CARSON, IA — An Oakland Elementary four-year-old preschool teacher has been awarded two agricultural grants to support and improve an innovative seed-to-harvest project and preschool garden.
Lindsey Henderson has received funding through the Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) Grant, part of a program that has awarded more than $6.5 million since 2013. At Oakland Elementary, the funds will enhance the 4K class’s hands-on agricultural curriculum, helping young students explore where food comes from, develop a deeper understanding of farming and sustainability, and take responsibility for caring for the crops.
The grant covers technical assistance, gardening tools, and stipends to invite local farmers to visit the classroom and provide insights into their daily work. Visits will feature demonstrations of regional food production, including eggs, produce, honey, and more.
Recently, Riverside High School’s Advanced Construction students, under the instruction of Ben Dorr, played an integral role in improving the preschool garden by building garden boxes and beds. Using materials funded by the grant, the high schoolers shared their skills and knowledge with their younger peers, fostering a collaborative and cross-grade learning experience.
“It was incredible to experience the preschoolers’ excitement for the project,” said Dorr. “They are so proud of the garden and were eager to team up with the high schoolers to construct the garden beds.”
In addition to the FCSAmerica support, the 4K class secured a Farm to School grant from the Center for Rural Affairs. This grant provides additional funding for gardening supplies and consultation services.
Henderson expressed gratitude to the community partners who have helped sustain the garden for nearly a decade, including Farm Credit Services of America, JP Lumber, Golden Hills RC&D, The Big Garden, Governor's STEM Council, and many more.