University of Minnesota, Morris
PAE-19: Community Sustainability Partnerships

UMM constantly looks for more ways to form partnerships with the community. A few of the existing partnerships are described below. Stevens Forward!: UMM students have worked with Stevens Forward! on their Destiny Drivers. The most recent project, concluded in Spring of 2011, focused on the following goal: "By 2015 Stevens County will be the first carbon neutral county in the world, demonstrating viable models for green housing, neighborhoods and public buildings." Morris Healthy Eating (MHE): One of Morris Healthy Eating's main goals is to promote nutritious meals by creating more access to local, sustainable foods. Center for Small Towns (CST): The Center for Small Towns works to connect the resources of the University with projects in towns with populations of 5,000 or less. Many of these projects have a sustainablity focus including projects with Stevens Forward! and internships with local environmental advocacy nonprofits. Office of Community Engagement: UMM's Office of Community Engagement works to form relationships between students and the community. These partnerships often focus on creating a more sustainable food system and local economy. Pride of the Prairie meal: Each semester our school and dining service partner with the Buy Fresh, Buy Local program to bring a local foods meal to our campus. This meal is included on meal plans and community members and off campus students are able to buy tickets. The meal provides a great opportunity for community members and students to have a conversation about local foods while enjoying live music and local food.

Stevens Forward! http://www.stevensforward.org/ Morris Heathly Eating http://www.morris.umn.edu/healthyeating/ Center for Small Towns http://www.morris.umn.edu/cst/ Office of Community Engagement Sustainable Living Initiatives http://www.morris.umn.edu/communityengagement/initiatives/ Pride of the Prairie http://www.morris.umn.edu/sustainability/foodandhealth/LocalFoods2010.pdf