By Blake Jackson
A collaborative project between the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Black Soil KY, and Need More Acres Farm has resulted in a comprehensive agriculture and food systems curriculum for young Kentuckians.
The Food, Farming & Community curriculum is a captivating, story-based learning tool designed to introduce Kentucky youth to local food systems and explore potential career paths within agriculture. The program aims to inspire students to participate in agriculture and foster food literacy.
Nicole Breazeale, a professor at Martin-Gatton CAFE, leads the project. She envisions the curriculum igniting students' passion for sustainable and inclusive local food systems. "All youth deserve access to fresh, healthy, local food," Breazeale said. "This curriculum helps them get excited about an inclusive local food system, which is crucial for our state's health, economy, and connection."
The curriculum features three engaging videos showcasing the stories of farmers and local food systems practitioners. Former UK football player Avery Williamson, a returning farmer, introduces the series. Ashley Smith of Black Soil and Michelle Howell of Need More Acres co-host the videos.
Ten interactive lessons accompany the video series, culminating in a social action project. Kimberly Haire, a middle school agriculture educator, piloted the curriculum and observed its positive impact on student engagement and understanding.
Haire's students successfully implemented a social action project to address food insecurity in their community. They created local food boxes, filled with fresh produce, local tomato sauce, biscuit mix, and other meal ingredients, and distributed them to families in need.
Jocelyn Kemp, a 4-H agent, adapted the curriculum to fit the needs of her community. She emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and relatable content in engaging students.
Kemp's lessons helped students understand the journey of food from farm to table, inspiring them to appreciate the efforts involved in producing their food.
Michelle Howell, of Need More Acres Farm, shared her personal experience of discovering a passion for agriculture through an introductory agriculture class. She hopes the curriculum will inspire students to consider farming as a career path.
Stacy Vincent, director of undergraduate studies for Agriculture Education at Martin-Gatton CAFE, highlighted the curriculum's effectiveness in fostering student engagement and social action.
The Food, Farming & Community curriculum offers a valuable resource for educators and youth in Kentucky, providing a deeper understanding of local food systems and inspiring a new generation of agricultural leaders.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education