RIPE FOR LEARNING: New Hudson Valley Farms & Food Guide

More than 150 Local Resources to Help Educators and Students Explore Farms and Food

“Farms & Food,” an educational guide featuring more than 150 local farms, agriculture-related places, and organizations, along with media and other resources, is now available free in Teaching the Hudson Valley’s new Resources section.

We love farms and food because it is a compelling starting point for exploring so many issues. Food is a high-interest topic that generates strong opinions – from the kindergartner who hates peas to the newly minted teenage vegetarian. Our guide helps educators take advantage of that interest through the Hudson Valley’s rich and varied agricultural resources.

“Food is something that every child can relate to," said Gwen Hill, Director of Science Barge Education at Groundwork Hudson Valley. A featured THV destination, Groundwork Hudson Valley is an environmental justice non-profit that works with communities to improve their physical and social environment.

Gwen explains further. "The exploration of farms and food provides students with a unique, hands-on learning experience that reinforces both classroom studies and current events. Farm-based learning encompasses history, nutrition, natural science, social and environmental studies and more! The THV guide is a tremendous resource for both teachers and students.”

“Farms & Foods” highlights include:

• Planning your visit – THV teacher tips for before, during and after your visit
• Farms by county – willing to share their operations and expertise, as well as their passion for food and agriculture, to help young people understand where their meals come from
• Land Trusts – Groups actively preserving open space, including farmland
• Annual Events – Harvest celebrations, festivals, fairs and demonstrations in all four seasons
• Historic Sites and Museums – that have identified agriculture as a topic of interest or developed related exhibits or programs
• Garden Learning – Find a community garden that might welcome a visit

Students are immersed in food messages and issues every day, from local jobs to school menus and eating disorders. Talking through and understanding these issues in context provides students with opportunities to practice critical thinking and become active, informed consumers, decision makers and community members.

Farms & Food was conceived and researched by THV Student Conservation Associate Hadley Galbraith and THV coordinator Debi Duke. Top photo: istockphoto.com/FunWithFood. Bottom: courtesy Groundwork Hudson Valley science barge.