Grow Ohio Grant Awardees
Congratulations to the 2025 Grow Ohio Grantees!
super seedlings
Lorain County Community Action Agency
Lorain, Ohio
Lorain County
Award: $13,500
Project Manager: Stephanie Drew, Head Start Director
Project Title: Out of the Box Nutrition Education Series
Project Summary: Lorain County Community Action Agency will expand their hands-on nutrition education programs, “Out of the Box Cooking” and “Seasonal Bites.” The programs are designed to empower Head Start preschool families with the skills to prepare healthy, affordable meals at home and focuses on locally sourced ingredients to become taste explorers. Taste test champions will be identified for the classroom that had the most samplers.
Columbus Montessori Education Center
Columbus, Ohio
Franklin County
Award: $40,000
Project Manager: Jill Aubert, Director of Finance
Project Title: Columbus Montessori Farm to School Project
Project Summary: Columbus Montessori Education Center will launch a student-driven agricultural initiative that will create hands-on learning opportunities for students to explore careers in agriculture through gardening, composting, and food production activities integrated into the school curriculum. By establishing partnerships with local Ohio producers, students will gain insight into agricultural systems and supply chains. Harvested produce from the school garden will be incorporated into meals. This initiative supports holistic child development, encourages healthy eating, and cultivates environmental responsibility.
Kiddie Kampus Child Enrichment Ctr Inc
Bedford, Ohio
Cuyahoga County
Award: $16,070
Project Manager: Dawn Smith, Owner
Project Title: Kiddie Fresh
Project Summary: Kiddie Kampus will introduce children to the foundations of agriculture, nutrition, and food systems through hands-on gardening, classroom-based food literacy instruction, culinary demonstrations, and fresh food access. Lessons will be paired with literacy materials to foster early exposure to agriculture-related professions. Career exploration will be reinforced through spotlights where Ohio-based farmers, urban growers, and culinary professionals lead story sessions, cooking demos, and garden talks. All produce grown through this initiative will be incorporated into USDA-reimbursed meals and snacks. Children will actively participate to deepen their understanding of where food comes from.
Lodi Family Center Inc
Lodi, Ohio
Medina County
Award: $6,430
Project Manager: Rebecca Rak, Executive Director
Project Title: Expanding Growing Season
Project Summary: The Lodi Family Center will extend the outdoor growing season, using raised bed covers and low tunnels. USDA-funded meals, snacks, and tastings will feature Ohio Harvest of the Month food items. Youth will also grow greens and herbs in the hydroponics lab, participate in cooking classes, and showcase their skills in a cooking competition featuring their produce. OSU Extension’s “Acres of Adventure” and “Ag Careers Everywhere” curricula will be implemented to increase agricultural career awareness, as students work with local youth mentors and farmers to grow, harvest, and learn about food systems. As a partner in the Lodi Health & Motion initiative with the Medina County Health Department, farmers markets and tastings will connect students and families to Ohio producers and fresh, local food.
Family, Adolescent, & Child Community Engagement Service – FACCES
Columbus, Ohio
Franklin County
Award: $38,000
Project Manager: Kori Johnson, Food Program Director
Project Title: FACCES Food Pillar
Project Summary: FACCES Food Pillar is a youth led farm-to-table program that provides hands-on learning, and offers paid internships for teens in agriculture, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship through FACCES Urban Garden, Fresh Market, and Education Kitchen. This project supports expanding our garden and greenhouse to grow new crops and use vertical growing systems, increasing food production and learning opportunities. Youth will learn from local farmers, chefs, and food business professionals while earning income and valuable certifications.
budding blossom
Noble Local Schools
Sarahsville, Ohio
Noble County
Award: $39,980
Project Manager: Shay Young, Director of Education Services and Grants
Project Title: AgriTech Explorers - Middle School Agriculture in Action
Project Summary: AgriTech Explorers: Middle School Agriculture in Action is a STEM-integrated agriculture initiative at Shenandoah Middle School. The project engages students in growing food through raised-bed gardens, hydroponic towers, and programmable FarmBot technology. Students will cultivate crops aligned to Ohio’s Harvest of the Month and collaborate with The Nutrition Group to serve school-grown produce in USDA-approved meals. Agritech, food safety, and sustainability are explored through experiential learning and mentorship. The project uses agriculture journals and nonfiction texts, aligning with the Read Ohio campaign. AgriTech Explorers equips learners to see agriculture not just as nutrition, but as opportunity.
Buckeye Local Schools
Dillonvale, Ohio
Jefferson County
Award: $35,000
Project Manager: Coy Sudvary, Superintendent
Project Title: Panther Produce - Growing Futures Hydroponics Lab
Project Summary: Buckeye Local Junior High School is bringing agriculture to life through the Panther Produce: Growing Futures Hydroponics Lab. The hydroponic tower project turns classrooms into living laboratories where students grow leafy greens year-round. As they plant, harvest, and taste their produce, students explore real-world STEM concepts and discover career paths in agriculture, environmental science, and food systems. The lab incorporates student-grown food into cafeteria trays and brings local farmers and professionals into the process.
