How do you incorporate Pennsylvania crops into the classroom - let alone an art classroom?

Tamaqua Area Middle School teacher Kim Woodward figured it out by having students paint fruits and vegetables for a mural, learn fun facts about everything from apples to zucchini, and sample fruit-infused water and locally-raised produce.

“It’s to bring awareness to you guys on healthy eating habits and crops that are growing in Pennsylvania,” Woodward told students in one of her afternoon classes.

Woodward’s lessons have been revolving around those topics lately, since she successfully applied for a 2022 USDA Farm to School grant.

The funding is meant to engage students in the Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month (PA HOM) program, explained Elaine McDonnell, an assistant research professor at Penn State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences and director of Project PA. The program promotes Pennsylvania’s agricultural business and is implemented through Project PA, a collaboration between Penn State and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Food and Nutrition.

“We had to tie in the grant to art,” Woodward said.

So, over the past few weeks, students in sixth to eighth grades learned how to blend a palette of colors, and researched the fruits and vegetables they would paint. They achieved the right hues needed to add a rusty tinge to sweet potatoes and highlight ripe spots on tomatoes.

Now, the paintings are part of a permanent mural at the middle school’s cafeteria. Others will be installed at Tamaqua and West Penn Elementary schools, Woodward said.

“They did a fantastic job,” Woodward said. “I think they all surprised themselves. They look really good.”

On Wednesday, Woodward welcomed students to her classes, and invited them to sample fruit infused water, broccoli, asparagus and peppers.

The spread was meant to be a taste test for students and was assembled by Amy Hehn, the district’s director of food and nutrition.

“Even though we live in Pennsylvania where all these fruits and vegetables are grown, some of us have never tried them,” Woodward said.

As they enjoyed their snacks, Woodward invited them to peek at the Harvest of the Month website.

“As you can see, strawberries are grown in June, and cabbage is available in December,” she said.

And then it was time for fun facts. Students compiled and printed them onto table tents.

“Who knew paprika was made from dried sweet peppers?” Woodward asked. “I didn’t know. And who knew asparagus grew 10 inches in a day?”

Some students raised their hands, saying they were aware.

Throughout the day, staff members stopped in to sample foods and admire the students’ work.

Woodward said the students’ projects and photos will eventually be featured on the PA Harvest of the Month website at www.paharvestofthemonth.org.