News Release
May 6, 2024
For more information: Justin Wolman, 715-496-4279, [email protected]
PLOVER, WI – The Food + Farm Exploration Center is teaming up with Central Rivers Farmshed to feed our communities. As part of the “Farm Fresh and Free” grant made possible by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, Farmshed will be able to wash and package vegetables grown at the exploration center and then distribute them to area food pantries.
“This partnership with Farmshed will allow us to take the vegetables grown in our demonstration fields used for education and share them with our community when they are harvested,” said Heath Dornfeld, operations and exhibits director. “We will be able to feed minds and bodies.”
Vegetables coming straight from the fields at the exploration center require minimal processing and packaging so food banks will accept them for distribution. Farmshed’s service of small-scale processing was a great solution. Processing of the food will then allow for the distribution to the Farm, Fresh and Free, partner pantries.
“Farmshed and the Food + Farm Exploration Center share a common need to better connect the communities they serve, to the food that nourishes them and give back through providing access to healthy whole foods,” said Trevor Drake, executive director of Farmshed. “Through sharing resources this project will annually provide our community with learning from the field to the processor and provide those at risk with empowering nourishment.”
Planting is beginning in the exploration center demonstration fields. Guests will have the opportunity for more exploration when they step outside and tour the fields. This year sweet corn, snap beans, potatoes, peas, and cucumbers will be planted. The exploration center team of educators will provide programming that connects lessons learned in the Ag Stem Gallery, outside to the work being done in the field. The demonstration fields provide a very key connection in strengthening our food system. Visitors to the exploration center will learn about the science modern farmers use to produce the very food served in our café, and then, they head out into the fields and see it all happening.
The Food + Farm Exploration Center strives to educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. The mission of Farmshed is to grow a more resilient local food economy.
About Food + Farm Exploration Center
The Food + Farm Exploration Center is a science and technology center. The 50,000 square-foot building sits on 24 acres, centrally located in Plover, Wis. With over 60 hands-on exhibits, demonstration farm fields and meeting and event space, the exploration center is a destination for learning, exploring and celebrating agriculture. It is also home to the world’s largest potato masher and the Colorful Plate Cafe.
Visit our website www.explorefoodandfarm.org