Delta College
IN-24: Innovation A

As we sought a source for campus food waste, we realized the impetus for a new and unique learning series. Delta College was a natural fit for a start-up food hub whose mission was to build a local food system. Our shared vision was one that promotes healthy lifestyles through the education of growing locally, supports area small farmers, and nourishes our community, environment and economy. The Urban Farmer, a non-credit learning series, created an invitation to become part of the community-building movement to encourage a strong local food system. Developed on the premise of ‘If we build it, they will come’, we found success in only six months despite not having our own campus garden and our location among acres of traditional large agricultural operations. The program realized full-circle engagement as one local eatery transitioned to farm-to-table and as our students dedicated their spring break to learn new skills in an urban agriculture workshop to share among our communities. Fall 2014 was dedicated to developing introductory course content that grew to include more advanced learning. The program launched in Winter 2015 with five sessions. A Farm-to-Table field trip that integrated local eateries was added in Fall 2015. In Winter 2016, eight new classes and two additional instructors were added. A spin-off internship/volunteer project invited students to work on one of three local farms to earn Academic Career Experience, Independent Study, or Experiential Learning. From one year to the next, class size more than doubled. Surveys showed 100% overall satisfaction of the students. Student EcoReps were largely involved in conducting outreach both on campus and in the community and organizing course materials. News article: http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2015/03/bay_city_organic_food_co-op_be.html#incart_river Program promotionals: