Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Low income youth and seniors Minority children and seniors (50 years old and older) Women, veterans, disable individuals and other underserved audiences. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training activities 1 to 2 hour-classes including hands-on activities related to: Container Gardening, Cooking demonstrations: Smoothies, various soups and other healthy foods, Ergonomics- Tools for the garden, Getting Started – the basics of a market booth, Growing organic vegetables, Food preservation and preparation: Canning techniques and dehydrated fruits and vegetables, Food and kitchen safety, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Integrated pest management Identification of garden pests and diseases, Introduction to gardening, Introduction to Marketing: workshop to market vendors, Native pollinators and other beneficial insects, Nutrition classes, Organizational skills,Propagating, identifying and establishing native plants, Soil fertility and composting, Safe Food Handling Practices, Social media for farmers and market vendors, Sustainable plant maintenance: watering and fertilization, Value-Added workshop, Value-added products with native plants. Professional development Cover Crops workshop AgrAbility workshop How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Educational booth and value added product sales at LU's 'In Touch with Nature at Busby Farm' field day. Jefferson City, MO Educational booth at 'Integrated Pest Management' Alan T. Busby Farm field day. Jefferson City, MO Educational booth at 'Alternative Agriculture Field Day' at LU-George Washington Carver Farm field day. Jefferson City, MO Booth display, activities for children, produce and seedlings sales, at the LU Farmers Market from May-September. Jefferson City, MO Tour of the commercial kitchen and educational booth at LU's '2014 Missouri Minority and Limited Resource Farmers' Conference. Jefferson City, MO Booth at the 2014 'Missouri State Fair', Sedalia, MO. Facebook pages: Lincoln University Community Garden and Lincoln University Farmers Market Personal emails, postcards via regular mail, posting flyers in public places. Local groups. Boys and Girls Club, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, MU-Extension, AgrAbility Program, the Samaritan Center, Common Ground, The Halo Project, CMCA Social Workers, the Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Center and various churches, Center and Sustainable Ozarks Partnership. All staff attended the 'Limited Resource Farmers Conference'. Sustainable agriculture sessions included. All staff attended 'Lincoln University Staff Development and in-service training'. Team work training, reporting, Impact in Extension, among other topics. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? A no-cost 3-month extension was approved by NIFA to present results and initiate collaborative efforts with educational institutions and non-profit organizations in El Salvador. During the period of September 1 through December 2014. We are planning: 1. To present the Gardening as Therapy project in El Salvador at two institutions: Universidad de El Salvador, Facultad de Ciencias Agronomicas and at AGAPE from November 20 through December 2. 2. To take final data of Sprouts and Roots participants 3. To develop value added products using native plants and produce grown on campus to sell at LU-Christmas Craft Sale. 4. Create a committee with participants and staff from the Native Plants Program to oversee the 'Sprouts and Roots Program' to become an LU permanent program run by volunteers and Native Plants Program staff. 5. Develop a video with Sprouts and Roots participants to explain in their own words how the Gardening as Therapy Program made an impact in their lives. 6. Compile recipes offered during the project in a handbook to fund Sprouts and Roots Program and Farmers Market in 2015
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The community garden, native plant gardens, farmers market and kitchen at Lincoln University (LU), all created in part or full funding from this project brought over 7,000 people to campus, 2,000 more than in the previous year. At the market, 36 local vendors and farmers increased sales compared to two previous years. The Sprouts and Roots program offered 32 training events to 100 senior adults and 40 youth. Two new events helped us reach more than 50 veterans. Topics covered included nutrition, native plants, natural resources and native pollinators, gardening and urban farming, and wellness. In 2013-2014 participants in any aspect of this project increased their activity level, improve their social interactions and adopted healthier eating habits. Awareness about the importance of integrating nature and agriculture in cities increased. Several seniors lost weight and feel happier as a result of participating in this project. Seniors and staff produced approximately 1 ton of produce and fruit, similarly as in 2012-2013. In addition to Jefferson City, staff extended their training to seniors in Kansas City, St. Louis and the Bootheel-Southeast regions in Missouri. Major activities completed. 40 classes for youth and 32 for seniors on health, nutrition, cooking, value-added products, native plants and horticulture. Two, 5-day 'Agriculture and Nature in the City' summer camps: Introductory and Intermediate. LU-Farmers Market was opened 50 times. Community Garden opened all year, 10 tours and 15 training activities were offered. More than 40 individuals or families adopted raised beds. Commercial kitchen opened all year, 200 people visited, 4 new users. Classes were offered to different groups. All major goals and objectives (see 'Major goals of the project' above) were completed. Every aspect of the project helped to accomplish our goals as follows: Sprouts and Roots Program at LU in Jefferson City. 26 seniors from Jefferson City area, 50 to 85 years-old, 50% African American and 50% White, participated. Preliminary results for this year show: 100% or respondents adopted healthy cooking at home. Eighty-five percent gardened at LU-community garden and 71% also did it at home. All attended classes. 42% lost weight compared to 37% the previous year. 71% of participants understood the importance of growing native plants for pollinators and for human consumption and grew them in their gardens. Several made changes in their diets; many consumed more vegetables and kept active in the garden. All want the program to be permanent because it was directed for seniors; they enjoyed it, learned about many topics. This group as well as vendors from the market and even market visitors expressed that the community garden and the farmers market are great for social interactions. Entrepreneurship, marketing and food preservation classes were offered. Testimonial from participant: she said that she thinks that the Farmers’ Market has improved her husband's life by giving him something to do and has helped his recovery from stroke more than any other therapy. He is a vendor at the market since its inception and his sales increased during this last period. Sprouts and Roots Program on Tour in Kansas City, St. Louis and the Bootheel. Staff traveled to Kansas City, St. Louis and the Bootheel to offer 3-class series to seniors in those areas in collaboration with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Satellite Offices. Classes will be completed in December. The efficacy of programming was evaluated using 3 main evaluative techniques: the overall effect of the classes on the self-reported health and well-being, the participants' knowledge about each of the topics presented and how satisfied participants were with programs. Data and results will be reported in March 15 for the final report. Similar evaluation techniques were used for youth. Sprouts and Roots Youth Summer camps at LU campus. 