Sixth Graders Become Organic Farmers to Help Address Childhood Hunger

Composting, winterizing plants and harvesting herbs were just a few engaging activities 6th grade Spartans tackled on a recent field trip to Hope Full Farm, a certified organic farm whose non-profit mission is addressing childhood hunger in Central Texas. The trip was organized by Middle School science instructor Russ Glenn who explains the experience was eye-opening and extremely engaging for his students.

“I think the kids had a blast,” said Glenn. “For a lot of them, it was probably the first time they've been to a real farm.”

Glenn mapped out specific goals for the trip. He wanted students to observe real world organic farming practices in action, which corresponds with the curriculum in the new Expeditions class. Glenn says one of the class activities was planting their first group of seeds which students have watched germinate and grow. 

“It was really wonderful because kids were actually seeing what they’ve been doing in class on a larger scale,” said Glenn. “This took it a step further.”

Konner Phillips ’31 was taken aback when he first laid eyes on the vegetable fields.

“I was mind blown by how they were able to grow and cultivate plants in such hard conditions,” said Phillips.

 

The field trip also included in-depth lessons about organic farming and what it takes to do it successfully. 

The farm team set up three stations for students to experience. The task at station one was laying down nutrient-rich compost for fig trees and asparagus plants. It was familiar territory for the students who were introduced to the St. Stephen’s Green Goblins composting program at the beginning of the year, which converts food waste from the dining hall into mulch for the campus. 

At station two, students assisted with the farm’s winterization efforts by setting up oversized coverings to protect plants during a freeze. Glenn says the final “fun” station was the taste-testing station where students picked and ate a variety of herbs including thyme, rosemary and mint.

“The students were fully engaged the entire day and seemed to be enjoying every moment,” said Farm Manager Alison Stone. “And our staff had so much fun with the kiddos.”

During a question and answer session, Ross Abbot, a consultant and the farm’s orchard manager told students about more efficient and more sustainable farming systems the team has implemented to recycle water, including installing a drip irrigation system and how you can also collect rainwater off of roofs, and capturing it in rainwater barrels. 

 

“I learned that this is much more eco-friendly and better for the environment,” said Phillips.

 

The nine acre Hope Full Farm was founded in 2021 by St. Stephen’s parent Christine Messina P ’24, who believes all children should have equal access to basic needs and education, leading to opportunities for fulfilling and successful lives. The high quality, nutrient dense produce grown on the land through regenerative agriculture offers the majority of its weekly harvests free of charge to partner organizations that serve schoolchildren and their families facing ongoing food insecurity, including the Central Texas Food Bank and the Hays County Food Bank. The farm also supports apprenticeship opportunities for new farmers committed to sustainable practices.

 

Before the field trip day ended, students were given some free time to explore the farm on their own and many of them decided to pair up with farm team members. Students learned more nutritional facts about specific produce currently growing such as fresh okra, bell peppers and cabbage. Students got to pick and take home ready-to-eat produce — a highlight for Phillips who zeroed in on the turnips.

 

“I even brought some [turnips] home to share with my parents and they loved them,” said Philips. “The turnips were fresh, crisp, juicy and sweet. They were perfect.”

He and his classmates walked away with a lot more than the plants and herbs they got to take home from their day on the farm.

“It was awesome being able to help with this program,” said Phillips. “After helping I felt proud of myself and glad that I was able to help my community.”