Celebrating 20 Years of FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC’s Leading School-Based Food Education Program
Ceremonial resolution celebrates two decades of joyful, hands-on food and garden education for DC students
(Washington, DC, April 15, 2026) — FRESHFARM is proud to announce that its signature FoodPrints program has been officially recognized by the Council of the District of Columbia on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. Last month, the Council approved the FRESHFARM FoodPrints 20th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2026, honoring FoodPrints for its exceptional food and garden education programming for District of Columbia schools and students.
Since its founding in 2005, FoodPrints has worked with tens of thousands of DC students to build lifelong connections to food through hands-on lessons rooted in growing, cooking, eating, and learning. Embedded in Washington, DC, public elementary schools, the program uses school gardens, teaching kitchens, and fresh produce from local farmers to deliver uniquely effective, joyful, academically aligned food education.
The Council’s recognition comes as FRESHFARM celebrates 20 years of FoodPrints’ impact across the District and reflects on the program’s role in shaping healthier, more connected school communities.
“I have watched FoodPrints evolve from my days as a Council staffer when Watkins Elementary was seeking support to build the first teaching kitchen as part of the school’s modernization efforts,” noted Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, who introduced the resolution. ”As we mark this 20-year milestone, and FoodPrints has greatly expanded its reach, we are so fortunate for this partnership in so many elementary schools.”
The Council’s recognition speaks to both the program’s evolution over the past 20 years and the deep, lasting value FoodPrints brings to school communities across the District.
“Over the last 20 years, FoodPrints has shown what is possible when food education is embraced as an essential part of a child’s learning experience,” said Cat Oakar, Executive Director, FRESHFARM. “This recognition from the DC Council is an incredible honor and a testament to the educators, students, families, school partners, and champions who have helped FoodPrints grow into the beloved program it is today.”
The milestone was celebrated on March 31 at School-Within-School @ Goding, where more than 100 guests — including students and families, partner school educators and administrators, past and present FoodPrints teachers, supporters, and funders — gathered for an anniversary event. Guests shared favorite FoodPrints memories, made seed packets and rolled oats just like FoodPrints students, and enjoyed favorite FoodPrints produce-forward recipes and a mini farmers market of local produce.
“Through FoodPrints, elementary scholars across 20 of our district's schools engage in hands-on learning — growing and cooking with fresh, healthy ingredients that they can touch, smell, and taste,” said DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “This beloved program has been a part of the DCPS community for two decades, and together, we have advanced healthy and educational experiences with food for thousands of students and their families.”
Over the past 20 years, FoodPrints has become a national model for experiential food education in public schools. Our students understand where food comes from and how to grow it, and how to cook nutritious recipes while building confidence, curiosity, and connection in the classroom and into adulthood. “The DC Council’s resolution underscores the program’s significance not only as an education initiative, but as a lasting investment in the well-being of District children and families,” noted Beth Bacon, FRESHFARM Director of Education.
