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Community Roots
Welcome to Community Roots — a farmer-focused educational campaign that provides resources and educational opportunities to connect students to fruit and vegetable farmers and farms around Rhode Island. The goal of Community Roots is to increase awareness of, and access to, the local food system and Rhode Island grown crops.
Seasonal farm field trips allow students of all ages to see RI farmers in action and hear directly from them about how they grow their crops and why it is important to support local food. Accompanying classroom and cafeteria activities create opportunities for students to dig deeper into topics found in the videos.
Local food benefits our RI community in a number of ways — from supporting the local economy to preserving the environment and nourishing our community with delicious, nutritious foods. We hope these learning opportunities will enhance student understanding and appreciation of these benefits.
Find this information plus a Planning Guide in our How-To Guide.
Seasonal Videos & Activities
Spring & Summer Farm Video
Meet Teodulio Martinez and Ben Torpey, two of the farmers of Urban Edge Farm in Cranston, RI. There are a few things that are special about Urban Edge Farm. The first is that it's not just one farm — 12 farms actually share the land, knowledge, seeds, and techniques along with farm equipment and other resources. And the farmers come from all around the world, bringing crops and techniques from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Teodulio and Ben love growing tomatoes, and show us how their favorite crop grows at the farm.
Classroom Activity Guide
Get more in depth in the classroom with the topics found in the Urban Edge Farm video with these activities for all subjects. Learn about growing tomatoes outdoors and in greenhouses, and what makes Urban Edge Farm unique.
Discussion Question
Have a quick discussion with your class, using this question to kick things off:
What cultures use tomatoes as a staple of their food? What are some examples of these dishes and where can you get them in RI? Compare and contrast different cuisines that use tomatoes.
Winter Farm Video
Come meet hydroponic farmers Katherine Fotiades and Mark Phillips of Skydog Farm in Chepachet, RI. Among other things, they grow a variety of leafy greens. Even in the dead of winter, when the trees have lost their leaves and most plants are dry and dead, you can walk into a Skydog Farm greenhouse and find these hardy plants just growing away!
Classroom Activity Guide
Get more in depth in the classroom with the topics found in the Skydog Farm video with these activities for all subjects. Learn about leafy greens, greenhouses, and the benefits of eating local, seasonal foods.
Discussion Question
Have a quick discussion with your class, using this question to kick things off:
How do alternate forms of growing food help us economically, socially, and environmentally? Brainstorm one way for each and discuss pros and cons.
Autumn Farm Video
Come meet Jim and John Steere of Steere Orchard in Greenville, RI. The Steeres have been supplying RI grown apples to schools for decades, and they love to talk about their orchards, growing process, pollinators, and the importance of family on the farm.
Classroom Activity Guide
Get more in depth in the classroom with the topics found in the Steere Orchard video with these activities for all subjects. Learn about apple anatomy, health benefits, pollinators, and the history of apples in RI.
Discussion Question
Have a quick discussion with your class, using this question to kick things off:
What are the steps involved in getting apples to your plate? Ask your farmer or research the steps from seed to table.
The Farm Fresh RI Community Roots campaign is brought to you thanks to a Speciality Crop Block Grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture.
10 Sims Ave, unit 103
Providence, RI 02909
401-312-4250
farmtoschool@farmfreshri.org
VOLUNTEER
Help facilitate child and family workshops at our outdoor farmers markets! Summer and fall opportunities available, beginning in July. Spanish language skills preferred, but not required. LEARN MORE →