40 children participated The first camp had 11 boys and 6 girls, 47% African American, Hispanic and other ethnicity and 53% white, ages 10 to 13 years and 24% participate in the free or reduced lunch program at school. Camps were offered at two levels: introductory and intermediate. Preliminary results from the introductory camp show that children learned in all camp sessions and were highly satisfied with the programming. Children in the intermediate level camp were introduced to marketing and had the opportunity to make their own value added products and sell them at the farmers market or help staff sell produce grown at the community garden. Final results will be presented at a conference in El Salvador and included in the NIFA 2015 final report.The second summer camp, intermediate- included youth that had participated in the program in previous years. LU-Farmers market on campus. 36 vendors, farmers and producers sold at the market. More than 7000 customers visited the market, 1000 or more than in 2013. Most customers are from Jefferson City and surrounding communities, 84% white, 15% African American and 1% Hispanic. The partnership created between the market and the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA) in 2013 from a grant from the Catholic Relief Charities allowed us to create a voucher system for local foster families which they can use to buy food items at the market which also favored vendors.’Additional collaborators this year included Federation for the Blind, Jefferson City, Laughter Yoga, LU Basketball Team. Market sales increased for vendors: The highest average reported was more than $1,400 and the lowest $205. Testimonials:‘The market provided an excellent opportunity for me to sell my work. I enjoyed being able to meet people and learn more about our local farmers’; ‘The LU Market has generated contacts for us to expand our customer base to a local store and a local restaurant with more prospects in the works!’ 'The market manager is always helping the market and the vendors grow in many ways. It has been a great experience to watch this market evolve over the past few years. LU-Commercial Kitchen in 2014 Usage of the LU-Commercial Kitchen increased during this period by vendors looking to increase sales through value added products, the main one being a local producer creating fermented sauerkraut, sold at our Market and other local Market. A beef producer made pizzas and breakfast ‘pockets’ with his own meats, which were a hit at the market. A vendor made his tamales in the kitchen and sold them at the market. Sprouts and Roots kids and senior adults made salsa and cookies to sell during their summer camp, the market and at the annual Touch with Nature field day. The kitchen was used to prepare food for events hosted by the Native Plants Program, to offer classes to the LU-Agriculture Discovery program and by faculty. A new cooking classes series was taugh by our staff to the LU-Learning in Retirement group. LU-Community Garden and native plant gardens. Raised beds were available for Sprouts and Roots participants and other members of the community. The Native Plants Program established native edible plants for demonstration. Training on gardening, native plants, pollinators and other beneficial insects was offered for youth and senior adults. About 100 people used the garden to grow their own produce. Approximately 1 ton of produce including tomatoes, herbs, greens, garlic, peas, turnips, squash, flowers, sweet potato, native edible plants and peppers were grown by adult seniors, staff and volunteers. Produce was used for training or sold at the market. Tours were offered and other LU-Faculty and staff are using the area for training and demonstration. Two honey bee hives were added this year.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Navarrete-Tindall, N.E., Y. Matthews, and M. Aruguete. 2013. Building Community with a Certified Kitchen, Farmers Market and a Community Garden. The SRP Program at Lincoln
University.Proceedings at the Cambio de Colores Conference.
University of Missouri. St. Louis
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Underserved populations that include: low income, minorities, women, veterans, youth and riskand senior citizens. Farmers, producers and the community at large. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training development 1 to 2 hour-classes including hands-on activities related to: Container Gardening, Cooking demonstrations: Smoothies, various soups and other healthy foods, Ergonomics- Tools for the garden, Getting Started - the basics of a market booth, Growing organic vegetables Food preservation and preparation: Canning techniques and dehydrated fruits and vegetables, Food and kitchen safety, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Integrated pest management Identification of garden pests and diseases Introduction to gardening, Introduction to Marketing: workshop to market vendors, Native pollinators and other beneficial insects Nutrition classes Organizational skills Propagating, identifying and establishing native plants Soil fertility and composting Safe Food Handling Practices Social media for farmers and market vendors Sustainable plant maintenance: watering and fertilization Value-Added workshop Value-added products with native plants. How to Shop at a Farmers Market Safe Food Handling Practices Solar Cooking and Food Dehydration Food preservation and preparation: Canning techniques Other value-Added products: Salsa making and bake goods Cooking demonstrations: Smoothies, various soups and other healthy foods Nutrition classes Food and kitchen safety Introduction to Marketing, workshop to market vendors Introduction to gardening Cover crops training Soil fertility and composting Vegetable identification, growing and cooking with herbs Integrated pest management Identification of garden pests Sustainable plant maintenance: watering and fertilization Growing organic vegetables Integrating nature and agriculture: Fruit and vegetables and pollinators How to build raised beds Propagating, identifying and establishing native plants Learning to identify native edible plants Preparing native plants for human consumption Native pollinators and other beneficial insects Wellness activities: gardening, tai-chi and yoga. Making crafts and floral arrangements with native plants Making signs, pavers, press flower art and other crafts Volunteering Training Organizational skills Food Safety Classes for market vendors Professional Development Importance of biodiversity for pollinators and other wildlife. Training about native plants production and establishment in gardens. Attending 'Growing Power's National-International Urban Small' conference. Wisconsin. Organic and