Food Studies and Agriculture Summer Semester

= Goal =

This is a collaborative project to collect student interest and energy in order to develop an accredited summer semester program in Food Studies and Agriculture. We are currently working with faculty and administration to develop a dynamic program to combine the physical and experiential, as well as intellectual aspects of agriculture and food studies. Read on to learn more...

= Description =

With a history in agriculture, social change, and environmental advocacy it is no wonder the food movement has picked up such momentum in the Pioneer Valley. This region has fostered a resurgence of local food, whose economic, social, and environmental impacts have been echoed by the earnest support of conscious consumers. Hampshire and the Five Colleges play a huge role in the direction and success of local actions and causes in the Valley, and have contributed greatly to the movement for just, affordable, and nutritious food. With the development of an academic program for Food Studies and Agriculture, Hampshire and the Five Colleges will energize this movement through a platform of institutional support, encouragement, and resources. The farm center, knowledgeable faculty and staff, academic resources, and an active and receptive community all offer the ingredients for the development of an incredible learning opportunity in Food Studies. What could this program look like?

= Thoughts so far =

...Use the growing season as a learning season.


 * A summer semester that integrates practical and experiential learning on the farm center and local initiatives in food activism with in-depth academic course work that empowers students with diverse perspectives and connections to the issues.
 * Greater utilization of campus facilities and resources through the summer.
 * Paves the way for more opportunities for summer semester programs at Hampshire.
 * Several focuses of study during the summer program (Sustainable Agriculture, Food Politics, Social Activism, Public Health/Nutrition, Food Science...)
 * All programs would engage the farm center and community to varying degrees.
 * Expanding year-round courses in food politics, food and social justice, public health, nutrition, history and anthropology, sustainable agriculture, and more.
 * Offering practicum courses and feeder courses during the Spring and Fall semesters that compliment the summer programs.

= Current State =

We are currently holding round-table meetings bi-weekly to discuss progress on the various projects we are working on.

These include:


 * Creating a Survey to gather student feedback and input about the program
 * Meeting with Faculty, administration, staff, and relevant student groups

How to Get Involved
Join our listserve https://lists.hampshire.edu/mailman/listinfo/summerfoodprogram

We will be meeting bimonthly on Wednesdasy in the Green House Mod (Enfield 46) after the Local Foods Initiative meeting (usually around 8:30-9). Contact Evan (eit08) or Luke (lwg07) or Sarah (sns09) for more information and/or check out our facebook.