Part 1 of 20: 2026–27 Bridge Bedford Teacher Grant Series
What if a garden could grow more than vegetables? At Harris Middle School, a new community garden will help grow academic knowledge, family food security and valuable life skills, thanks to a $3,000 teacher grant from Bridge Bedford!
The grant, awarded recently to teachers Matthew Forman, Jamie Leonard, Sarah Stallings and Meghan Bailey, will support the creation of a community garden where students can learn by doing, grow fresh vegetables and help provide food for families facing food insecurity.
“This project is about helping feed students and families who are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity, while also teaching them how to become more food secure through small-scale farming,” Forman explained.
The garden will be much more than an outdoor growing space. Raised garden beds will give students hands-on opportunities to explore science concepts such as photosynthesis, the nitrogen cycle and botany. At least 12 classrooms will be able to use the garden for educational research and real-world learning experiences that bring classroom lessons to life.
Just as importantly, the vegetables grown in the garden will be shared with Harris Middle School families who need additional support. Forman noted that students can take pride in growing fresh produce that helps their own families thrive while developing practical skills and a sense of self-reliance.
The project also has room to grow! Future plans could include a student-supported farmers market, offering opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills and apply lessons in math, English Language Arts and art. Students may also help share surplus produce with local food banks.
The $3,000 grant will help fund the materials needed to build the garden including cedar boards, framing, fencing, hardware, gate locks and other construction supplies.
For Forman and his fellow grant recipients, the vision is simple but powerful: Give students meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute and make a difference in their own community.
Growing something good, together!
This is the first of 20 stories celebrating the 2026–27 Bridge Bedford Teacher Grants, which will support 20 projects across 10 Bedford County Schools. A total of $25,278 was awarded on October 15, 2026, to BCS educators through funds raised at last year's CC5K.
Every grant represents an investment in creative teaching, meaningful learning and opportunities that reach beyond the classroom. Best of all, students are the ultimate beneficiaries, gaining experiences, resources and skills that can make a lasting difference in their lives.
Stay tuned as we spotlight the educators, ideas and student opportunities made possible by the CC5K and Bridge Bedford!