sustainable topics were covered during event. Cambio de Colores Conference. University of Missouri. Network and research about Hispanics and other immigrant groups. How to assemble and build a hoop house. One-on-one training. Lincoln University. Native grasses as forages workshop. Train the trainer event. Lincoln University. Pest management practices workshop. Lincoln University. Better Processing School. University of Missouri. All staff attended the 'Missouri Minority Limited Resource Farmers Conference'. Sustainable agriculture sessions All staff attended 'Lincoln University Staff Development and in-service training'. Team work training, reporting Impact in Extension, among other topics. Cover Crops workshop AgrAbility workshop Staff attended the Missouri Organic Association Conference Missouri Botanical Symposium Farmers Market and Commercial Kitchen managers attended 'Farmers Market Association Conference' How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Educational booth and value added product sales at LU's 'In Touch with Nature at Busby Farm' field day. Jefferson City, MO Educational booth at 'Integrated Pest Management' Alan T. Busby Farm field day. Jefferson City, MO Educational booth at 'Alternative Agriculture Field Day' at LU-George Washington Carver Farm field day. Jefferson City, MO Booth display, activities for children, produce and seedlings sales, at the LU Farmers Market from May-September. Jefferson City, MO Tour of the commercial kitchen and educational booth at LU's '2014 Missouri Minority and Limited Resource Farmers' Conference. Jefferson City, MO Booth at the 2014 'Missouri State Fair', Sedalia, MO. Facebook pages: Lincoln University Community Garden and Lincoln University Farmers Market Personal emails, postcards via regular mail, posting flyers in public places. Local groups. Boys and Girls Club, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, MU-Extension, AgrAbility Program, the Samaritan Center, Common Ground, The Halo Project, CMCA Social Workers, the Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Center and various churches, Center and Sustainable Ozarks Partnership. All staff attended the 'Limited Resource Farmers Conference'. Sustainable agriculture sessions included. All staff attended 'Lincoln University Staff Development and in-service training'. Team work training, reporting, Impact in Extension, among other topics. Staff and Sprouts and Roots participants visited El Salvador to present results of the program to students, service providers, farmers, producers and other community members. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A community garden, a farmers market, a commercial kitchen and gardens with native plants and specialty crops were established at Lincoln University of Missouri as a result of this project. They are all located on previously underutilized land on the south part of campus. The Sprouts and Roots program was created to encourage intergenerational relationships between youth and senior citizens and increase participation and retention during training. These facilities and the Sprouts and Roots Program will continue functioning at LU as part of the Native Plants Program and the Paula Carter Center for Minority Aging with volunteer support in 2015 and beyond. These facilities offered a venue for local producers to sell their products and provided a previously non-existing source of fresh and healthy foods for neighboring communities. Project Director, co-directors and a team of specialists and technicians appointed to this project trained about 124 youth and 210 senior citizens on nutrition, health and gardening. More than 100 youth and adults grew produce at the community garden. About 1300 people on year 1, and more than 7000 people on year 4, visited LU campus because of this project. 10 or more private gardens have been established as a result of the example of this project. Surveys results showed an increased sense of community between LU, vendors, project participants and neighbors. This project has created focal points for community members and LU staff and students to learn about urban agriculture and nature. This project has provided facilities and means for communities to engage in healthier habits. Some of the goals were achieved at different levels of success, this project built capacity at LU for other faculty and collaborators to conduct research regarding obesity and other aspects to improve the well-being of underserved communities. Youth and elderly increased physical activity and learned ways to eat healthier. Some seniors lost weight during the program. All have access to fresh produce and many are consuming fresh vegetables.Elderly participating in the community garden continue doing it in 2015. By growing their own produce, elderly and youthhave access to healthier food, free of pathogens. The Market makes produce, meats and fruits available for communities surrounding LU and has helped local producers and farmers to increase their income. It provides a venue for residents to engage in entrepreneurial ventures. Data collected is being analyzed as part of institutional requirements and are being submitted for publication in two journals and one conference in 2015. Sprouts and Roots Program. A large number of 1-4 hour training sessions and 3 conferences were offered in Jefferson City. Seven 1-day conferences were offered in 3 other regions in Missouri. Gardening, native plants, nutrition and wellness topics were covered. The efficacy of programming was evaluated using 3 techniques: the overall effect of the conferences on the self-reported health and well-being, the participants' knowledge about each of the topics presented and how satisfied participants were with programs. Change of knowledge and satisfaction with the programs presented increased for all. The mean satisfaction for the overall evaluation of the program was 4.78, out of a maximum 5. 49 children in 4 summer camps in 2013 and 40 in 2014 participated. 35% and 47% (2013 and 2014) were African American, 53% white both years and 12% other ethnicity. Children increased their change of knowledge and were highly satisfied with the programs. Children made value added products and sold them at the farmers market and helped staff sell produce grown at the community garden. Additional data not included in this report is being analyzed for peer-reviewed publications in 2015. In 2015, the Native Plants Program continues offer classes for youth and senior citizens. LU-Farmers market on campus. 