Food Systems in Higher Education

Comment

Comment by Madeleine Charney on November 18, 2011 at 4:25am

PVGrows (Pioneer Valley Grows) is a fast-growing network dedicated to strengthening the economic, social and ecological viability of food systems in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. In February 2011, a Higher Education Working Group of PVGrows was formed. This cohesive team of students, faculty, and staff (with a librarian as Chairperson), hosted an event in November 2011 called “Fast Talk about Food: Lightning Talks and Networking.” The event was open to the public and attracted 85 participants who were hungry for more information and a delicious local meal (all donated by area farms). There were eight presenters including undergraduate and graduate students as well as new and seasoned faculty from five institutions across the Valley. Their 5-minute “lightning talks” covered topics such as: the first permaculture garden on a public university campus to supply sustainably grown produce to its dining services; a doctoral dissertation about “adult onset hunters”; a local biochar initiative; a new sustainable food and agriculture Masters program; and a 100% student run Campus Kitchens project to redirect leftover food to individuals and families. Following the presentations was a networking experience led by a professional facilitator. The group was first divided into triads to process something new they had learned from the talks. Additional exercises allowed each person to leave with actionable ideas for helping to advance a food systems project on their own campus. For more information about this vibrant group, go to www.pvgrows.net

Comment by Jeff Piestrak on March 24, 2011 at 11:02am

Thanks for starting this group Madeleine. Glad to be part of the discussion! My Local & Regional Foods Libguide has several relevant resources, including a section that has curriculum related materials (though not exclusively focused on higher ed). I'd be happy to add any other links that others have to contribute.