It all started with an idea
With years of experience as a chemistry teacher and an engineer, our Farm Manager, Jason Schmidt, wanted to combine his background and love of farm-fresh food to serve the Greenville Community. His idea: starting a school farm. He pitched the concept to Legacy Charter School, where feeding students nutritious, high quality meals is a top priority. Together they realized a school farm would further LCS’s mission by inviting students to help grow their own food.
As they say, timing is everything. Within a week of Jason sharing his idea with the Greenville County Soil & Water Conservation District (GCSWCD), a new grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) was announced. After weeks of crafting the perfect proposal, NACD’s Urban Agriculture Conservation Grant was awarded to GCSWCD in late July with an aim to promote soil and water conservation practices. From idea to reality, Legacy City Farm was born!
It’s our hope that LCF will increase community awareness around sustainable farming practices and start a much needed conversation about local food systems. The hands-on nature of school farms will teach students, staff, and the local community how to be environmental champions. LCF will also highlight the importance of public health and building strong, local economies.
City View Community
Since we’re in the beginning stages, we’re listening to what the community has to say. We’ve gone door-to-door, letting the community know about the farm. After hours of meeting new faces, we’re happy to say that Legacy’s neighbors are behind us! We’re also working to design the perfect farm layout, clear the land, and get the permits we need to start growing food. Our goal is to have students harvesting their own veggies in the fall.
Greenville is joining the urban farming movement that’s sweeping the nation. We can’t wait to teach students new skills and help our environment along the way!