45 vendors, farmers and producers sold at the market. Number of people visiting the market per day varied from 150 to 400 depending on the season. Numbers increased every year during the project. Most customers are from Jefferson City and surrounding communities, 84% white, 15% African American and 1% Hispanic. A partnership between the market and the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA) allowed us to create a voucher system for local foster families. Market sales increased for vendors: The highest average reported was more than $1,400 and the lowest $205. Classes are being offered at the market in 2015. During the first of the market in 2015, more than 15 vendors and 250 people attended. LU-Commercial Kitchen is being used by LU-farmers market vendors, other local producers, Sprouts and Roots seniors and LU Cooperative Research and Extension faculty and staff. The kitchen is also available to the public for tours. Classes offered help users to understand the importance of Food Safety. The kitchen is used to prepare food to promote native plants for specialty crops for events organized by the Native Plants Program, to offer classes to the LU-Agriculture Discovery program and local agencies. A new cooking class's series was taught by our staff to the LU-Learning in Retirement group. Usage of the LU-Commercial Kitchen has increased in 2015 compared to previous years. LU-Community Garden and native plant gardens on campus. Raised beds will continue being available for Sprouts and Roots participants to grow produce. The Native Plants Program native edible plants plots are used for demonstrations and classes. Training on gardening, native plants, pollinators and other beneficial insects was offered for youth and senior adults. About 100 people used the garden to grow their own produce. In 2013 and 2014, approximately 1 ton of produce, including tomatoes, herbs, greens, garlic, peas, turnips, squash, flowers, sweet potato and peppers, were grown by adult seniors, staff and volunteers to use for training, for their own consumption, to sell at the market and to be donated to non-profit organizations serving children and underserved communities near Jefferson City. Approximately 45 people and their families, including Sprouts and Roots members and other members of the community continue using the garden in 2015. Cross-Cultural and Experiential Learning in El Salvador. A delegation of 7 including LU staff and members of two communities in Missouri participated in a 12-day exchange program during the last three months of this project. Main goal of this visit was to present results of this project from 2011 to 2014 at workshops at the University of El Salvador to students and faculty and to farmers, producers and Extension Specialists of two non-governmental organizations. These organizations have similar goals as the LU-Native Plants Program, which are serving underserved producers, farmers and other communities to improve their way of life through education. During this visit Salvadoran communities and Specialists learned what the Native Plants Program does in Missouri and exchange ideas and lessons learned for the past 4 years during this project. Results of surveys indicated increased understanding of the American and Salvadoran culture and the work that Extension Specialists do in both countries. As a follow up to these visits, agreements will be signed and proposals will be submitted to get funding to support specific projects to evaluate native plants in Missouri and in El Salvador for their value added potential. Testimonials from staff during this visit indicated that it was eye opening for everybody who visited El Salvador for their first time as they learned about and better understood the culture. Many of our Salvadoran colleagues and participants during exchange events said that they never thought about poverty and low income communities in the US.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Navarrete-Tindall, N.E., Y. Matthews, and M. Aruguete. 2013. Building Community with a Certified Kitchen, Farmers
Market and a Community Garden. The SRP Program at Lincoln
University. 2013 Proceedings at the Cambio de Colores Conference.
University of Missouri. St. Louis
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Navarrete-Tindall, N.E. et al. Cross-Cultural Experiential Learning in El Salvador. 2015 Proceedings at the Cambio de Colores Conference.
University of Missouri. Kansas City.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Navarrete-Tindall, N.E. et al. 2014. Cross-Cultural Experiential Learning in El Salvador. Facultad de Ciencias Agronomicas. Universidad de El Salvador.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Strategies for preventing seasonal affective disorder with native plants. Paula Carter Center, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension. November 28, 2012. Retrieved on November 16, 2013. http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/programs-and-projects/pjccmha-lunch-and-learn-seasonal-affective-disorder or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81_OJLIBRyI#t=1758
|
Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Low income youth and seniors. Minority children andseniors(50 or older): African Americans, Hispanicand other ethnicities. Women and otherunderserved audiences. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training activities How to Shop at a Farmers Market Safe Food Handling Practices Solar Cooking and Food Dehydration Food preservation and preparation: Canning techniques Other value-Added products: Salsa making and bake goods Cooking demonstrations: Smoothies, various soups and other healthy foods Nutrition classes Food and kitchen safety Introduction to Marketing, workshop to market vendors Introduction to gardening Cover crops training Soil fertility and composting Vegetable identification, growing and cooking with herbs Integrated pest management Identification of garden pests Sustainable plant maintenance: watering and fertilization Growing organic vegetables Integrating nature and agriculture: Fruit and vegetables and pollinators How to build raised beds Propagating, identifying and establishing native plants Learning to identify native edible plants Preparing native plants for human consumption Native pollinators and other beneficial insects Wellness activities: gardening, tai-chi and yoga. Making crafts and floral arrangements with native plants Making signs, pavers, press flower art and other crafts Volunteering Training Organizational skills Professional development Importance of biodiversity for pollinators and other wildlife. Douglas Tallamy national speaker. Bringing Nature Home book author. Lincoln University Native Plants Program. Training about native plants production and establishment in gardens. Offered by St. Louis Botanical Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve staff. Attending ‘Growing Power’s National-International Urban Small’ conference. Wisconsin. Organic and sustainable topics were covered during event. Cambio de Colores Conference. University of Missouri. Network and research about Hispanics and other immigrant groups. How to assemble and build a hoop house. One-on-one training. Lincoln University. Native grasses as forages workshop. Train the trainer event. Lincoln University. Pest management practices workshop. Lincoln University. Better Processing School. University of Missouri. All staff attended the ‘Missouri Minority Limited Resource Farmers Conference’. Sustainable agriculture sessions included. All staff attended ‘Lincoln University Staff Development and in-service training’. Team work training, reporting, Impact in Extension, among other topics. