GLASGOW, Ky. — Barren County Schools’ Farm to School Coordinator Dr. Andy Joe Moore recently represented the district at a U.S. Department of Agriculture event in Washington, D.C., focused on connecting farmers and schools.

The event, “Harvest to Hallways: A Celebration of Farmers and Schools,” was held at USDA headquarters and brought together leaders and advocates from across the country.

Moore participated in discussions about strengthening partnerships between schools and local farmers, expanding access to fresh, locally grown food and helping students better understand where their food comes from.

Barren County Schools has continued to expand its Farm to School efforts, bringing locally grown foods to student meals while giving students hands-on opportunities to learn about agriculture.

Those efforts include school gardens, greenhouses, tower gardens, agricultural programs and opportunities for students to work with their own family farms.

“I am honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to attend this event and showcase, on a national level, the outstanding work that our students are accomplishing with our farm-to-school efforts in Barren County,” Moore said.

Moore also credited Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell’s Food is Medicine initiative with helping local food production and the Farm to School model grow in Kentucky.

“Ultimately, the spirit of the American Farmer has always been a cornerstone of our country, and with that same spirit, our students in Barren County are making a profound impact on a movement that is taking place nationwide,” Moore said.

Moore’s participation gave Barren County Schools an opportunity to share its Farm to School work with a national audience while learning about similar programs around the country.