Worthington City Schools
Worthington, Ohio
Franklin County
Award: $ 11,100
Project Manager: Patti Schlaegel, Principal Granby Elementary
Project Title: From Seed to Table: Cultivating Agricultural Awareness at Granby Elementary
Project Summary: From Seed to Table is an interdisciplinary initiative at Granby Elementary designed to build agricultural awareness, connect students with local food systems, and incorporate school-grown produce into USDA meal programs. Through hands-on gardening, students will explore the science of plant life, the journey of food from farm to table, and career paths in agriculture. The Granby Garden will serve as a living classroom with activities tailored to benefit all learners. A Local Food Partnership Council will guide the project, and students will document their learning through journals, reflections, and data collection. From Seed to Table will cultivate informed, curious, and health-conscious students who understand and appreciate the impact of agriculture on their lives and communities.
Fairfield Local Schools
Leesburg, Ohio
Highland County
Award: $ 8,996
Project Manager: Kesia E. McCoy, Superintendent
Project Title: Growing Opportunity - A Cafeteria-Based Agriculture and Career Readiness Initiative
Project Summary: Fairfield Local Schools is launching a cafeteria-based hydroponic growing system to enhance agriculture career exploration and establish a sustainable edible garden. This project expands the Career Readiness Program, where all students explore careers through hands-on and experiential learning. The system will be maintained by students in Project-Based Learning (PBL) classes and will grow produce that can be incorporated into school meals. Collaboration with the network of FFA alumni, local farmers, and mentors will bring agricultural expertise into the classroom. The project will promote local partnerships and year-round edible gardening, while cultivating the next generation of informed, capable, and community-connected students.
Evergreen Local Schools
Metamora, Ohio
Fulton County
Award: $16,840
Project Manager: Dr. Dolores A. Swineford, Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum Director
Project Title: Aerial Agriculture: Integrating Flex Farms and Drone Technology to Cultivate Future Farmers
Project Summary: This project brings cutting-edge agricultural innovation to our rural public school in Northwest Ohio by combining hydroponic farming with drone-based ag-tech instruction. Using hydroponic systems, students will grow produce year-round. These systems provide hands-on STEM learning in plant biology, sustainability, and food systems while producing fresh, school-grown food for use in USDA-supported meal programs. Simultaneously, students will engage with agricultural drone technology, gaining exposure to careers in precision agriculture. Guided by science and agriculture educators, students will learn to simulate drone flights, capture crop data, and explore real-world applications such as soil analysis and crop health monitoring—all in compliance with FAA guidelines. Partnerships with local agronomists, drone pilots, and alumni will provide mentoring and career exploration opportunities across grade levels.
Madison Local
Middletown, Ohio
Butler County
Award: $23,000
Project Manager: Charity Smith, District Curriculum Director
Project Title: Grow & Flow - Madison’s Aquaponic Learning Lab
Project Summary: Madison Local Schools will install four classroom aquaponic units, providing students with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and related careers. This project will connect the school with local farmers, sourcing inputs and sharing data to explore how to integrate aquaponics into district food sourcing. Students will cultivate a supplemental amount of produce for school meals, promoting healthier food choices grown in their own classes. This initiative has the potential to enhance agriculturally relevant STEM education alongside increased community partnerships that are directly focused on student engagement and community wellness.
Ross County Christian Academy
Chillicothe, Ohio
Ross County
Award: $22,000
Project Manager: Valerie Jones, Superintendent
Project Title: Make Our School Gardens Grow!
Project Summary: The Make Our School Gardens Grow! project will provide students with hands-on learning experiences in agriculture, sustainability, and healthy eating. Through cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs, students will explore plant science, soil health, and food systems while gaining real-world skills and knowledge about agricultural careers. Partnerships with Ohio food producers will enhance learning and foster community connections, allowing students to learn directly from industry professionals. Harvested produce will be incorporated into USDA school meal programs, increasing access to fresh, nutritious foods and promoting farm-to-table practices. By connecting classroom learning with outdoor experiences, the Make Our School Gardens Grow! project will inspire environmental stewardship, strengthen local food networks, and introduce students to potential career paths in agriculture, horticulture, and food science.
Cardinal Local Schools
Middlefield, Ohio
Geauga County
Award: $6,850
Project Manager: Jack Cunningham, Superintendent
Project Title: Future Farmers at ACE Academy (FFA)
Project Summary: ACE Academy’s “Future Farmers at ACE Academy (FFA)” initiative will strengthen the Agricultural and Environmental Systems Career Pathway Program by integrating standards-aligned curriculum with hands-on indoor agriculture. The project includes the purchase of the Cutting Edge Curriculum’s full 17-topic library, offering high school students flexible, rotating modules on topics such as sustainable agriculture, agri-technology, food systems, and natural resources. To complement classroom learning, an underutilized space will be transformed into an indoor growing lab. Students will manage the full growing cycle of crops such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The produce will be harvested and used in the school cafeteria, supporting USDA meal programs and featured in student-led taste tests, encouraging farm-to-school engagement. By connecting students to local food systems and real-world applications, ACE Academy is cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders in Ohio.