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Cambio de Colores Conference. Oral presentation and paper to be published in proceedings. St. Louis, MO. Educational booth and value added product sales at LU’s ‘In Touch with Nature at Busby Farm’ field day. Jefferson City, MO Educational booth at ‘Integrated Pest Management’ Alan T. Busby Farm field day. Jefferson City, MO Educational booth at ‘Alternative Agriculture Field Day’ at LU-George Washington Carver Farm field day. Jefferson City, MO Booth display, activities for children, produce and seedlings sales, at the LU Farmers Market for two months. Jefferson City, MO Tour of the commercial kitchen and educational booth atLU’s ‘2013 Missouri Minority and Limited Resource Farmers’ Conference. Jefferson City, MO Gardening/marketing training, garden tour and assisting with market sales. Offered to at-youth risk from the Prenger Family Center. Jefferson City, MO Educational display at ‘Project Inspire’ for disadvantages children and single mothers. Rolla, MO. Training, displays and community garden tours at 3 two-day conferences ‘Promoting Well-Being through Nutrition, Wellness and Gardening’. Target group: minority seniors. Jefferson City, MO Booth at the 2013 ‘Missouri State Fair’, Sedalia, MO. Booth at the ‘Taste of Local Missouri: Cole County Food Festival. Facebook pages: Lincoln University Community Garden and Lincoln University Farmers Market Personal emails, postcards via regular mail, posting flyers in public places. Local groups. Boys and Girls Club, Lincoln University programs, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, MU-Extension, AgrAbility Program, the Samaritan Center, Common Ground, The Halo Project,CMCA Social Workers, the Salvation Army Emergency Assistance Center and various churches. Jefferson City, MO. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? All activities proposed for 2013-2014 are to complete the following goals of this project: Goal 1. To prevent childhood obesity and improve nutrition. Goal 2. To increase Global Food Security and reduce Hunger. Mainly for elderly Goal 3. To secure Food Safety. For youth and elderly -ProfessorDr. K.B. Paul, State Extension Specialist in Agriculture will be the evaluator for the project in early 2014. We will use his recommendations to complete our goals before the end of the project on August 31, 2014.This will be donetomonitor the progress of the project and report places of improved effectiveness and efficiency to the PI -The voucher system to purchase food items at LU-Farmers Market, for local foster families, will continue in 2013-2014 period in partnership with the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA), with a grant awarded to CMFCAA through the Missouri Department of Agriculture and donations from local groups. Participation was low in 2012-2013and we expect to increase it this year. -Create additional garden space for vegetable gardening and for demonstrations. Additional beds and garden space will be provided for LU students and other underserved populations including homeless veterans. -Sprouts and Roots Program Keep offering Sprouts and Roots training for seniors in Jefferson City focusing on marketing and entrepreneurship to encourage more sales at the market. Extend Sprouts and Roots Program to seniors in Kansas City, St. Louis and Bootheel region. We will offer advanced training in these three locations in collaboration with LU Cooperative Extension Satellite Offices and Impact Centers and staff. Topics include advanced gardening, food preparation, value-added products, nutrition, wellness, entrepreneurship and marketing techniques. Participants that attended Sprouts and Roots conferences in 2013 will be invited to participate. Pre and post testing will be used as tools to evaluate change of knowledge. Changes in wellbeing will be measured through a follow up post-survey. Two ‘Nature and Urban Agriculture’ summer camps. Because children gave us positive response about the overall satisfaction of the camps in 2013, camps will focus on entrepreneurship, including production and marketing of value-added products with the purpose of increasing participation at the LU-Farmers Market. We expect that by increasing the knowledge in entrepreneurship, for children and seniors, income will increase and career opportunities will be provided. We expect to accomplish objective 4 of this project that is still not complete: ‘To examine the effect of improved income, through farmers’ market sales and through value-added training on improving economic security in young and elderly’. -Partner with one church and one community center to establish gardens for youth-at risk and homeless veterans. We will provide excess produce and meals cooked in the commercial kitchen for homeless shelters. This will help us to achieve the objectives of serving more underserved populations and will offer the opportunity to homeless and youth-at-risk individuals to learn about gardening. -Grow niche/specialty crops to sell at the Sprouts and Roots booth at the LU-farmers market and other venues like field days or local festivals. This will offer opportunities of entrepreneurship and to help the program to become sustainable. -We will work with a marketing specialist to sell produce and value-added products at the market to generate a budget for the Sprouts and Roots program, the market and the kitchen to become self-sustained. Excess produce will be donated to food banks and home shelters or composted. -Raised beds will be used by elderly and disable individuals. We will try to encourage people with physical disabilities to participate in our program. -Guidesheets and factsheets will be developed in nutrition, farmers market, gardening, native plants and food safety. We developed extension handouts for most of the classes offered but they have not been published, they will be submitted for peer review in 2014.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
IMPACT STATEMENT (FY 2013). A community garden, native plant gardens, market, and kitchen at Lincoln University (LU), all created with funding from this grant, have provided a sense of community between LU and its neighbors. All these components have brought over 5,000 people to campus, some for the first time. Forty local vendors and farmers increased sales compared to the two previous years. The Sprouts and Roots program, launched in 2011, offered nutrition, gardening, and wellness training for youth and senior adults. As a result, the participants were more active, their social interactions increased, they consumed more vegetables, and/or cooked more nutritious and low calorie foods and understood the importance of integrating nature and agriculture in an urban city. Several seniors lost weight and some seniors and youth sold their own products at the market. The seniors and program staff grew about a ton of produce in the community garden and learned to prepare value-added products. By consuming their own produce, seniors saved about $300 or more per person. Although everyone was welcome to participate in program activities, staff targeted African Americans, Hispanics, underserved audiences, youths and seniors. This helped to increase the ethnic and age diversity of participants. The program expanded to three more regions in Missouri where LU Cooperative Extension works with same target populations. Major activities completed. Sixty classes for youth and 40 for seniors including hands-on activities on health, nutrition, cooking, value-added products, native plants and vegetable gardening; Cooking classes for LU-students and LUCE’s After School Program for youth; Three 2-day conferences; Two youth summer camps; LU-Farmers Market open 41 times; Community Garden open all year; Commercial kitchen opened to the public in early spring. All major goals and objectives (see ‘Major goals of the project’ above) were almost completed. Every aspect of the project has helped accomplish our goals as follows: Sprouts and Roots Program at LU campus. 