Quoted Text

As an educator, why should I be interested in local food and agriculture education?

Whether you teach at the pre-school or college level, the interest in local food and agriculture related education is on the rise.
Many educators are realizing that students today often do not realize where food comes from, despite it being a key part of our existence.  
Also, with the increase in childhood obesity and other food related diseases, many educators are interested in new approaches that teach nutrition and healthy eating habits,
while linking to other subjects such as math and biology.

What are different approaches to local food and agriculture education?
There are a variety of different approaches to educating students about local food and agriculture such as:

•Planting an on-site school garden
•Nutrition and cooking classes, often linked to the seasonal availability of foods
•Service learning at local farms, creating hands on learning opportunities for students
•And curriculum on a variety of topics, such as gardening, plant life cycles, the biology of composting, and more.

How does local food and agriculture education benefit students?
A local food and agriculture curriculum can:  
•Provide hands on learning in a fun outside setting
•Teach students about proper nutrition, helping to establish healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food
•Introduce students to fresh foods they may not have access to at home
•Give students insight into food related career tracks, such as nutrition, cooking, farming, agricultural science, or food policy related jobs.
•Connect students to the local agricultural landscape, people and the environment

Local Resources
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Growing Gardens Team
Bernalillo County 4-H
East Central Ministries
Erda Gardens - Education Programs
Gardeners Guild - School Gardens ABQ
Martineztown House
New Mexico 4-H
Project Renaissance
Rio Grande Community Farm - Education Program
UNM Lobo Gardens
Veggiegrower Gardens - School Projects
Youth Food Action Project

Local School Gardens
Albuquerque Academy
Alvarado Elementary School (garden located at Los Poblanos Field)
Bandelier Elementary
East San Jose Elementary
Grant Middle School
Montezuma Elementary
Mountain Mahogany Community School
Native American Community Academy
Polk Middle School
Sandia Prep
South Valley Academy
SY Jackson Elementary School

National Resources
Community Food Security Coalition - National Farm to School Program
Ecotrust - Farm to School
Farm to School
Farm to School New Mexico
FoodRoutes.org - Farm to School
Jamie Oliver - School Food
KidsGardening.org
Nourish Middle School Curriculum Guide
USDA - Farm to School