The mission of Norwalk Public Schools is to create a student-focused culture that motivates, challenges and supports each individual student to their highest levels of achievement. Over 1,000 dedicated professionals work closely with more than 11,000 students in 19 schools. The Norwalk Public School district is made up of 12 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative high school program. Norwalk is also home to the Center for Global Studies, an inter-district high school magnet program, Norwalk Early College Academy, a collaboration between NPS, Norwalk Community College and IBM, and the Norwalk Early Childhood Center, an inclusive PreK program that opened in September 2016. The district’s rich diversity is a key part of its strength. Norwalk students come from a variety of backgrounds, with more than 38% of students speaking a second language at home. The entire district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means all students are eligible for free school breakfast and lunch. The vision of the district is that all students will graduate prepared to reach their highest potential for college, career and life-long success in a globally competitive society. Norwalk is a coastal city located in Fairfield County, CT, just one hour from New York City. With a diverse population of almost 85,000, Norwalk is the sixth largest city in the state of Connecticut. Norwalk has many parks and shoreline area activities such as: Fodor Farm community garden, a public golf course, and a public beach. The three service members with Norwalk Public Schools are overseen by the Executive Director of Norwalk Grows, and former chair of Norwalk Public Schools District Wellness. They will work in coordination with the district’s strategic operating plan to ensure that all students leave Grade 12 ready for future academic or work success. A key goal of this plan is ensuring safe and attractive schools that support learning and provide a nurturing, inclusive environment, with positive behavior interventions and supports at every school. School climate and school lunch quality/ environment have been identified as two key strategies in meeting this goal. Specifically, three members will be assigned to one school each in the district to implement hands-on learning in the classroom and gardens. They will also support cafeteria initiatives such as taste-tests and incorporating student voice into what is served.

FoodCorps service members at this site are part of a Connecticut cohort. With the small geography of the state, members can frequently collaborate in person. These service members are creating powerful relationships with the wide variety of organizations and individuals that make up the networks addressing food systems change across the state and region. Serving in Connecticut means you are part of a close-knit FoodCorps team, enjoy ample opportunity for a wide range of professional development, and have the chance to make a huge impact in the state with the second-highest income disparity in the nation. The FoodCorps CT cohort is part of a much larger network of organizations and agencies dedicated to farm-to-school work, including, but not limited to: the University of Connecticut, CT State Department of Education, CT Department of Agriculture, CT Department of Public Health, Common Ground, CT Farm to School Collaborative, Keney Park Sustainability Project, Brigaid, New England Dairy, and New Britain ROOTS.