“There are not words to express how grateful we are to the Farm2School team for all you did to make our dream of a reading garden a reality. It would never have happened without your guidance and support. Thank-you so much for all your hard work and dedication to our reading garden project!”
— Sherri Black, Principal, Cork Elementary School
“Dear Mayor Jurado, I wanted to write to you and share what a significant contribution Temple Terrace Farm 2 School has made to the Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida. Since our partnership began, Director Elizabeth Leib and the team have mentored and provided professional development for many of our PCGS students through internships, volunteer opportunities, and the chance to serve on the Student Committee of the organization. Elizabeth participates in our PCGS open houses which is a major draw for students coming into our program. Not only has TTF2S empowered the PCGS graduate students, but undergraduates as well. Yara Kahlil is an undergraduate anthropology major who came up with the idea for plant based cooking classes for kids. Elizabeth and the Executive & Advisory Boards supported this excellent idea and built a whole program around it — soon to be unveiled in the Tampa Bay area at a number of locations! - Dr. Brooke Hansen, USF Patel College of Global Sustainability, Oct.16, 2018”
“We are excited to be a part of this worthy project that encourages children to choose healthy foods and be aware of the environment by tending gardens. We applaud all - the F2S organizers, the kids, the teachers and everyone who is helping grow this program.”
— Mary Bourassa, Temple Terrace Woman's Club
“This was such an awesome day. We are so thankful to the volunteers and to Temple Terrace Farm2School for their work at TBK8. We can’t wait for our teachers and students to see the gardens.”
— Stacy Cervone, AP Turner-Bartels K-8th
“I am happy to continue our partnership with Farm 2 School as we work together to teach students the importance of good nutrition, show them how to plant and sustain a garden and use it’s harvest to cook delicious foods, and the addition this year of composting as we strive to lessen our carbon footprint on the planet. At Greco we are truly preparing our students for all aspects of life.”
— Valarie Newton, Principal, Greco Middle School
“The Temple Terrace Farm 2 School program and community garden at Greco Middle School is such a great addition to the city. The program allows students to grow, harvest and prepare fresh produce. I cannot think of a better way to demonstrate with hands on learning the rewards of effort, commitment and teamwork. The community garden bridges the generational, social and cultural gaps between young and old and strengthens teacher student relationships. Hats off to the movers and shakers behind this organization. As a Greco Alum and lifelong Temple Terrace resident, I cannot say thank-you enough. You can always count on me, my family and law firm for support.”
— Ken Ward, Ward-Mitchell: Civil Trial Attorneys
“Thank you so very much for your wonderful help Saturday! It was a real treat to have such enthusiastic and energetic volunteers, and I know that the students will be thrilled with a fresh start for our Spring garden. You are welcome any time!”
— Julianne Bent, teacher at Turner-Bartels K-8th grade
“Gerry and I are honored to help fund Farm2School’s inaugural student internship in George W Fee’s memory. Our beloved friend, city developer, and several-term Temple Terrace Mayor Fee loved kids. His wife Frances taught First Grade at Temple Terrace Elementary for decades; many of her students went on to Greco. Supporting our local community and inspiring its youth with meaningful educational experiences is important to both of us, and Farm2School at Greco has grown and blossomed into a program we can all be proud of. Its talented new Program Manager Adrian Gonzalez will propel Farm2School to newer, greater success. I’m especially thrilled to give back to Greco, my alma mater as a Temple Terrace middle schooler. Go Cubs!”
— Beth and Gerry Curts
“All children deserve excellence in eduction and a diversity in the ways in which lessons are presented to them. Hands-on learning like that promoted by Temple Terrace Farm2School (TTF2S) helps teachers bring students out of the classroom and into the garden. As someone who specializes in high-impact learning practices, looks for community led initiatives, and believes in the importance of connecting kids to nature, I was honored to join TTF2S’s founding board. I stay an active supporter of the groups mission and vision because I see the way this sustainable and scaleable school-based solution makes a real difference in the lives of school children.”
— Jennifer Webb, TTF2S Advisory member
“We are very pleased to be able to provide funds to the Farm2School program at Greco Middle School. We feel the knowledge to plant and grow healthy foods is a wonderful experience for our youth and helps them to continue to make healthy choices into their adulthood. ”
— Coleen Garner, Temple Terrace Junior Women's Club
“It was a tremendous pleasure to work with the Farm2School team over the course of two years. I am proud to have made a substantial impact within the Temple Terrace and greater Tampa Bay area to plant and grow the next generation of sustainability leaders in their youth. Now, I am in Tallahassee working for a contractor at my alma matter (FSU) to save energy and money. I am learning a lot about maintenance and optimization within the built environment and higher education, and am fortunate to reinvest those savings for educating future leaders.”
— Arnel Garcesa, TTF2S Advisory Council
“What a great idea! Temple Terrace Farm 2 School partnering with the area middle school to impact residents and students and school culture. Youngsters at this age love to eat! What better way to motivate kids to learn important information about healthy lifestyle choices - giving them hands-on experience to appreciate the whole food to fork cycle. Bravo!”
— Kitty Wallace, Coalition of Community Gardens, Retired Hillsborough County ESE Director
“We at TTPS like to support forward-thinking new initiatives such as Farm 2 School at Greco. This progressive green program serves to remind us of Temple Terrace’s agricultural heritage. Our city was created by civic leaders with fresh ideas and a vision for the future. TT Farm 2 School continues this tradition and is a great example of community volunteerism that continues to make Temple Terrace an amazing city.””
— Tim Lancancaster, Temple Terrace Preservation Society
“The Farm 2 School program at Greco has made it possible for students to learn gardening and gain valuable work skills. In 1922 Temple Terrace had the largest citrus grove in the world - all temple orange trees. Thanks to the initiative of TTF2S’s board, working with the Preservation Society and the city to install a historic marker at Greco, students can learn of the city’s orange grove history and the fact that the city is named Temple Terrace because of the temple orange tree.”
— Alison Fernandez, Greco PTA President & City of Temple Terrace
“We are excited to support schoolyard gardens at Greco Middle School through the Farm2School program. Gardening can play an important role in connecting kids to the natural environment and encourage healthy food choices.”
