Hi There -

Did you know it's National Farm to School Month? Since 2010, the National Farm to School Network has celebrated and supported vibrant farm to school and early care connections each October (and every other day, too!) This year, their activities are centered on amplifying youth leadership around six community values – economic and environmental justice, health, racial equity, workers’ rights, and animal welfare – for a racially just food system. Learn more, here. We hope you take a moment to reflect on your role in farm to school and how your work relates to these six community values

Thanks, and take good care!

Vera Simon-Nobes
FBEN Coordinator

Photo: National Farm to School Network
Upcoming Workshops with FBEN
FBEN Community Check-In with Melisa Oliva
October 21 | 4:30 EST / 1:30 PT

You're invited to gather on Zoom for a conversation on what's new and exciting in your world of farm-based education. For the first 15 minutes we'll feature the work Melisa Oliva, FBEN Advisory Board member and the marketing, customer service, and wellness manager for Ananda Gardens, a vegetable farm in Montpelier, VT.


Job Alert: Shelburne Farms and Project GROWS
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne VT
Hiring a Food Systems/Farm to School Professional Learning Facilitator. Learn more...

Project Grows, Staunton, VA
Hiring an Executive Director. Learn more...
Fundraising Feature
We could all use a little help raising funds! This month we're featuring Ayiti Konsè Vèt (Keep Haiti Green), a school gardening and literacy organization in Northeast Haiti. Learn more about the duo, Wedly and Wedens Decéus, agronomists who run the organization, and their perseverance in the face of social upheaval and natural disasters, including significant drought which they are facing today. Consider sharing their story through your social media feeds to give them a boost.

Are you facing fundraising milestone yourself? Let us know if you want to feature your own organization, or another one you admire in this space next month!
Mark Your Calendars
The Growing School Gardens Summit is taking place April 22 - 25, 2022 in Denver, CO. The call for presentations is open now through November 4! At this inaugural gathering the organizers are dedicated to hosting an experience that is respectful, representative of and accountable to their partners and participants. Learn more and save the date.
Teaching in Nature’s Classroom: Free Online Course for Educators

This course will be offered January 24 - May 9, 2022. Presented by Life Lab, Rooted, and the Wisconsin School Garden Network, the course was developed as a companion to the book Teaching in Nature’s Classroom: Principles of Garden-Based Education. It's an opportunity for educators new to outdoor and garden-based learning, as well as educators who are experienced in the field, to consider best practices and reflect on their own teaching practice in outdoor learning environments, with a focus on school and community youth gardens. More information...
Unsettling Thanksgiving in Your Curriculum Webinar

What is Thanksgiving? How did it evolve into the holiday we observe today? Join Shelburne Farms and guests to dig into primary sources, multiple perspectives and regional resources to co-construct a fuller understanding of the myths and truths of the Thanksgiving story. Together you'll unsettle what you know, don’t know, and how you teach about Thanksgiving. More info and registration.
Virtual Series: Culturally-Responsive Place-Based Education

This November through May, MSU Tollgate Farm is hosting a virtual professional development panel discussion series for formal and non-formal educators about learning to better incorporate the perspectives of those with whom we work in schools and educational programs. Moderators and panelists from each community provide a chance for educators to deepen their teaching practice in a safe online space for open conversation and community. SCHECHs are available for teachers. Culturally-Responsive Place-Based Education will begin November 4th with a session on indigenous perspectives & experiences of maple sugaring especially as they relate to learning about maple sugaring in schools and place-based education centers. More info and registration...
What Questions Do Your Kids Have About Agriculture?
The American Farm Bureau Foundation is here to help you answer them! Through their "Kids' Questions about Agriculture" project, submit your kids'/students' questions about food and farming- they will have a real farmer or rancher answer the question with a video reply.

Check out this week's question and answer and submit your own here.
Professional Learning Certificates through Goucher College
Goucher College Online Environmental Certificate includes two great programs, Environmental Education Leadership and Climate Change Education! These programs are for working professionals in environmental program management, formal and non-formal education, policymakers, center directors and curators. Engage and network with your professional cohort, learn from excellent online practitioner-instructors, and vibrant curriculum to deep your knowledge and critical skills. Chose 2 core courses and 2 electives to complete your certificate in two to three 8-week semesters with classes in Environmental Education Leadership, Community-Based Conservation, Climate Change Science and Society, *Farm and Forest-Based Education*, Systems Thinking, and more. More information and to apply! 
Congratulations RootDown LA
(and others!)

FBEN Member, RootDown LA and several other amazing food and farm organizations were recipients of the latest 2021 Eat the Change grants. The next funding cycle opens in March, 2022.