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Farm Food and Health Fig Meeting III November 24th, 2020
Attendees: Shannon Caravello, Gail Levine, Tanzina Ahmed, Mary Lou Fierle, Simone Rodriquez
Shannon and Simone gave an overview of the recent KCC Farm future visioning committee meeting. A priority is insuring that the Farm is welcoming and accessible for students, faculty, staff, and volunteers while also adhering to risk management, insurance, and job description considerations.
On November 18th Tanzina shared some preliminary data from her study regarding student food insecurity issues via email to the members of the FIG. It is clear that students continue to face many challenges in accessing food. The study will continue through the Fall 2020 and into the Spring 2021 semesters so students can continue to be offered the opportunity to participate in the study for extra credit.
Shannon suggested that during the Winter Semester that members of the Farm Food and Health Fig may consider developing a statement regarding campus food resources which could be included in course syllabi for the Spring 2021 especially given the implications of the ongoing pandemic.
Suggestions for Spring Semester initiatives include a Food/Health film screening along with the proposed “Grow your Spirit” event which may focus on the healing and stress management potential of nature based activities. Partnering with the student Recreation Club for a Facebook or Instagram “Live” session is under consideration.
Farm Food and Health FIG Fall Semester Meeting II October 27, 2020
Attendees: Shannon Caravello, Jennifer Mitchel, Tanzina Ahmed, Kathy Giaimo, Mary Lou Fierle, Gail Levine, Maya Stansberry
Maya Stansberry who has recently taken over the position of administrator of the KCC Farm gave an update on the farm. She discussed that the method of farm produce distribution during the Pandemic which was been done in partnership with Brooklyn Packers who distributed organized the distribution from a restaurant in central Brooklyn. At this time produce distribution has concluded as the farm is now in the process of being prepared for the winter. Maya shared that she has assumed the title of farm administrator in the wake of both Glenda Ullauri, farm educator and Cris Izaguirre, farm manager resigning from their positions. She shared that as always staffing and funding continue to be issues not only in maintaining the farm and growing produce for student consumption but also in terms of effectively integrating farm activities into course curricula and supporting faculty research. Kathy Giaimo reminded everyone that KCC farm or food related research would be excellent for PSC/CUNY Grant funding.
FIG participants will recommend students for future student aide positions at the KCC farm and Shannon suggested that when feasible FIG participants offer to volunteer on the farm.
A discussion ensued regarding the proposal of an Urban Agriculture concentration/major. Gail Levine suggested Dr. Marion Nestle of NYU’s Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health major as a possible resource in developing a curriculum. Amanda Kalin of Academic Affairs and Micah Griffin director of Allied Health Programs were both recommended as on campus resources to further this discussion.
Dr. Levine described and Tree Pit beautification program through East NY Farm and suggested that this activity may be a possible student activity in the future, probably post pandemic. It was also suggested that this may be coordinated in some way via NY Parks Green Thumb Education division.
Shannon reminded participants that one function of the FIG is to promote farm and food related issues into curricula and pedagogy.
A Spring Semester 2021 event sponsored by the Farm Food and Health FIG was discussed with an emphasis on the renewal and stress relieving qualities of nature. Dr. Levine suggested the name “Grow Your Spirit” which may highlight faculty/staff and perhaps student initiatives with seed starting, garden planning and other nature related Spring activities.
The next Farm Food and Health FIG meeting will be on November 24, 2020.
Farm Food and Health FIG Fall Semester 2020 Meeting 1 October 14, 2020
Attendees: Jennifer Mitchell, Shannon Caravello, Mary Lou Fierle, Tanzina Ahmend, Naxielly Dominquez
The first meeting of the Farm Food and Health Fig Fall Semester 2020 focused on research being conducted or proposed related in some way to food production, food awareness, food insecurity as well as cultural implications related to agriculture/food production and food consumption.
Tanzina Ahmed gave an update on a research study that began in 2019 and is continuing this semester related to how students experience food insecurity. Since it has been difficult to recruit students this semester to participate due to distance learning tt was suggested that students in a variety of courses could be offered the opportunity to complete the survey with potential extra credit as a motivator. Shannon offered to forward the survey link widely to those faculty and staff who have participated in the Farm Food and Health FIG in recent years. (This was done on October 20th.)
Shannon Caravello shared her proposed research in the area of student knowledge related to plant based diet awareness and Jennifer Mitchell discussed her proposed research examining Black farmers who establish local farms as a means of healing and reclaiming agriculture heritage.
Various research related considerations were discussed including recent changes in the IRB, the need to collect a significant amount of data which then may be utilized for future papers for publication as well has utilizing a dissertation coach for support. Tanzina suggested the book Write it Up: Practical Strategies for Writing and Publishing Journal Articles by Paul Silva.
The next Farm Food and Health meeting will be on October 27th and will include a KCC Farm update by Maya Stansberry, KCC Farm Administrator.
FARM FIG Meeting #3 December 4, 2019
Glenda Ullauri invited Jan Poppendieck, Senior Faculty Fellow from the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, to share food insecurity initiatives that have been implemented at various CUNY Campuses. The meeting was well attended by staff from the KCC Farm, members of the Physical Education and Recreation Dept. faculty, staff from the Student Counseling Center as well as two students, one from KCC currently enrolled in HE-42 health and nutrition, and one student from Lehman (former KCC student) who has been working on a food pantry initiative project.
