Seeds of Change: Nurturing Young Leaders for Food Justice through Nutrition Education, an initiative by Black Farmers Collective
Faculty Information
Zachary Brochu | Public Health Internship II | Project-in-progress
Presentation Type
Individual
Presentation Format
Poster
Start Date
10-5-2024 12:00 PM
End Date
10-5-2024 1:00 PM
Abstract or artist statement
Seeds of Change: Nurturing Young Leaders for Food Justice through Nutrition Education is an initiative by the BIPOC farmers of the Black Farmers Collective aimed at empowering preschool children through tailored nutrition education. This program confronts systemic inequalities in food access by fostering future advocates for urban agriculture and food justice. Using a curriculum designed for preschoolers, the initiative features interactive materials on nutrition and urban farming. The hypothesis is that early education in nutrition and agriculture equips children to tackle food inequity. Implemented in three preschools with fifty students, methods included interactive sessions, hands-on planting, and guided farm visits, aimed at engaging children with the food system actively. Results indicated that participants significantly improved their understanding of the food system, evidenced by activities such as correct placement of food system placards. This suggests that early exposure to these topics can instill awareness and advocacy from a young age. The significance of this work lies in its potential to redefine educational approaches towards food justice in urban settings, particularly within marginalized communities. By starting education early, the initiative sets a foundation for lifelong advocacy and healthier living, promoting broader societal change. Future steps include refining the curriculum based on teacher feedback and tracking the long-term impact on students' behaviors towards food justice.
Keywords: Food Justice, Black Farmers, Food Advocacy, Farm to Table, Nutrition Education, Preschool, BIPOC
Seeds of Change: Nurturing Young Leaders for Food Justice through Nutrition Education, an initiative by Black Farmers Collective
Seeds of Change: Nurturing Young Leaders for Food Justice through Nutrition Education is an initiative by the BIPOC farmers of the Black Farmers Collective aimed at empowering preschool children through tailored nutrition education. This program confronts systemic inequalities in food access by fostering future advocates for urban agriculture and food justice. Using a curriculum designed for preschoolers, the initiative features interactive materials on nutrition and urban farming. The hypothesis is that early education in nutrition and agriculture equips children to tackle food inequity. Implemented in three preschools with fifty students, methods included interactive sessions, hands-on planting, and guided farm visits, aimed at engaging children with the food system actively. Results indicated that participants significantly improved their understanding of the food system, evidenced by activities such as correct placement of food system placards. This suggests that early exposure to these topics can instill awareness and advocacy from a young age. The significance of this work lies in its potential to redefine educational approaches towards food justice in urban settings, particularly within marginalized communities. By starting education early, the initiative sets a foundation for lifelong advocacy and healthier living, promoting broader societal change. Future steps include refining the curriculum based on teacher feedback and tracking the long-term impact on students' behaviors towards food justice.
Keywords: Food Justice, Black Farmers, Food Advocacy, Farm to Table, Nutrition Education, Preschool, BIPOC