A Collegeville nonprofit has thought of an innovative way to bring the farm feeling directly to Montgomery County schools by using a large cooking and gardening truck, writes Gary Puleo for The Times Herald.

Greener Partners’ Farm Explorer has been traveling through a five-county area carrying thriving beds of vegetables and fruits in an attempt to bring communities together through the use of food, farms, and education.

“We bring the farm right to schools, saving on transportation time and costs, logistics and other issues,” said Greener Partners communications director Shannon Davidson.

Davidson said that the nonprofit uses two trucks stacked with bins of fresh still-growing vegetables. Kids can pick fresh produce from the truck and then turn into a healthy meal with the help of nonprofit’s staff. This gives them the opportunity to take part in a hands-on and fun experience to deepen their connection with healthy food.

The Farm Explorer reaches close to 10,000 students each year, from Kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition, a visit from the farm truck can easily fit into a 45-60 minute class period

“It’s in this way that we transform community health through fresh food,” Davidson added.

Read more about the successful project at The Times Herald by clicking here.