FARM TO SCHOOL
Canandaigua CSD Farmers Market: Cultivating a Love for Local Agriculture
BY GEOFFREY FASY Director of Food Service Canandaigua City School District
Each year, the community circle at Canandaigua Primary and Elementary School come alive with the sights, smells, and sounds of a bustling farmers market — a cherished tradition that continues to grow stronger with each passing year. This annual event, was designed to connect students with local farmers and food producers. Today, it has blossomed into a full community celebration that brings together Five local farms, a Maple Syrup producer, a local restaurant, the Canandaigua Police Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Thompson Hospital, and an Apple Cider producer . A Hands-On Learning Experience With over 1,350 students participating, the Canandaigua Farmers Market offers an authentic learning experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Students explore a variety of local products, meet the farmers and producers who create them, and learn the importance of supporting the region’s agricultural community. Students will have 6 straight years, to gain valuable lessons in decision-making, financial literacy, and community engagement — all through real-world interactions with local vendors. The goal is simple yet powerful: to plant the seeds of appreciation for where food comes from and how local choices make a difference. Building Bridges Between School and Community A key part of the program’s success is the collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension, whose educators visit first-grade classrooms the week before the event. Their engaging presentations introduce young learners to the concept of farmers markets and the benefits of buying local, setting the stage for the excitement to come. Students also receive colorful brochures to take home, highlighting the participating vendors and where families can find their stands throughout the season. This not only helps raise awareness but encourages families to continue supporting local farms and producers outside the school setting. Lasting Impact Perhaps the most rewarding part of this initiative is hearing from the students themselves. Many share their excitement about seeing familiar faces at local stands or visiting a market for the first time with their families. Those small moments of connection show that the message is taking root. “We want our students to understand that supporting local agriculture isn’t just about food — it’s about community,” said organizers of the event. “When students get excited about meeting a farmer or recognizing a local brand, it shows that these lessons are making a real impact.” Growing Together As the Canandaigua Farmers Market continues to evolve, its mission remains the same: to strengthen the connection between students and their community through local food and shared experiences. By fostering an early appreciation for agriculture, the school is helping shape informed, community-minded consumers for years to come. In the words of many staff and volunteers, the hope is that this tradition continues to inspire — reminding everyone that supporting our local farms is one of the most important investments we can make for our future. ■
45
FreshBites
WINTER 2026
Powered by FlippingBook