Bringing PA Harvest of the Month to Pre-K Counts
As summer winds down (where did the time go?!), we’re all savoring the fresh, vibrant produce that Bucks County has to offer. Whether it’s juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, or that (way too) oversized zucchini, our local flavors are something special.
At United Way of Bucks County, we believe access to fresh, nutritious food is a fundamental part of a healthy life. That’s why we’re passionate about bringing Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month (PA HOM) to our Pre-K Counts classrooms.
Developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Project PA, this program teaches kids about a different local agricultural product each month. By integrating PA HOM into our early ed classrooms, we’re not just teaching kids about healthy eating; we’re supporting local farmers and strengthening our community.
Last year, UW Bucks piloted PA HOM at one site and the impact was remarkable. The excitement in the classroom was palpable. Children couldn’t wait to learn, taste, and explore fresh, local vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, and leafy greens.
This year, we’re expanding to more Pre-K Counts classrooms across Bucks County, ensuring that even more children benefit from this transformative program.
UW Bucks is at the forefront of putting healthy food first in the fight against hunger because when we connect kids with fresh, nutritious food, we improve health outcomes and performance in school – and spark an interest in healthy living.
PA HOM is just one way we help. Through initiatives like Bucks Knocks Out Hunger, our HELP Center in Bristol, and our free mobile farmer’s market Fresh Connect, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of Bucks County residents every day.
Want to be a part of this change? Visit our website at www.uwbucks.org to learn more about our programs or to volunteer to help bring PA HOM to more classrooms. Together, we can continue making a lasting impact on our community.