TAMPA FARM FIELD GUIDE
Hands in the Soil, Hands on the Knife: Kids Learn Farm-to-Table in Tampa
A hands-on Project JCOA day for children and teens (ages 4–18) that pairs STEAM learning with farm work and food preparation at local sites such as Sweet Organic Farm.
Hands in the Soil, Hands on the Knife: Kids Learn Farm-to-Table in Tampa.
Junior Chefs of America’s Project JCOA Farm Experience brings children and teens onto local Tampa farms to learn about healthy eating through practical STEAM-infused cooking and farm work; participants collaborate with farm staff to prepare food, set up for public FARM TO TABLE events, and support the community through hands-on tasks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Working with Local Farms
Project JCOA teams up with neighborhood farms such as Sweet Organic Farm to give kids a real-world connection to where food comes from and how community events run.
Prep, Cook, Clean and Serve
Children and teens join farm staff to set up, prepare food, cook when scheduled, clean, and decorate for public events—supporting every stage of a farm-to-table gathering.
STEAM Through Food
The program integrates basic STEAM education with culinary practice, using cooking and event tasks to reinforce science, techniques, English, math and culinary arts concepts.
What the day feels like
What Being There Feels Like
A typical Project JCOA farm day folds STEAM lessons into practical activity: kids arrive at the farm, team up with staff to set up for a community event, handle food preparation tasks, and either help cook a lunch using farm ingredients on some dates or receive a provided lunch when on-site cooking is not part of the schedule.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Events take place at local farms such as Sweet Organic Farm Community Farm (6942 W. Comanche Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634).
On some dates kids will make lunch with foods from the farm; when no lunch is prepared on-site, Junior Chefs receive a free lunch. Parents who wish to have lunch should call in advance; there is a small donation per parent lunch.
All parents are free to join Project JCOA on the day of the event and are encouraged to participate.
Parents who want to have lunch with the group should call the operator to let them know in advance and arrange the donation if applicable.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can participate?
The Project JCOA Farm Experience is for children and teens ages 4–18.
Can parents join the farm day?
Yes — all parents are free to join and their participation is encouraged.
Will lunch be provided?
On some dates kids will prepare lunch at the farm using farm foods; if no lunch is prepared on-site, the operator will provide a free lunch for all Junior Chefs.
How do I arrange to have lunch with my child?
Parents who wish to have lunch should call the operator at 813-408-1078 to let them know; there is a small donation of $20 per parent lunch.
What does a parent lunch include?
Parent lunches include a whole sub, a deli salad, two cookies, and a drink.
Where are the events held?
Events are held at local farms such as Sweet Organic Farm Community Farm, located at 6942 W. Comanche Avenue, Tampa, FL 33634.