Students in the horticulture program at North Stafford High School recently supported local food security efforts by donating excess plant inventory to Rappahannock Educational Farm, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing fresh produce to individuals and families experiencing hunger throughout the Stafford and Fredericksburg region.
Following the program’s successful annual plant sale, which generated more than $4,000 in sales, students and staff coordinated the delivery of remaining plants to the Educational Farm to further support its mission of expanding access to high-quality produce in the community.
“Our school’s mission of enriching lives and building futures is demonstrated through opportunities like this,” North Stafford High School Principal Dashan Turner said in a statement. “We are proud of North Nation’s horticulture students and staff for using their talents and resources to support neighbors in need.”
The donation also reflects Stafford schools’ broader commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting students and families beyond the classroom.
Through a recent grant from Amazon and the Stafford Education Foundation, Stafford schools is expanding access to food resources by adding two additional food kiosks across the division, building on the success of the existing kiosk already serving families. These kiosks provide free, accessible food and essential items to students and families in need and are part of the division’s ongoing efforts to remove barriers to student success.
Stafford schools also continues to strengthen its partnership with the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank to increase access to nutritious food for local families. Through school-based food distributions, weekend meal support, and community partnerships, the division is working to ensure students have the resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
“Through service-based learning and meaningful community partnerships, Stafford schools continues to provide students with authentic opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve,” superintendent Daniel W. Smith said in a statement. “We are proud of our students and the way these experiences foster thoughtful, engaged citizens who contribute positively to their communities.”
Students participating in the horticulture program gain hands-on experience in plant science, business operations, and sustainability through activities such as plant cultivation, inventory management, and public sales. The annual plant sale has become a popular community event while also providing students with opportunities to apply classroom learning in authentic settings.
