Odyssey Charter School’s Food Studies Program, guided by award-winning STEM teacher, Melissa Tracy, began implementing the Food Studies Career Pathway in 2019 where students enroll in programs that include Culture and Environment and the Hydroponic Learning Lab. Students consider why food matters and how they can act to support a healthier food system by participating in seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and distributing produce to be served in the school’s cafeteria as well as local communities. Annually, they grow and donate at least 3,000 pounds of leafy greens for people in need!

Get Fresh Daily will use grant funding to support a one-week camp for girls designed to “empower them with tools for self-awareness, confidence-building, self-care, and resiliency through deepened connections with nature”. Throughout the week, girls will discover the sustainable practice of using every part of a plant by participating in programming like DIY plant medicines and plant-based cooking classes. The girls will also be responsible for planning and tending the local garden.