26 seniors from the Jefferson City area,50 to 85 years-old,50% African American and 50% White, participated. 47% have been in the program for3 years, 47%2 years and 6%1 year. All adopted a raised bed in the community garden and attended health, nutrition, cooking, native plants and vegetable gardening training. Participants completed pre and post-surveys to self-evaluate well-being (health, happiness and prosperity). Results: Most were happier and healthier after participating in the program. Thirty-eight percent lost weight over 1 year. Many expressed that the community garden and the farmers market are great for social interactions. Several made changes in their diets; many consumed more vegetables and kept active in the garden. All want the program to be permanent because it was directed for seniors; they enjoyed it, learned about many topics and saved money. Approximately $300 was saved per person by consuming produce grown in the garden. They learned about entrepreneurship during food preservation and marketing classes. They prepared salsa and sold it and soldproduce at the farmers market. Sprouts and Roots Program Conferences to increased participation in Kansas City, St. Louis and the Bootheel. Three 2-day conferences were offered in Jefferson City. Gardening, native plants, nutrition and wellness topics were covered. Sixty-one seniors, 61 to 77 years-old, 78% women, 78% African American, 10% white and 12% other ethnicities participated. The efficacy of programming was evaluated using 3 main evaluative techniques: the overall effect of the conferences on the self-reported health and well-being, the participants’ knowledge about each of the topics presented and how satisfied participants were with programs. Participants enjoyed topics presented. Change of knowledge and satisfaction in the programs presented increased for all. The mean satisfaction for the overall evaluation of the program was 4.78, out of a maximum 5. Changes in wellbeing for this group will be determined after completion of advanced training in 2014. Sprouts and Roots Youth Summer camps at LU campus. Two 4-day educational summer camps were offered for low income children (grades 4-8) in Jefferson City. There were 49 children in the 2 summer camps combined: 20 boys and 29 girls, ages 10 to 13 years. Thirty five percent were African American, 53% white and 12% other ethnicity. Of these, 43% participate in the free or reduced lunch program at school and 43% do not. Similar techniques to evaluate efficacy of programming were used. The results show that children had a more positive attitude toward exercise and reported less depression at the end of the camps. Data show children learned in all camp sessions and were highly satisfied with the programming. Children had the opportunity to make their own value added products and sell them at the farmers market or help staff sell produce grown at the community garden. Follow up evaluations of well-being will be done in 2014. LU-Farmers market on campus. Forty local vendors and farmers (27% underserved individuals) sold at the market. Approximately 5600 customers came, 40% more than in 2012. Preliminary data from ongoing surveying shows that customers are from Jefferson City and surrounding communities and are 84% white, 15% African American and 1% Hispanic. The market has made accessible a variety of locally made items and provided the opportunity for purchasing fresh food. There were new specialty crops. A partnership was created between the market and the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association (CMFCAA). A grant from the Catholic Relief Charities allowed us to create a voucher system for local foster families which they can use to buy food items at the market. Market sales increased for vendors reporting earnings. The average was $550 a month. The highest was an average of $1300 per month and the lowest $160. The largest increase was noted by beef and pork producers. A pastured pork farmer saw sales increase of 95%. A pasture-raised beef farmer obtained a 178% increase in direct sales over three peak months as a result of his exposure at the market. LU-Commercial Kitchen opened to the public in spring 2013. The Commercial Kitchen was used by LU-farmers market vendors to produce value added products and by Sprouts and Roots and other LU Cooperative Research and Extension faculty and staff to offer cooking classes. Tours were offered to local groups during conferences and to local farmers interested in value-added products. More than 150 visitors ranging from children to senior citizens visited the kitchen. LU-Community Garden and native plant gardens on campus. Raised beds were available for Sprouts and Roots participants to grow produce. The Native Plants Program established native edible plants for demonstration. Training on gardening, native plants, pollinators and other beneficial insects was offered for youth and senior adults.About 100 people used the garden to grow their own produce. Approximately 1 ton of produce including tomatoes, herbs, greens, garlic, peas, turnips, squash, flowers, sweet potato and peppers were grown by adult seniors, staff and volunteers. Produce was used for training or sold at the market. The rest was donated to Sprouts and Roots participants, Prenger Center children, Camp Wokka Wokka children, Faith Baptist Church, and visitors to the community garden. Over 5000 people visited the garden during the farmers market, other LU-events and tours offered to different groups. Visitors included LU-students, staff and faculty, Garden Clubs, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and Native Plants Program event attendees. Assistance was given to 2 community centers to establish gardens and to various seniors establishing gardens in their backyards.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Building Community with a Certified Kitchen, Farmers Market and a Community Garden. The SRP Program at Lincoln University. Navarrete-Tindall, N.E., Y. Matthews, and M. Aruguete. Proceedings at the Cambio de Colores Conference. University of Missouri. St. Louis.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Strategies for preventing seasonal affective disorder with native plants. Paula Carter Center, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension. November 28, 2012. Retrieved on November 16, 2013. http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/programs-and-projects/pjccmha-lunch-and-learn-seasonal-affective-disorder or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81_OJLIBRyI#t=1758
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
'The Sprouts and Roots Program' Brochure to promote the program.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension Commercial Kitchen. Informational packet for users. Lincoln University of Missouri. 2013.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Hopper, M. 2013. How to shop at a farmers market. Unpublished handout.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Hopper, M. 2013. Market rules and regulations. Unpublished handout.
