Updated Date 10/27: F2S Virtual Town Hall: Orlando’s Approach to Environmental Education
Join us in Bradenton for the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, where farmers, producers, educators, school nutrition professionals, and other Farm to School champions from across Florida will come together to connect, learn, and share ideas to help programs grow and thrive.
Sprouting Sunshine, Growing Forward
The future of Farm to School in Florida is bright! Inspired by this year’s theme, Sprouting Sunshine, the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference will celebrate the partnerships, ideas, and innovation helping Farm to School programs take root and thrive across the state. Through practical learning, meaningful connections, and real-world agricultural insights, attendees will discover new ways to support School Gardens, Agricultural Education, and Procurement while growing forward together.
Join us for a Virtual Town Hall featuring the City of Orlando’s Office of Sustainability to explore how innovative, hands-on programs are helping youth connect with the natural world. Attendees will learn about The Garden Program, the Apiary Education Program, and the McQuigg & Community Garden & Farm and discover how these initiatives foster curiosity, environmental awareness, and a lifelong respect for nature.
Participants will gain insight into Orlando’s approach to environmental education and leave with practical ideas and inspiration to adapt similar programs within their own schools, organizations, and communities.
Who should attend: Educators, school nutrition professionals, garden coordinators, Farm to School stakeholders, community partners, and youth-serving organizations looking for innovative ways to connect students with nature, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
Meet Our Speaker: Abbey Matusik
Abbey Matusik is a Sustainability Project Coordinator for the City of Orlando, where she designs and leads educational programming about nature, gardening, and beekeeping. Prior to her current role, Abbey served as a U.S. Teaching Assistant with Fulbright Austria, where she engaged Austrian secondary students in learning about American life and culture. Her experience abroad sparked a deep passion for education and community engagement, which she brought back to the U.S. as an AmeriCorps VISTA. This role laid the foundation for her transition into her current position, where she continues to foster environmental awareness and stewardship through hands-on learning experiences.