The Problem
We see a lack of interest and education in the students we serve surrounding sustainable agriculture and horticulture, and this is concerning considering that our organization and the students we serve are located in the agricultural state of Iowa. There is a lack of understanding surrounding where our food comes from, how it is produced, and how communities can work together to support each other and create pathways away from food insecurity and wastefulness and toward environmental and economic sustainability.
Our Plan
We plan to use the greenhouse for students to grow food producing plants and seedlings to use in the organization’s garden, in the students’ own home gardens, and to sell to members of the community as part of our high school program\'s micro-business class which teaches measurable economic lessons through a production based practicum. By teaching K-12 students about farm and garden sustainability, biodiversity, and land stewardship we can address key issues such as food access and insecurity and managing excess waste. We anticipate 15-20 students aged 12-18 will participate in the project in 2024, and hundreds more will benefit from the results over the coming years. Student involvement in the program will also include stewardship of the garden, pollinator education, compost science, and the essentials of nutrition.
