KSU Students Grow 14,000 Pounds of Food for Community

By Blake Jackson

Every morning, 20 Kentucky State University students can be found caring for more than 30 vegetable species at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.

Working in raised beds, garden plots, and a greenhouse, the group of 12 undergraduates and eight graduate students is guided by Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana, assistant professor of urban agriculture, in a hands-on research project focused on urban farming.

The initiative builds on last year’s success, when students harvested 7,127 pounds of produce that was donated to shelters, students, staff, and faculty. This year, the team has grown from its original five members and aims to double production, with a goal of 14,000 pounds of donated food. Since May, they have already shared over 500 pounds with the community.

“Kentucky State’s student run farm can be one of the avenues where we can reduce food insecurity even on campus itself. Faculty are taking food, staff are taking food, and students are taking food; it shows there’s really a need,” said Dr. Nzaramyimana.

“[The impact of the project really shows] when a student, who has never grown anything in their life, comes and grows something and now gets to donate it. You can really see the joy when they are donating, giving, and distributing food. It’s so rewarding.”

With the larger team, research opportunities have also expanded. “The farm last year was small and our team was small. This year is really different because our team has grown and Dr. Theo is giving a lot of opportunities to students to do more research and he is attributing research to everyone so that they can have more knowledge about what they’re doing,” said returning student, Affoue Yao.

Students like Jaiya McCargo, junior environmental systems major, emphasized the value of hands-on experience: “The experience that you have in the classroom is [a nice way] to understand the book side of things but then once you get to see it in the actual field or in the greenhouse or in the lab, it’s a whole other experience.”

The project continues to inspire and train future leaders in agriculture while providing vital support to the community.

For more details or to participate, contact Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana at theoneste.nzaramyima@kysu.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave