By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School agriculture teacher Andy Joe Moore is transitioning to the district wide Farm to School Coordinator.
“Dr. Moore will continue to build Barren County’s longstanding Farm to School partnerships and practices, strengthening a program that not only feeds students but grows opportunity for an entire generation,” a district press release stated. “Whether [students] pursue agriculture, entrepreneurship, nutrition, or public service, students will leave our schools with a stronger understanding of food systems, economic impact, and community wellness.”
The new position “reflects [Barren County Schools] long-term vision: to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for both college and career” and his leadership will drive its vision forward, which is to connect preschool through postsecondary students with meaningful, real-world experiences in local food production and procurement, according to the press release.
“Advocating for the value and significance of quality food has been a driving initiative throughout my life,” Dr. Moore said. “Food doesn’t exist without agriculture, and the model of agricultural education has become a time-tested success story like no other.”
Outside of his educational role, Moore is an eighth generation farmer, selling beef through his work on Moore’s Family Farm.
To support this “next chapter” heralded by Moore’s ascension, Barren County Schools stated it’s “investing in new infrastructure at [the high school]” with a teaching and research meat processing facility, a prep kitchen, a cold storage for local produce and a storefront to sell student-grown and locally sourced foods.
“At Barren County Schools, we’re not just preparing students for tests; we’re preparing them for life,” the press release stated. “Dr. Moore’s transition into this new role signals our unwavering commitment to college and career readiness, student empowerment, and a healthier future for all.”
