ENCOURAGING YOUTH TO PLANT VEGETABLE SEEDS AT HOME
Extension Education
Sarah Denkler
Southeast Regional Director
University of Missouri Extension
Fredericktown
Abstract
\r\n When asked where tomatoes come from many youth will tell you the store. Even in rural, agricultural based areas many children are unaware of the origins of their food. A study completed in 2009 by the Centers for Disease Control indicated that only ten to fourteen percent of youth in grades nine to twelve consumed vegetables three or more times per day. The Poplar Bluff Master Gardeners educate youth while in elementary grade levels with the goal of increasing the interest and amount of vegetable gardening done at home. By getting youth involved with gardening they hope to increase the amount of vegetables consumed by children and families. As a result of the work done by the Master Gardeners students have shown an increased interest in gardening, with enthusiasm over the harvest they produce. Evaluation of the program was done by surveying students who are currently receiving education, students who had attended in the past and by the master gardeners who present the program. The number of students being educated has increased each year since the start of the program.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: S Denkler
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Denkler, S. Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63901