Teaching local K-12 students to grow fresh produce themselves, USF anthropologists are making a significant impact on access to healthy food. Maurice Williams, a fifth-grade student, tends to rapini plants, emphasizing the role of bees in plant growth. This initiative, known as the 15th Street Farm Nutritional Education Program, involves hundreds of students in Pinellas County, promoting farming in schools and communities.
Amid rising food costs, the USF-led program targets food insecurity, aiming to educate communities on the food growing ecosystem and healthy eating habits. Supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the project focuses on cultivating fresh fruits and vegetables to combat the lack of nutrient-dense foods in underserved areas.
Professor David Himmelgreen, a leading figure in anthropology, emphasizes the link between food insecurity and health issues. Collaborating with local organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay, initiatives such as Food Rx offer food as a form of medicine, addressing the nutritional needs of vulnerable communities.
The 15th Street Farm-NEP program focuses on educating children about agricultural science, fostering partnerships with schools and agencies. Students are engaged in hands-on activities, learning about soil, microbiomes, and the intricate relationships between humans, plants, and the environment.
By restoring old garden beds, building new ones, and educating communities, the program aims to promote the cycle of life in food production. Director Emmanuel Roux emphasizes the importance of nourishing the soil to produce nutrient-rich foods, benefiting both plant growth and human health.
Through experiential learning and interactive workshops, students are encouraged to reconnect with nature and understand the food growing process. The curriculum is designed to cater to students of all ages, incorporating storytelling and practical activities to promote healthy eating habits.
USF graduate and undergraduate students from the Department of Anthropology actively participate in developing educational resources and conducting research. The program manager, Funmi Odumosu, highlights the significance of understanding microbiomes and soil health in fostering a deeper appreciation for food systems.
Professor Himmelgreen envisions training students to become future leaders in combating food insecurity, emphasizing the critical role of food in human survival. The 15th Street Farm-NEP program, located in downtown St. Petersburg, offers volunteer opportunities to engage the public in promoting community health and sustainable food practices.
As the initiative continues to empower students and communities to grow their own food, it underscores the importance of education, hands-on experience, and community partnerships in addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles.
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