What began in March quickly turned into an impressive run: in just a few short months, Foodlink hosted 36 field trips, welcoming more than 1,200 third-grade students from 24 of 26 Rochester City School District (RCSD) schools to the farm. These visits were part of an exciting partnership with Rochester Ecology Partners to bring hands-on learning experiences to students across the district, with a focus on sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and local food systems.

Throughout their time at the farm, students got their hands in the soil—literally. They explored composting and environmental sustainability, learned how food is grown and harvested, and engaged in lessons around healthy eating and cooking. Students also had the opportunity to plant and take home their own starter plants—four each, totaling more than 4,600 plants now growing in gardens and homes across our community.

This incredible season was made possible thanks to the dedication of our Farm team and Nutrition Educators, who welcomed students day after day, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Hosting 36 field trips in such a short window is no small feat, and their work ensured each visit was meaningful, hands-on, and memorable.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on this momentum. Our goal is to welcome every third-grade classroom across RCSD next year—and expand opportunities to reach even more grade levels—continuing to deepen connections between students, their food, and the environment.

While the school-year field trips may be wrapping up, the learning doesn’t stop here. This summer, Foodlink and Rochester Ecology Partners are once again teaming up to host “Growing Good,” a summer enrichment program that invites children across Greater Rochester to keep exploring, planting, and discovering where food comes from—all while having fun in the sun.

From the first field trip in March to the final visits in June, this season has shown just how powerful hands-on education can be—and we’re just getting started.