COD and DuPage County Farm Bureau “Grow Your Own Food” Program Wins National Excellence Award

The DuPage County Farm Bureau and College of DuPage’s Grow Your Own Food program has been named a County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Award winner by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The national award recognizes county-level programs that demonstrate exceptional innovation, impact and value to their communities.

Launched three years ago through a partnership between the DuPage County Farm Bureau and COD’s Horticulture program, the Grow Your Own Food initiative introduces fourth grade students across DuPage County to gardening and food production.

The program has expanded rapidly and is now offered in more than 70 elementary schools. Nearly 5,000 students each year participate in a free, hands-on lesson that covers the basics of food production, plant care and transplanting.

“This program helps students understand where their food comes from and builds early interest in horticulture and agriculture,” COD Horticulture Department Chair Brian Clement said. “We’re honored to see this partnership recognized at the national level.”

Watch fourth grade students at Westfield Elementary School in Glen Ellyn planting their own tomato plants with help from curriculum provided through the Grow Your Own Food program.

For more information about COD’s Horticulture program, visit cod.edu/horticulture.