On Wednesday morning, Tulsa Public Schools turned Webster High School into a living classroom for elementary students from Clinton West. The Farm‑to‑Market event gave young learners a direct look at how Oklahoma farms supply the food on their dinner tables.

Students Explore the Greenhouse and Learn Gardening Basics

Clinton West students joined the school’s agriculture program for a guided tour of the on‑campus greenhouse. There, they observed seedlings at various stages of growth and heard explanations of soil health, irrigation and the importance of local produce. “We want to build leadership skills with a bunch of kids and teach them where their food comes from,” said Andrew Lewis, president of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter that helped organize the day.

Live Demonstration Connects Theory to Real‑World Farming

After the greenhouse walk, participants gathered for a live cow‑milking demonstration. The hands‑on showcase let students see the care and effort required to bring milk from farm to table. Following the demo, volunteers offered fresh‑produce tasting stations, allowing the children to sample vegetables grown by local growers.

Building Future Leaders Through Agricultural Education

Lewis emphasized that the event aligns with FFA’s broader mission to develop leadership and communication skills. “We do speech contests and teach them to bring out their voice and set up kids’ futures,” he explained. By connecting classroom learning with real‑world agricultural practices, the program aims to inspire the next generation of farmers, agribusiness professionals and informed consumers.

Community Support and Future Plans

The Farm‑to‑Market day was made possible through collaboration between Tulsa Public Schools, the local FFA chapter and community volunteers. Organizers hope to expand the program to additional schools and incorporate more hands‑on activities, such as farm visits and cooking workshops, to further deepen students’ understanding of the food supply chain.

Parents and teachers praised the event for its educational value and its focus on local agriculture, a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s economy and heritage. As the state continues to champion family‑centered education and community involvement, initiatives like this reinforce the importance of teaching children about the origins of the food they eat.

Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.