WARREN - Participants in the Ohio State University Extension's ''School to Farm'' road trip had the opportunity see various places where produce is grown throughout Trumbull County.
The all-day trip, which included about 25 participants, stopped at the Geauga Growers Association auction in Middlefield, Middlefield Cheese Factory, Miller Lifestock Co. in Kinsman, Lutz Farm in Lordstown and the Victory Garden in Warren.
Farm to School Month will be recognized in October. The program connects schools and local farms with objectives of serving healthy meals in schools, improving student nutrition and providing health and nutrition education opportunities while supporting local and regional farmers.
The Geauga Growers Association showcased the northeast Ohio's largest producer wholesale auction. The Middlefield Cheese Factory demonstrated how milk is transformed into cheese. Miller Lifestock Co., run by Aaron and Melissa Miller, showed their farm-raised grass-fed livestock. Lutz Farm, run by the Harvey and Dolly Lutz family, showcased sweet corn from the area.
The Victory Garden off Jackson and York streets, Warren, showed how community and schools can become engaged in growing their own vegetables.
Bob Faulkner, a Warren Board of Education member who has a section in the garden, said the tour of the Victory Garden included a sampling of food from the garden.
Mary Ann Franklin of Warren, who has a section in the garden, said there are handicapped-accessible areas of the garden. She said there are plans for a greenhouse to allow people to grow plants and garden year-round.
The garden has sections used by Warren city school students and the OSU Extension office.
Faulkner said many of the gardeners who have been at the garden for all three years have also become Master Gardeners, completing classes and earning certification.
Franklin said Warren City Schools have three or four of the 50 plots, and OSU has 600 feet of garden area.
Vonnie Peterson of West Farmington, who took part in the road trip, said the garden and what has been accomplished shows what can be done when a community comes together.
Franklin and Mel Milliron of the Trumbull Health Department said grants were obtained to make the garden a reality.
This Saturday, the Victory Garden will be open to the public for viewing.
Donna Latessa said students from the nearby Agape Assembly Church summer camp come to the gardens to take care of their sections.
David Marrison of the OSU Extension office said all the stops on the road trip were ''excellent examples of what can be done when people work together.''
At each stop, ideas were provided on how schools can utilize what each site does for their classrooms and students.