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Lincoln University Farmers Market opened Saturday morning from May-October and Thursday afternoon from July-September 2012. To determine attendance to market, number of vendors and buyers were tallied as well as vendor's profits. Surveys were filled by vendors to determine their satisfaction with the market. LU groups MANNRS, Native Plants Program and Sprouts and Roots participated to promote their programs. Research conducted on Sprouts and Roots Program participants assessed the efficacy of training and programming by using three main evaluative techniques including overall effect of training sessions on the self-reported health and well-being of participants, change of knowledge about topics presented during different sessions and participants' satisfaction levels with training received. Health and well being were measured during the first and last sessions in the spring for adults and in the summer for children using questions such as mass body density, height, weight, gender and age. Measures of physical health included quality of life, sleep and exercise habits. Mental health was assessed by examining life satisfaction and depression. Social support and intergenerational relationships were also evaluated. Change on knowledge on topics about food safety, fighting obesity through gardening, nutrition, nature, wellness and basic gardening was evaluated before and after sessions (pre-post testing). The test kitchen finished in summer 2012, was used for cooking classes and demonstrations offered to Sprouts and Roots participants. The kitchen will open to the public in 2013. Events:community garden increased from 25 raised beds in 2011 to 51 at the end of summer 2012. Additional garden space will be created for the use of Lincoln University students and the community. A native plant demonstration garden was established in 2011 and was enlarged in 2012 to provide habitat for pollinators and for educational purposes. Native fruits have also been planted. Field days: vendors participated in LU's In Touch with Nature day after the regular market as a new venue to sell their goods. Gardening advice was provided regularly via phone, email and on-site. Ten Garden Clubs, Master Gardeners and local schools visited the community garden. Products: Handouts and a poster about market and the Sprouts and Roots program were developed. Dissemination: Newspaper ads, career day at LU, LU websire, City of Jefferson website, Farmers Market Association website, Earth Day event, Facebook page, personal emails and personal communication. The market was featured in two local newspaper articles. The market schedule will be similar in 2013. We will continue recruiting more vendors and will build a following for the Thursday afternoon market. In addition, special sales will be promoted off season. To increase number of vendors and visitors the market, community garden, test kitchen and the Sprouts and Roots program, the advertising will be placed in additional newspapers and websites. T-shirts, bumper stickers and other items will be available in 2013. Other activities for next year include musical performances and more educational booths and demonstrations. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall, principal investigator- Associate Professor. Native Plants Extension Specialist- project manager, organize events, training, reports, promote project /Dr. Mara Aruguete, Co-Pi. Psychology professor. Training and mentoring. Prepare programming. Pre-post evaluations and analyses/ Ms. Yvonne Matthews, Co-Pi, technical assistance working with seniors. Jeff Hargrove, part time-field technician, community garden establishment and maintenance. Offers technical assistance. Veronica Taylor, part-time Nutrition Specialist, offers training, on nutrition topics, Bod Pod evaluation and children and senior recruiting. Maggie Hopper, full time, Kitchen and Market manager. Collaborators: Missouri Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Health Department (Charlie Hopper). Dr. Jaime Pinero, Jacob Wilson-training on LU-Integrated Pest Management/Karen Glabreath, LU-Paula J. Carver Center on Minority Health and Aging/Amy Hempen and Sue Bartelette, LU-Native Plants Program. LU-MANNRS (Julius Moody). LU students: Angelica Hempen and Michael Watson help with surveys at the market and did community outreach. Two Psychology students volunteers assisted with data collection/Volunteers: Dana Calcutt, M.D. TARGET AUDIENCES: Minorities and underserved audiences. Youth at risk, elderly and women. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
During the second year the Farmers Market improved greatly:An average of 14 vendors participated on the Saturday market more than double as in 2011. There were 43 vendors and 3 LU groups participating throughout the season. The Market featured local vegetables, fruits, native plants, eggs, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, baked goods, crafts and services (chair massages). Vendor number varied from 9-20 in 2012 compared to 5-12 in 2011. An average of 139 people visited the Market on Saturday with highest customer count at 326 and lowest at 77. Average no. customers was 60 in 2011. The market on Thursdays had an average of 4 vendors with regular visitors. More than 4000 visitors of different ethnicity, cultures and age attended the market on Saturdays compared to 1305 in 2011. In addition, about 400 people attended the Thursday market this year. Average profit per month was $388 for 7 vendors higher than in 2011. Market sales varied greatly, the highest being those selling meats and the lowest for chair massages. A retired couple, who participates in Sprouts and Roots program, sold baked goods, adding an average of $352 a month to their income. The highest market income per month was $534 and the lowest $200 when they attended only 2 markets. What vendors are saying: "I LOVE the opportunity to talk to people about my farm!! Peace~Farmer John", JSB Natural Farms liked the Market's fellowship. A massage service provider said: "It made me feel a part of the community for the first time since moving to Missouri". Customers' comments include: "I loved that most items are pesticide free and each vendor was so friendly and helpful. They remembered my children every week and were wonderful with them as well. We can't wait until next May!" Many of our vendors and buyers expressed an increased awareness of healthy eating habits and improved eating choices and eating local foods as a result of participating in our market. Many plan to come back to the market in 2013. Sprouts and Roots: 16 children and 16 adults, of whom 80% were minorities, participated in the spring and summer seasons, respectively in 2012. Numbers of both children and adults varied from 7 to 16 per session. Results for seniors' or children's sessions regarding changes in participants' well-being and health did not show significant differences. Seniors' and children's change in knowledge significantly increased in four of six sessions. Satisfaction scores showed that participants were pleased with sessions. Events: 28 children and adults adopted raised beds in the Community Garden in spring and summer. More than 200 native plants were established for pollinators,food and education with the help of children. Native plants were used for value added items for educational purposes. About 500 lb. of produce was grown including heirloom tomatoes, greens, potatoes, melons, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, peaches, grapes, strawberries, gourds and ethnic produce like jicama. Yields were shared with visiting groups, Sprouts and Roots with a limited amount sold at the market. Some children participating in the program expressed that it was the first time that they ever saw a grapevine and strawberry plants.