Education Programs

Hampstead Institute’s Education Programs are focused on three core areas: Youth Wellness, Social Vitality, and Economic Development.  

Youth Wellness
    •    Sustainable Food Systems in collaboration with the Montessori School at Hampstead
    •    This collaborative program provides three classes at the Montessori School a weekly hands-on experiential education.  Students walk across the Town of Hampstead to the Hampstead Farm and learn about sustainable farming and food systems.  The toddlers have a first-hand experience with their food by touching and tasting food on the farm.  The pre-k students begin scientific exploration of the farm and the elementary students conduct hands-on science research on the farm.  All the programs focus on bridging the gap between our children and eating healthy fresh food.   Follow the daily blog at www.montessorifarmers.blogspot.com
    •    Seed 2 Plate
    •    Seed 2 Plate is a comprehensive food education field trip program taught at the downtown farm.  A children’s garden will be completed in 2012 to provide the perfect platform for connecting children from all over Alabama with healthy fresh food.  Students explore the farm and help harvest fresh produce.  The students then help prepare that food into a healthy snack or lunch on the farm.  Finally, students learn why eating fresh healthy seasonal food is so important for healthy productive life.
    •    Farm to School
    •    Farm to School is a movement sweeping the country, encouraging schools to feature healthy, locally sourced, fresh food in their cafeterias, and teaching the importance of healthy food in the classroom, in the cafeteria, and in kids’ diets.  Hampstead Institute is developing programs specifically for the Montgomery Public School to assist in improving the food served to students and helping connect local farms to the schools.

Social Vitality
    •    Community Gardens –
    •    Hampstead Institute provides community members in the town of Hampstead with their own plots to grown their own organic produce and flowers, as well as a way to connect with our education programs.
    •    Hampstead Institute also partners with existing community gardens to provide technical support and supplies for gardens to continue making an impact.
    •    Weekend Workshops
    •    Hampstead Institute offers a monthly series of organic gardening classes to the general public. This series welcomes the general public to learn about organic farming methods and fresh, local food. Visitors may also take a self-guided tour of our demonstration farm downtown, showcasing sustainable farming methods and providing access to healthy lifestyle activities.

Economic Development
    •    Hampstead Institute is exploring opportunities to develop a Montgomery Food Policy advisory committee.  This group would provide specific advice to local institutions and legislatures about how to support the development of a local food economy and reduce the prevalence of dietary-related diseases in our area.   
    •    Hampstead Institute is exploring opportunities to provide hands-on training for developing new urban farms in the River Region.  Partnering with the Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, these trainings would encourage a for-profit urban agriculture industry, providing jobs and improving access to healthy food for everyone in our community.  
To reserve a spot for a Hampstead Institute education program or find or how to volunteer or become an intern, email Edwin@hampsteadinstitute.org with your name, the date of the program you wish to attend, email address and phone number.