GrowU is a three-part program designed to grow K-12/University connectivity, and strengthen youth education using food systems as the lens; create the first interdisciplinary sustainable food systems degree tracks in the Circumpolar North; and support mid-career professionals across disciplines in becoming food systems leaders.
FRESH recognizes the importance of cultivating the next generation of leaders and doers who are prepared to grow, strengthen, and advocate for healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems. The GrowU initiative at FRESH is dedicated to developing, providing, and promoting food systems education across the learning spectrum, with a focus on food security challenges and opportunities in the Circumpolar North. Recent collaborative efforts include school gardening programming in elementary schools, a summer food and agriculture learning intensive with high school students, university-level course offerings, and food systems development and leadership training. If you would like to learn more about existing programming, or have another opportunity to share, please contact FRESH at freshnorthproject@gmail.com.
Interdisciplinary Degree Study Options in Sustainable Circumpolar Food Systems
FRESH collaborating institutions Alaska Pacific University (APU) and the University of Alaska (UA) have interdisciplinary degree offerings that can accommodate customized food-focused programs of study at the undergraduate (UAA) and graduate levels (APU and UA). Please contact UAA FRESH Director Liz H. Snyder at ehodges4@alaska.edu or APU FRESH Director Rachael Miller at remiller@alaskapacific.edu for additional information.
Graduate Studies in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Alaska Pacific University (APU) offers a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. FRESH can assist students in crafting a program of study focused on foodpreneurship and food innovations. Contact Rachael Miller at remiller@alaskapacific.edu for more information.
Community Food Systems Program
The Community Food Systems (CFS) Program through Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach is designed to assist communities in developing and designing their local and regional food systems by providing structured, multi-year support in research, coalition development, and project design and implementation. FRESH is currently participating in ISU’s CFS Train-the-Trainer Program, with the ultimate goal of offering regionally customized food systems development support. Stay tuned!
School Gardening Education
FRESH partners with local organizations and schools to offer school gardening lessons that are designed to fit into already busy school days, and that integrate science, nutrition, and health information into hands-on gardening activities.
Alaska Native Youth Investigate Food SySTEMs and Explore Career Paths in Food and Agriculture
In Summer 2019, with funding through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fields Grant program, and under the leadership of Heidi Rader (UAF Cooperative Extension Service Tribes Extension educator), FRESH helped guide high school students in learning about food systems, agriculture, and related careers. Entitled “What's for Dinner? Why We Eat What We Eat in Alaska and What it Means for Our Health”, this two week intensive was offered through the UAF Alaska Summer Research Academy (ASRA), and lesson plans are available upon request.