Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is inviting educators to bring students to Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine for a free service-learning experience. The program is open to students in grades 3 through 12 and combines practical farm work with educational lessons on a range of topics.
This initiative, part of Second Harvest's Youth Engagement Program, offers Orange County educators a chance to move lessons beyond traditional classroom settings. Participating students engage directly with agricultural processes, learning by doing while also contributing to their local community. Educators interested in the program can find more information and submit an online interest form.
During their visits to the farm, students participate in activities such as planting, weeding, or harvesting produce. These hands-on tasks are integrated with discussions and learning about science, the principles of agriculture, and practices of sustainability. The curriculum also covers broader topics like food systems and the critical issue of food insecurity. The experience is structured to blend hands-on learning with service, providing students with a direct view of how food cultivated locally helps support residents across Orange County.
Harvest Solutions Farm, located within Irvine, is a 40-acre agricultural partnership. This collaborative effort involves Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center, and Solutions for Urban Agriculture. The farm began its first plantings in 2021. Since then, it has become a significant local resource, harvesting more than 9 million pounds of fresh produce. This produce is specifically directed to Orange County residents who are experiencing food insecurity.
For educators, the program offers an additional dimension to classroom lessons. It allows students to explore the origins of food, understand the operation of agricultural systems, and observe how local organizations respond to community needs. The practical environment helps students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Hannah Ortiz, the agriculture manager for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, noted the impact of these visits. "There’s something special about watching students make the connection," Ortiz stated, referring to the link between the food growing in the fields and the needs of their community. Ortiz expressed a hope that students would depart from Harvest Solutions Farm with enhanced knowledge about agriculture and food systems, along with a clearer understanding of the role they can play in addressing food insecurity within Orange County.
The Youth Engagement Program sessions are available from Tuesdays through Fridays. Each visit typically lasts between two and three hours. Participation in the program is free for all students and educators. Additionally, limited transportation assistance may be available to help facilitate access for schools or groups.
Educators who wish to bring their students to Harvest Solutions Farm for this educational and service-oriented experience can learn more details and submit an interest request through the program’s dedicated online portal.
