Dan and Megan EisenVos have spent the past several years cultivating a small piece of land they acquired near Eugene Field A+ Elementary. From the beginning, they knew their small-scale urban farm could be more than just a personal project—it could be a gift to the community. Given the farm’s close proximity to EFA+, reaching out to school staff to explore a partnership was a natural step.
For the past four years, Eugene Field students have made the short two-block walk to Iron Fox Farms to dig in the dirt and learn how food is grown. Each spring, third and fourth graders prepare the soil and plant seeds. In the fall, fourth and fifth graders return to experience the harvest. On Friday, September 12, students spent the morning learning about cultivation while gathering pumpkins, zucchini, beans, potatoes, and more. They also helped prepare the soil for the next group of students, giving them a hands-on understanding of the full cycle of food production—from seed to meal.
All of the produce harvested from Iron Fox Farms will be sold during a fall celebration at Eugene Field A+ on Friday, September 19. Proceeds will go toward a community project selected by the students. This story highlights a truth seen throughout Sioux Falls Public Schools: when community organizations and schools partner together, relationships grow stronger, opportunities expand, and everyone benefits.