Blue Stream Farms grows, contributes to community

WEIRTON -- Blue Stream Farms, a local nonprofit, is expanding and continuing to find ways to contribute to the community in the process.

The organization, which is a project-based learning program working with area schools, recently received a real estate donation from David and Linda Payne, allowing them to move into an office building located at 3236 Main St. The office will serve as Blue Stream Farms' new home and educational center.

In addition, officials with Blue Stream Farms recently contributed office equipment to the Weirton Police Department, for use within the department's offices or in other parts of the Weirton Municipal Building.

"For us, its very important to give back to the community that has welcomed our organization with open arms," said Daniel B. Spickard, CEO of Blue Stream Farms. "This is just the first step for Blue Stream Farms on Main Street and we are excited to be able to assist our friends at the Police Department."

Blue Stream Farms is focused on facing three challenges in the region: Education, health and environment.

Officials say these challenges will be addressed through a number of platforms, including traditional in-person education, online based educational experiences, and educational culinary experiences.

"The Blue Stream Farms platform is quite expansive and has options for every type of learner," said Joseph R. Edmiston, chief operating officer of Blue Stream Farms. "We want to make sure that every learner feels like they have an opportunity to succeed at Blue Stream Farms. We take our mission very seriously and look forward to opening our doors to the community as soon as our renovations are complete."

First, project based learning will motivate students who take part in the program and prepare them for college, careers and citizenship. The program also provides schools and districts with new ways to communicate and to connect with parents, communities and the wider world.

Second, Blue Stream Farms looks to change lifelong eating habits by providing nutrition awareness campaigns, recipes and community events focused around food and making better food choices.

"When you have access to healthy, fresh foods, you see a decrease in the cancer rates, obesity rates and diabetes rates," said Doug Velegol, executive director of Blue Stream Farms.

The organization has also partnered with the Zesty Italian catering to provide educational programing to school-age students and adults. Information will be coming soon on educational opportunities throughout the community.

Third, the organization will work with students to become stewards of the environment. Threatened by problems related to water shortages, topsoil loss, reliance on fossil fuel inputs and a changing climate, the productivity and reliability of food systems and ecosystems are at stake, officials say.

For information on Blue Stream Farms visit the organization's website, www.bluestreamfarms.com.