Outreach & Education
Food & Agriculture Literacy Program
Our Mission: Empowering informed food choices through education
Our Vision: Cultivating conscious dietary decisions for a sustainable future
The HISD Food & Agriculture Literacy program empowers students and the community with the knowledge to make informed food choices. Our program focuses on understanding the impact of food choices on health, the community, and the environment. It includes a variety of activities, such as cooking classes, nutritional education, and lessons on sustainable agriculture.
By enhancing food literacy, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation for the food they consume, where it comes from, and the processes involved in its production and distribution. This comprehensive approach to food education fosters healthier eating habits, encourages food sustainability, and strengthens community well-being.
The HISD Food & Agriculture Literacy Program aims to cultivate a generation that is conscious of their dietary choices and their broader implications.
Mykawa Farm
Mykawa Farm is a 6.5-acre property in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood, rich in history and agricultural significance. At its heart stands a nearly 100-year-old school—one of the oldest in Harris County. The original one-room schoolhouse was built in 1919, with additional rooms added in 1923. Both the school and a bordering road are named after Shinpei Mykawa, a Japanese immigrant who introduced rice farming to Houston.
Despite the farm’s deep history, the hum of planes, trains, and automobiles serves as a reminder that this is an urban farm in the fourth-largest city in the United States.
A Living Classroom for HISD Students
Mykawa Farm is home to the HISD Nutrition Services Food & Agriculture Literacy Center, where students engage in hands-on learning experiences. Through field trips and interactive activities, they gain a deeper connection to food beyond consumption, exploring educational and career pathways in food and agriculture.
Student Reflections on Mykawa Farm
- "Going to the Mykawa Farm inspired me to eat better." - Jazleen, 5th grade
- "Mykawa Farm is the best place to spend a nice full day learning about agriculture." - Juniper, 5th grade
- "The feeling of creating something I'm gonna eat is heartwarming." - Charles, 3rd grade
Mykawa Farm FAQs
- Can I visit the farm?
- What activities do visitors get to do?
- What kinds of animals are at Mykawa Farm?
- What should visitors bring and wear?
- Will we be outside the whole time?
- What if it rains?
- How much does it cost?
- How can I donate to Mykawa Farm?
Can I visit the farm?
Currently, field trips are open to groups from HISD schools. We also host volunteer days for businesses and community groups (such as Scouts).
Private tours are available for:
- Corporate exhibit sponsors
- Environmental educators
- Potential volunteer group leaders
- Donors and other partners
To request a private tour, please contact Matt Graham at matthew.graham@houstonisd.org.
What activities do visitors get to do?
Visitors participate in hands-on experiences that connect them with nature, explore careers in food and agriculture, and learn about growing and eating fresh food. Activities include:
- Planting and watering crops (greens, carrots)
- Harvesting and tasting crops (cucumbers, green beans, herbs)
- Scouting crops for pest and disease damage
- Designing and testing a natural play area
- Composting and observing decomposers (worms, snails, pill bugs, etc.)
- Observing pollinators (butterflies, bees, etc.)
- Exploring the sensory garden maze
- And more!
What kinds of animals are at Mykawa Farm?
What should visitors bring and wear?
Will we be outside the whole time?
What if it rains?
How much does it cost?
How can I donate to Mykawa Farm?
Culinary Nutrition Education
Nutrition Education
Let's learn about food! Led by a team of two registered dietitians, the Food & Agriculture Literacy Program is happy to offer a host of nutrition education opportunities. See below for a list of common topics and events.
- MyPlate
- Food Science
- Moderation & Balance
- Health Fairs
Have a specific subject or occasion in mind? You name it, and we'll cover it!
Request Nutrition Education
Chef Demos
Snacks, salads, quick weeknight meals—Chef Brittany's got it all! Let us bring the kitchen to your campus with our chef demos. Incorporating elements of nutrition education, participants will have the chance to sample and even prepare a variety of recipes featuring fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Student Classes
- Parent/Family Series
- Tastings
- District Events