Oct. 08, 2024
HARRISBURG – Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) announced today the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) has awarded $15,000 to West Middlesex Area School District. The funding is through PDA’s Farm-to-School grant program aimed at improving access to healthy, local food and increasing hands-on learning for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The grant will be used to fund a West Middlesex Area project called “Stronger Communities, Deeper Roots.” This project aims to transform elementary STEM education by installing aquaponic systems in science classrooms. This program engages students with hands-on learning to foster a love of local food while cultivating the next generation of 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 said. “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.”
More than $460,000 in Farm-to-Table grants were awarded throughout the Commonwealth. West Middlesex Area School District received the maximum grant award.
Representative Parke Wentling
7th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jake Gillespie
717-772-9834
JGillespie@pahousegop.com
RepWentling.com