Katherine JohnsonA collaborative project between the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), Black Soil KY and Need More Acres Farm has resulted in an agriculture and food systems curriculum for young Kentuckians.
The Food, Farming and Community curriculum is an interactive, story-based learning tool that explores local food systems and agriculture career paths for Kentucky youth. Its goal is to encourage students to participate in agriculture and promote food literacy.
Nicole Breazeale, associate professor in the Department of Community and Leadership Development at Martin-Gatton CAFE, serves as the principal investigator for the project. Breazeale believes that the program will ignite youth’s passions related to the value of inclusive and sustainable local food systems.
“All youth deserve access to fresh, healthy, local food, and all youth deserve the opportunity to explore careers in growing and producing food,” Breazeale said. “I think this curriculum fills a gap and helps youth around the state get excited about an inclusive local food system, which is critical to the future of our state, our health, our economies and our connection to each other.”
The curriculum centers around three videos showcasing stories of farmers and local food systems practitioners around the state, including teenagers involved in beekeeping, hydroponics and community supported agriculture.
Former UK football player and retired NFL player Avery Williamson, who grew up on a farm and is returning to agriculture, introduces the video series. Ashley Smith of Black Soil KY and Michelle Howell of Need More Acres serve as co-hosts.
“This project has been transformative for land-based storytelling in Kentucky. Our featured guests are at the top of their industry but are oftentimes overlooked and undersought,” Smith said. “The interviews weave together education, empowerment and innovation in reaching a critical audience to the future of agriculture — the youth.”
Ten interactive lessons have been developed around the video series, which culminate in a social action project.