After learning about several initiatives at other campuses the group brainstormed some possibilities for further improving student awareness of the availability of food on campus. It was suggested that like Lehman College, KCC put the location of the campus food pantry on Blackboard. Also Couch Bain suggested that the food committee at KCC revisit serving leftover food at the end of the day free of charge in The Seaside Cafe. It was also suggested that faculty add a short paragraph on their syllabuses regarding food availability on campus. The location and hours of the pantry hours were also discussed with regard to ease of accessibility throughout the day and evening hours. It was also noted that perhaps some faculty also may at times need access to food pantry resources.
It was decided that those interested would work on compiling a short paragraph to be included in syllabuses over the winter semester as a beginning point from the above discussions.
KBCC Farm FIG Meeting #2 October 16, 2019
Glenda Ullauri shared upcoming Farm sponsored events:
- Taste the Rainbow 10/23/19. Students who are scheduled to volunteer on the farm will be directed to assist/attend this event.
- Food Day November 7th Student Research Project will be presented from 12:40-1:40PM
- Upcoming volunteer date: November 20th for students, staff, and faculty.
Glenda suggested that the FARM FIG again sponsor a Garlic Planting workshop at the KBCC Farm in November date TBA.
Jenny Ratdtke Shared about an Urban Agriculture program which partners urban gardens with incarcerated persons to produce hot sauce from locally grown peppers. She wondered if this might be a project that our KBCC Farm could be involved with. Glenda suggested that she share this info. with Maya Stansberry later in the semester.
Shannon Caravello announced that she would be offering KBCC’s Urban Agriculture Class in the Spring of 2019 as a writing intensive class.
Shannon also shared that she will be changing her dissertation topic but would still like the focus to be related in some way to Urban Agriculture and if feasible incorporating the KBCC Farm. Several ideas were discussed by the group.
KCC Urban Farm FIG Meeting #1 October 2nd 2019
Glenda Ullauri reviewed upcoming Farm Programming including:
- Weekly on going veggie distribution for students through November
- Upcoming Volunteer Days 10/9 and 11/20
- Food Day 11/7 as part of the Diversity Week events
- Farm Tours may still be scheduled
- Taste the Rainbow 10/23 as part of the KBCC’s LBGTQ month events
- Breezeway Bites coordinated by Maya Stansberry
Glenda and Tanzina Ahmed gave an overview of their research project “:Assessing Food Programs in Community Colleges”. Student researchers will be distributing surveys in various classes.
Glenda announced a CUNY Food Justice Leadership Fellowship which commences in January of 2020
Shannon Caravello reviewed her dissertation topic which relates to students increasing their fruit and vegetable intake after a KBCC Farm Experience.
Session 3 Farm Fig May 21, 2019
The third session of the FARM Fig for Spring 2019 was held on May 21, 2019. The primary focus of this meeting was to explore the possibility of a link course with the KBCC Farm. There was a link course in the past but there has not been one for the last few semesters. The proposal was to link Intro. to Sociology with Health and Nutrition. After a preliminary discussion with Kieren Howard it was recommended that SCI7000 (The Science of Nutrition) was more suitable as it is a required course for a number of majors and Health and Nutrition is an elective which may not always fill. We also discussed a link with HS-6000 Urban Agriculture but that class is also not a required course for any major. Jennifer Mitchell will continue to explore options for Spring 2020.
Professor Caravello shared that the Urban Agriculture class is scheduled to run in the Fall of 2019 and asked that all spread the word to students.
There was also a brief discussion of combining the FARM and FOOD Figs for FALL 2019. This will be further discussed and reviewed with KCTL.
Session 2 Farm Fig April 16th
The second session of the FARM Fig for Spring 2019 took place on April 16th at the KBCC Farm and consisted of a seed starting workshop. Participants included faculty, staff, and students. The content of the workshop consisted of learning the proper ingredients for potting mix for starting seeds, as well as techniques for successful planting. All participants were offered seed packets to take home. There were opportunities for participants to ask individual questions concerning best growing practices, pest management, and garden maintenance. Participants were informed of upcoming courses, events, and volunteer days.
Session 1 March 25, 2019
At this first session of the semester Glenda shared that there are paid student aide positions available at the Farm and faculty are urged to spread the word within all classes. Maya shared that there is also a Food Educator Intern position available as well and that will involve cooking demos. Maya also shared that there is a new initiative called Breezeway Bites featuring healthy snacks and the upcoming dates are April 15th and May 6th. Glenda also shared the Farm staff’s involvement in the food insecurity research being conducted by Professor Tanzina Ahmed.
Students who volunteer this semester also may be able to earn a service learning certificate if they are unable to receive civic engagement credit since CE credits are currently under review/modification.
It was announced that there is an upcoming Greenthumb Grow Together conference on May 30th at the Graduate Center.
The Farm staff and student aides and volunteers will be involved in the following upcoming campus wide events including the Student Wellness Festival and Ecofest. On April 16th there will be a seed starting workshop and on May 16th there will be a compost give away. There is also a new Continuing Education Course entitled “Gardening for Food Justice” being offered at the Farm
Its was decided by the group that the next FIG meeting would be The Seed Starting Workshop on April 16th. All are encouraged to attend and to spread the word to faculty, staff and students.
Healing Herbs 101
Thursday November 15
3PM – 4PM
In this hands on workshop, participants learned how to identify the healing properties of common garden herbs and how to care for them over the winter. Participants created their own healing tea mixes. This workshop was co-sponsored by the Farm Fig, Food Studies Fig, and the Student Holistic Health Club.