Wood County Board of DD
Bowling Green , Ohio
Wood County
Award: $7,360
Project Manager: Emily Sisco, Wood Lane School Principal
Project Title: Agricultural Career Exploration and Readiness
Project Summary: Students at Wood Lane School will enhance their understanding of outdoor gardens, hydroponics, plant production, and harvesting, as well as food exploration and nutrition. The classrooms will utilize "Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons,” field trips, and monthly agricultural career studies to provide agricultural transition and vocational opportunities that support student IEP Goals. Food grown will be incorporated into the school's daily meal program and weekly Independent Living Skills cooking opportunities. Hands-on learning and literacy will be utilized to connect the agricultural transition activities to language arts, science, math, technology, and the arts.
Upper Arlington Schools
Upper Arlington, Ohio
Franklin County
Award: $16,800
Project Manager: Shelly Bloom, Gifted Intervention Specialist
Project Title: Sprouting Futures at Tremont Elementary School
Project Summary: Sprouting Futures is a K–5 initiative at Tremont Elementary School to introduce students to agriculture, healthy eating, and Ohio's local food systems through hands-on, integrated learning. The program helps students explore how food is grown, harvested, and consumed by involving them directly in planting and harvesting activities in a school garden. Aligned with state science standards, lessons include plant life cycles, ecosystems, and food origins. The program will strengthen ties with Ohio food producers by connecting students to local farm stands and incorporating fresh, local produce into school meals. “Harvest Days” will allow students to enjoy food they helped grow, reinforcing farm-to-table principles while also teaching food safety and nutrition.
Mayfield City Schools
Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Cuyahoga County
Award: $12,000
Project Manager: Robin Smeal, Food Service Director
Project Title: Cultivating Future Careers and Local Food Connections at Mayfield Schools
Project Summary: Cultivating Future Careers and Local Food Connections at Mayfield Schools is an edible garden project designed to deepen students’ understanding of agricultural careers, build stronger connections with Ohio food producers, and expand the use of school-grown foods in USDA meal programs. This garden will serve as an interactive learning space where students in grades 9–12 engage in hands-on lessons around plant science, sustainability, and food systems. Students will explore diverse agricultural career pathways, from horticulture and food science to agribusiness and agri-tech, while gaining practical experience in growing, harvesting, and preparing fresh foods. Mayfield will host “Grower Days”, bringing local farmers and producers into the school to connect with students and nutrition staff. Produce grown in the edible garden will be incorporated into school meals. Students will take part in every phase of production, reinforcing nutrition education and community responsibility.
River Valley Schools
Caledonia , Ohio
Marion County
Award: $37,916.66
Project Manager: Tori Adams, Principal, Heritage Elementary School
Project Title: Grow to Know: Roots of Opportunity
Project Summary: Grow to Know: Roots of Opportunity at Heritage and Liberty Elementary Schools will create vibrant, hands-on agricultural learning experiences for students in grades three to five. The project will establish outdoor garden beds and indoor hydroponic systems to teach students how food is grown, harvested, and prepared, all while supporting the National School Lunch Program. Students will participate in planting, harvesting, and monthly taste tests featuring Ohio-grown produce tied to the state’s Harvest of the Month calendar. The initiative integrates ReadOhio-aligned literacy activities such as journaling and agricultural-themed book studies to deepen understanding and engagement. Local farmers and food producers will visit classrooms, and students will take field trips to explore real-world agriculture careers. A student-led “Garden Crew” will support garden maintenance and build leadership skills. Designed to be sustainable, the garden infrastructure and curriculum will become lasting features of the school’s science and wellness programs.
Safe House Prep/ Safe House Ministries Inc
Youngstown, Ohio
Mahoning County
Award: $15,157.34
Project Manager: Mary Kirchens, Food Service Director
Project Title: Grizzly Garden
Project Summary: This program will establish a comprehensive edible garden program that integrates agriculture career exploration, connects with local food producers, and provides experiential learning in sustainable food systems. The project will engage students in all aspects of garden planning, cultivation, and harvest while introducing them to a range of agriculture-related careers—from horticulture and agri-business to food science and environmental stewardship. The edible garden will serve as both a learning laboratory and a source of fresh produce for our campus, supporting nutrition education and fostering healthy eating habits. This initiative will provide our residential students, many of whom face barriers to traditional career pathways, with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that promote personal growth, community engagement, and long-term interest in Ohio’s vital agricultural economy.
Last Modified: 10/23/2025 12:00:54 PM