Kerber’s Farm officially opened up its doors on Tuesday to welcome children and adults of all ages to “Kerber’s Farm School.”
The goal of the school’s program is to teach its students about the importance of sustainability, farming, organic plantings, and understanding where our food comes from.
“What we’re trying to do is teach these people at a very young age how easy it is to grow your own food,” Nick Voulgaris, the founder and owner of Kerber’s, said.
Pointing out that many children don’t know where a tomato or an egg comes from, Voulgaris hopes that coming into the classroom and getting hands-on experience will help educate Huntington’s youth.
Not only will students be able to go out into the fields, as well as the chicken coops to harvest the plants and the eggs, but they will also be allowed to take their harvests into the Farm School’s kitchen to prepare their own nutritional meals.
“This is not only an educational school but also doubles as a cooking studio,” Voulgaris said, “So part of my mission with that is what I call the McDonalds dilemma.”
Voulgaris explained that the McDonalds dilemma often causes people to buy over-processed food, rather than a head of broccoli at the supermarket, due to fresh produce’s considerable increased price difference.
However, Voulgaris is trying to address the issue head-on. The students will also learn about other concerns such as food insecurity at a grassroots level.
“The kids absolutely love it here,” Greenlawn resident Joanne Gribbin said. “Personally, I’m interested in the program for myself when they start the adult classes. It’s right up my alley.”
Currently, the classes for 4-8-year-olds will run until June 29.