Our second Produce Pop-Up at Pleasant Valley School of Engineering and Arts (PVSEA) was a huge success!

On Wednesday, October 29th, students and families came together to celebrate local agriculture and healthy eating in a lively, welcoming atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and plenty of fresh produce. What began as a simple idea to connect families with fresh food has quickly grown into a schoolwide highlight — and this event was no exception.

Thanks to the generosity of our local partners, the day was overflowing with farm-fresh goodness. McGrath Family Farm donated vibrant, freshly harvested bunches of Swiss chard, offering students the chance to explore a leafy green that many were curious to try. Food Forward contributed sweet and tangy golden nugget tangerines gleaned by volunteers from nearby trees — a true example of how community-led food recovery can nourish local families. With additional support from Food Share, which supplied the pre-packaged produce boxes, we were able to distribute 300 boxes of fruits and vegetables to PVSEA students in grades K–8. For many families, this mix of seasonal produce was a welcome addition to their weekly meals.

One of the highlights of the day was the appearance of Murphy, PVSEA’s beloved therapy dog. Murphy took his job seriously — greeting students, offering soft nudges, and happily receiving all the pets he could get. His presence brought an extra layer of joy and calm to the afternoon, reminding everyone how meaningful emotional support can be in community spaces.

The event also showcased what can happen when a school community comes together. Staff members helped guide families through the pop-up, volunteers assisted with set-up and distribution, and parents and guardians joined in to help younger students pick out their produce. The atmosphere was full of connection — neighbors chatting, students learning about different fruits and vegetables, and families taking home food grown just miles away.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to PVSEA, McGrath Family Farm, Food Forward, and Food Share for making this event possible. Your support helps us continue our mission of increasing access to fresh, local food while strengthening the relationship between students and the agricultural roots of our region.

We’re already looking forward to our next Produce Pop-Up and can’t wait to continue bringing healthy food, hands-on learning, and plenty of smiles to another school community very soon!