Florence Elementary School Farming and Food Processing Program

 

By Charlie Walton, Principal of Florence Elementary School

The planting and gardening has begun at Florence Elementary School.  Florence Elementary School has expanded its farming and food processing program to include other schools and many Florence businesses.  The Florence Rotary is a big part of the collaboration component for the program.

The planting, staking and caring for the crops have taken place and the harvesting has begun.  John Salyers-Florence Rotary, Gary Wilmhoff-Florence Hardware (Florence Rotary), Mike Walker-Sam’s Club Manager, Charlie Massey- Retired Principal, Mike Crane-KY Farm Bureau (Florence Rotary) and Beth Long-Potter’s Ranch (Florence Rotary) are several of the businessmen and women that are helping with the entire program.  Our Agricultural Agent with the UK Extension Office has been very helpful annually with the student program.

Throughout the summer months the staff, students and business partners have continued the weeding, staking and harvesting of the crops.  The tomatoes and peppers are harvested and made into salsa to be sold at the new Friendly Market off Mt. Zion Road.

The Florence Rotary has been a huge help throughout the summer months for the program.

 

Rotarian Gary Wilmhoff drives a stake into the garden to support the newly planted crops.



DGE John Sayers helping in the Florence Elementary tomato and pepper patch.  The
tomatoes and peppers are used to make Florence Elementary salsa and sold. 

The school has made up to $25,000.00 on this project.  This helps provide extra money for the school.