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs. The extension part of the study created a community garden and farmers market. A certified kitchen will open in May 2012. The research part developed the Sprouts and Roots Program (S&R) to recruit minorities and underserved youth and seniors to study if gardening, better nutrition and other healthy habits can improve well being and physical health and promote intergenerational relationships. Recruitment was done in schools, assisted living centers, churches and Lincoln University in winter 2010 and spring 2011. Flyers, emails, calls and visits were done. Summer 2011: Children and seniors attended indoor and outdoor classes and grew vegetables. Fall 2011: 11-week program offered to seniors included diverse topics-see below. Preliminary results suggest that youth increased in height and weight during the program and blood pressure decreased, exercise increased, poor health and poor sleep decreased, and intergenerational contact increased. 11 girls and 6 boys participated, and 90% of girls and 50% of boys finished. Total retention was 64% for 2011. Most children plan to return in 2012. Height, weight, biomass and psychological data for adults are pending. Twenty-five adults aged 65 and up participated. Retention through the summer was 100 % and fall was 45%. About 90% were female and most participants plan to return in 2012. Events: A Community Garden was done in winter 2010 with more than 25 raised beds for vegetables and flowers. Additional planting areas allow vegetables requiring large areas to grow. The Farmers Market began in early summer, offering low-income families access to locally produced and healthier food. Discounts will be offered to low-income families in 2012. The market was a venue for families to increase incomes by selling hand-made items or produce from backyard, small farm or Community Garden plots. Sales were reported to be $35-$150 per day. The market ran 5 mo. in 2011 and will restart in May 2012. Preliminary results: Approximately 1305 people of different ethnicities attended the market, with 20-220 customers averaging 60/ week. Vendors fluctuated from 5-12 and most plan to return next year. Field days: S&R participated in LU's Touch of Nature day to promote the program. Fall Festival was done in conjunction with the Market. Information booths were staffed by Extension Specialists. Food samples were offered. The last training session was a pot luck dinner with dishes prepared by participants. Workshops for youth included: Introduction to gardening, crafting and cooking. For seniors: Gardening, crafting, nutrition, exercise and aging, sexual health and healthy cooking. Technical assistance was provided to a Community Center, LU Student Services, Boys and Girls Club, assisted living housing, a church, schools and others. Advice was provided regularly via phone, email or on-site. Products: A cookbook with healthy recipes, recipe cards using edible native plants and brochures describing native plants. Dissemination: Besides field days, an information booth was available at the Market and other events. Three newspaper articles and an article in Lincoln University President's podium publication were published. PARTICIPANTS: 1. Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall, principal investigator- Associate Professor. Native Plants Extension Specialist- project manager, organize events,training, reports, promote project /Dr. Mara Aruguete, Co-Pi. Psychology professor. Training and mentoring. Prepare programming. Pre-post evaluations /Dr. Suman Ahuja, Co-Pi. Assistant Professor Clinical Nutrition. Training. Pre-post evaluations /Mr.Robert Channer, farmers market and community garden manager/Ms. Yvonne Matthews, technical assistance working with seniors 2. Jeff Hargrove, field technician, community garden establishment and maintenance. Offers technical assistance. Veronica Taylor, Training, data collection. Partners: Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri Health Department. Charlie Hopper, Tony Anderson and Anna Barlow/Collaborators: Dr. Jaime Pinero, Integrated Pest Management/Karen Glabreath, Paula J. Carver Center on Minority Health and Aging/Amy Gooding, Native Plants Program/Volunteers: Dana Calcutt, M.D. TARGET AUDIENCES: Minorities and underserved audiences. Youth at risk, elderly and women. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Impacts for the first year of the program include preliminary information based on evaluations, surveys and personal communication: About the Farmers Market: Customers and vendors liked the Market's fellowship. This translates into the relationship that developed over the first season between vendors and consumers. A sense of community was cited by vendors when referring to each other; more than other farmers' market in Jefferson City and surrounding areas. The location, atmosphere, and weekly musical performers were important for many to create the sense of community. New vendors and customers felt benefited from the introduction of a new area farmers' market. Vendors ranged from seasoned growers to those who were new to market vending. New vendors gained valuable advice regarding pricing, display and customer service from the experience. Vendors and customers described their enjoyment in sharing knowledge about the products they grew, made and sold. Most 2011 vendors plan to take part in the 2012 season and are planning to expand on what they did this year. About the Sprouts and Roots Program and Community Garden, when participants were asked what they enjoyed or appreciated more about the program, they said: "The knowledge of plants, the togetherness, learning the do's and do not's concerning correct eating"; "The classes were well organized. The crafts were fun. It was interesting to learn about the different foods and how they affect our bodies"; "I enjoyed meeting old friends, finding new ones, and being outdoors. I liked the activities, especially the native plant crafts. I also enjoyed being able to share these activities with my sisters and my granddaughter. "I learned a lot and am making changes in my diet and activities"; "I have been a diabetic for more than 22 years. I should have known more but to my surprise I didn't. I learned about counting carbohydrates, how to balance the simple vs. complex carbohydrates in my meal planning"; "My husband had a case of gout this past summer and the handouts have been helpful to me in trying to help him with managing the right foods to eat". Closed interaction occurred between participants and trainers. The working relationship between staff and participants make us believe that participants were looking forward to coming each week by the things they said and they were saddened when the program came to an end. They seemed happy during classes and during their visits to the Community Garden. We observed two seniors bringing grandchildren to the market and they also helped to maintain the raised beds in the community garden. We observed a participant coming with his wife to sell at the market, they only missed it twice. He adopted a raised bed and participated in all the programming in spite of his recent stroke. He expressed feeling healthier and that the program is part of his new life now. Two sisters that grew vegetables in the community garden came every single Saturday to the market expressing regret when the market was over for the year. Ethnic diversity was evident. About 90% of participants are planning to take part of the program in 2012.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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