DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2024) — The 22nd District Agricultural Association’s fun, free, and educational Plant*Grow*Eat program is now accepting applications online from schools that wish to participate.
The goal of the award-winning Plant*Grow*Eat program — in line with the District’s mission — is to educate school-aged children in San Diego County about agriculture and to show them where their food comes from by providing a hands-on learning experience. Last year, the program included 5,717 participating students.
“Plant*Grow*Eat provides an amazing opportunity for educators and brings agriculture alive for San Diego County’s children,” said Carlene Moore, CEO of the District, which produces the annual San Diego County Fair. “Over the past 30 years, more than 250,000 students, thousands of teachers and volunteer judges have participated in Plant*Grow*Eat. We are proud and excited to continue this community tradition this year as we prepare for the 2024 San Diego County Fair.”
In the past, Plant*Grow*Eat ended with a trip to the San Diego County Fair. This year, however, the Fair will begin June 12 — after summer break begins for schools. To assist, the Pre-K through 6th Grade classes will visit The Farm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in May. During students’ visits, a series of agricultural learning stations will introduce them to agriculture — both plants and farm animals. At the end of the tour, each student will receive seeds and planting supplies to plant, grow, harvest — and of course eat — at home.
Each student will also receive a free admission ticket to attend the San Diego County Fair, which runs for 20 days this year, June 12 through July 7.
Teachers of Pre-Kindergarten through 6th Grade classes throughout San Diego County can register their class to participate in this program at no cost.
Educators will have 10 available Plant*Grow*Eat sessions to choose from: Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 24, beginning at either 9:30 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. each day. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 15, and the form can be found on the Fair's website.
Title One Schools in need of rides to the Fairgrounds can also apply to the District’s Transportation Program. The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation underwrites the bus program so that kids can visit the Del Mar Fairgrounds to experience the Plant*Grow*Eat program. The form is also available on the Fair's website with same deadline, March 15.