Orange County educators have a new opportunity to bring classroom lessons to life, offering students a chance to engage directly with local agriculture while contributing to community well-being. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is inviting students in grades 3 through 12 to participate in its free Youth Engagement Program at Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine.
This program provides a service-learning experience that combines practical farm work with educational content, moving lessons beyond traditional classroom settings. Students visiting the 40-acre Harvest Solutions Farm may engage in tasks such as planting, weeding, or harvesting produce. Through these hands-on activities, they explore a range of topics, including science, agriculture, sustainability, food systems, and food insecurity. The program is designed to give students a direct understanding of how locally grown food supports Orange County residents and addresses local needs.
Harvest Solutions Farm operates as an agricultural partnership, bringing together Second Harvest, the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center, and Solutions for Urban Agriculture. Since its initial planting in 2021, the farm has made a significant impact by harvesting more than 9 million pounds of fresh produce, which has been distributed to Orange County residents facing food insecurity. This initiative demonstrates a tangible local response to community needs, showcasing how agricultural systems can be leveraged for public benefit.
Hannah Ortiz, agriculture manager for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, highlighted the program’s unique value. Ortiz noted the special experience of observing students connect the food grown at the farm with the needs of their own community. She expressed the hope that participants would gain new knowledge about agriculture and food systems, alongside an understanding of their potential role in addressing food insecurity within Orange County.
For educators, this community connection offers an additional dimension to lessons on food origins, agricultural operations, and how local organizations work to support residents. The Youth Engagement Program is available Tuesdays through Fridays, with typical visits lasting two to three hours. Participation in the program is free for all students. Additionally, limited transportation assistance may be available to facilitate access for interested groups.
Educators who are interested in bringing their students to Harvest Solutions Farm can find more information and submit an interest request through the program’s online interest form.
