fruit trees, and a variety of berry bushes (blackberry, blueberry, raspberry). It also includes several pollinating gardens and two honeybee hives.

In 2024, the crops produced over 6,000 pounds of produce, from beets to zucchini and a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in between.

Brent said the goal for the produce and crops is for at least 80% to be used in the kitchens at River Valley, making it possible for students to enjoy the fruit of their labor through quality produce. The produce is also shared or sold in the community; the proceeds support the food service department, the farm, and student meals.

"While the farm offers a relatively large space for a school garden and supports a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, I want students to realize that growing fresh, healthy produce doesn't require a lot of land or money," he said. "Through simple, hands-on projects - like growing potatoes in a feed sack or planting tomatoes in a plastic bucket - we teach them that anyone can grow their own food with just a few basic resources."

As the RV FARM's third year begins, River Valley is working with Marion Public Health on wellness initiatives to help reinforce the microfarm, focusing on nutrition for students, staff, and the whole River Valley community. With continued support from the Creating Healthy Communities program, the future is full of possibilities.

"We believe this will help our students, families, and community build lifelong skills to achieve a more self-sustaining and healthier lifestyle," said Brent.

Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff called the farm "an innovative way to demonstrate to students the importance of nurturing their bodies with healthy food choices, lessons that will serve them throughout their lives."

"We look forward to watching this farm continue to grow, as well as the valuable lessons and nutrition it provides students and the community!" said Dr. Vanderhoff.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) strives to increase opportunities for physical activity in communities and to improve access to healthy foods. Launched in 2010, ODH's CHC program currently supports projects across 31 health districts in Ohio. Its Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) mini grant has helped to expand those efforts in Ohio communities since 2022.

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Pictured below: Outdoor and indoor crops on the RV FARM in Marion County include blackberries, peppers, apples, pumpkins, spinach, and other assorted fruits, vegetables, and herbs. (Photos contributed by River Valley Local Schools.)