State Representative Parke Wentling | Pennsylvania 7th Legislative District
State Representative Parke Wentling | Pennsylvania 7th Legislative District
Rep. Parke Wentling has announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) awarded $15,000 to the West Middlesex Area School District. The funds come from PDA's Farm-to-School grant program, which aims to enhance access to healthy, local food and promote hands-on learning for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The grant will support a project called "Stronger Communities, Deeper Roots" in West Middlesex Area schools. This initiative plans to incorporate aquaponic systems into elementary science classrooms as part of their STEM education. The program seeks to engage students with practical learning experiences, encouraging an appreciation for local food and nurturing future scientists.
"As a former technology teacher, I can tell you that one of the best ways for kids to engage in the classroom is to give them hands-on learning opportunities," Wentling stated. "This project in West Middlesex schools is the perfect example of how a fun and interesting experience can provide as many learning opportunities, if not more, than a traditional lecture or PowerPoint."
Overall, more than $460,000 in Farm-to-Table grants were distributed across the Commonwealth, with West Middlesex Area School District receiving the maximum grant amount.
Alerts Sign-up