Huntsburg, OH — Hershey Montessori School’s adolescent program is expanding its hands-on learning experience beyond the classroom this summer, bringing student-grown produce and community engagement to the Chardon Family Market.

In a collaborative effort between students and farm staff, the summer farm team will participate in the popular seasonal market, offering fresh vegetables, herbs, and other items cultivated by students throughout the growing season. The initiative represents both an educational milestone and a meaningful opportunity to connect with the broader community.

The project, which has been in development since mid-winter, is part of the school’s Montessori-based adolescent curriculum, emphasizing real-life responsibility, entrepreneurship, and community. While students have played an active role in preparing for the venture, staff members acknowledge that organizing a full market presence has required significant coordination.

“We’ve been working with students for months, but the full scope of what it takes to prepare for market season is complex”, said Hershey Farm Manager Joyce Cole. “A lot of the behind-the-scenes work is now coming together quickly.”

Hershey families are being encouraged to visit the market and are being offered an additional opportunity to participate in Hershey’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares.

Through the CSA program, families will be able to purchase shares in advance, allowing them to select from student-grown produce and other farm products during Saturday market days and at a farm stand planned for Hershey Montessori School’s Huntsburg campus. Organizers hope the offering will provide families with flexible access to fresh, locally grown food while supporting the students’ work.

“This gives families a direct connection to what students are growing and producing,” Joyce explained. “It also helps students understand the full cycle of agriculture—from planting and harvesting to marketing and sales.”

Beyond the market initiative, the program is also deepening its commitment to community service. A portion of all produce grown this season will be donated to Claridon Community Helps, a local organization that provides meals for children during the summer months.

The partnership is already underway, with current harvests of lettuce and herbs being divided between market inventory and donations. At least half of this week’s yield, according to the farm team’s plan, will be directed to the organization.

Claridon Community Helps operates a network that prepares and distributes lunches across the area, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals when school is not in session. Hershey Montessori students will not only contribute produce but will also have the opportunity to volunteer in the organization’s kitchen, further strengthening the connection between agricultural work and community impact.

“This is a powerful extension of the Montessori philosophy,” said Deanna Shrum, Hershey Montessori School’s Communication Director. “Students see that their work feeds people—not just for sales at a market, but for service to community families who benefit from their support.”

The initiative reflects a broader vision of experiential education—one where academic concepts are integrated with meaningful, real-world applications. From managing crops to engaging with customers and supporting local food access, students are gaining insight into both business operations and social responsibility.

“We’re building something that will evolve over time,” Joyce said. “This summer is just the beginning.”

The Chardon Family Market is located in Chardon Square and runs June 6 and 20, July 11 and 18, August 1, 22, and 29 this summer season.

Families with children may participate in Hershey’s Farm Opportunity as well. Two dates are slated for those interested in enjoying a farm experience. See the flyer for details.

Interested families and CSA questions may be directed to Joyce Cole at jcole@hershey-montessori.org.