Cornerstone Farm
At Fairfield Middle School
Where 'Community Supported' Happens!
A unique partnership between the Community Food Collaborative and Henrico County Public Schools has allowed Cornerstone Farm to grow from 8, modest raised beds in 2012 to a 5 1/2 Acre pillar of community supported education at Fairfield Middle School.
Community Support at Cornerstone Farm is a daily practice. The educators at Fairfield work tirelessly to cultivate these community partnerships and are grateful for every donation of time, money, resources and simple words of encouragement!
Our most important supporter: The fairfield COmmunity
The Fairfield community is our biggest supporter and our biggest inspiration. Our community shows up, listens to and engages with our students-- giving them the exposure to public speaking and the confidence to share their learning and ideas with the most important audience: their community.
The Community Food Collaborative
The Community Food Collaborative (CFC) is responsible for the day-to-day farm operations. In collaboration with Henrico County Public Schools since its inception in 2016, CFC has worked side-by-side with Fairfield and other Henrico educators to engage students in authentic, LifeReady learning.
*Check out CFC at the Dorey Park Farmer's Market!*
The United States Department of Agriculture
In 2022, the USDA-NRCS recognized Cornerstone Farm as Richmond, Virginia's People's Garden. This distinction makes Fairfield's Cornerstone Farm one of just 17 such gardens NATIONWIDE! In addition, the USDA awarded Cornerstone over $65,000 to bolster our innovative projects, including the student-led design of a brand new outdoor learning space!
The Henrico Education Foundation
The Henrico Education Foundation (HEF) has awarded over $10,000 in grant funding to the innovative projects going on at Cornerstone Farm since 2019 alone! The support of HEF has provided teacher professional development and and numerous innovative resources utilized by the students of Fairfield.
Where "Authentic & Connected" Happens!
Since 2012, Cornerstone Farm has provided a context for authentic and connected learning available to all Fairfield students!
In 2021, the Backyard Urban Gardening (B.U.G.) course was created and is now offered to all middle schoolers across Henrico County!
Collaboration with High schools
Students in BUG have collaborated with students at Virginia Randolph and Varina's Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability.
Interviews and career exposure
Students in B.U.G have interviewed professionals from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Henrico School Board, the RVA Black Farmer's Market, the Virginia Black Farmer's Directory, the Community Food Collaborative and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.
more about us..
People's Garden Grant
Contact Us!
Community Food Collaborative Website
cfcfarms.org
Community Agriculturalist: Natalie Green
Fairfield's Innovative Learning Coach: Nick Lapres
Cornerstone Farm