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Donation

Kim Brod-Houle, Access Food Bank Coordinator with E.O. Smith’s Agricultural Education seniors and Cynthia Chotkowski, E.O. Smith’s Agricultural Education teacher.

 

The senior class of all girls from E.O. Smith’s Agricultural Education program recently raised and donated 21 chickens weighing 80 pounds to the Access Community Action Agency.  After processing the class presented packaged meat weighing 67 pounds to Access Food Bank Coordinator Kim Brod-Houle.  The 21 chickens were donated to the E.O. Smith Agricultural Education department from Morris Burr of the Burr Farm in Danielson. The Agricultural Education department also applied for and obtained a $500 grant from the Tractor Supply Co. of Windham which helped supply poultry feed, bedding, and processing materials. 

The project lasted a total of four weeks and the students were fully responsible for feeding, watering and cleaning the birds as well as helping on the day of processing.  “It is a learning experience that teaches responsibility and a true lesson in where your food comes from,” said  Cynthia Chotkowski, E.O. Smith’s Agricultural Education teacher.  “We are anticipating another donation in the spring of more broilers so that people can have high quality protein included in their daily meal plan.  We want to help make sure there are fewer people who are hungry in our own communities around E.O Smith high school ‘Fulfilling the True Farm to Table Mission’,” she added.  In order to be successful, the project included not only the 11 students of the senior class but all classes from the animal science program and assistants. The program is designed with academic rigor and a hands-on approach to learning.  Animal Science students learn about biotechnology, animal nutrition, livestock, dairy production, equine science, and participate in hands on experiences that include harvesting hay and raising and caring for animals. The Agricultural Science and Technology program at E.O. Smith High School is one of the state’s top programs with students coming from five surrounding towns.