Cultivating Agriculture Literacy in West Virginia Libraries
What is Growing Minds?
The Library-Based Agricultural Literacy Program integrates agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability into summer reading programs at libraries across West Virginia. The program engages youth and adults through all 170 public libraries in the state, combining hands-on activities, guest speakers, and community partnerships to create engaging learning experiences. Participants also have opportunities to connect with local farmers, farmers’ markets, and specialty crop producers, helping strengthen their understanding of local agriculture and healthy food systems.
Project Overview
This statewide initiative can be implemented through summer reading programs or offered year-round at West Virginia libraries, 4-H programs, after-school programs, and other community settings. The program reaches all 170 public libraries and approximately 50,000 participants each year. By combining educational resources, hands-on activities, and community partnerships, the initiative creates engaging learning experiences that promote agricultural literacy across the state.
The Challenge:
Agricultural Literacy & Health Gap
- Many youth and adults lack understanding of:
-Where food comes from and how it reaches their plate
-Specialty crops, biodiversity, and local food systems - West Virginia ranks among the lowest in fruit & vegetable consumption, according to 2022 CDC’s Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report
- West Virginia has one of the country’s lowest fruit and vegetable consumption rates, signaling a critical dietary issue
The Solution:
Growing Minds
Educate
Specialty Crops, Nutrition, & Farm-to-Table Connections
Engage
Hands-On Activities: Planting, Tasting, & Cooking
Connect
Bring Farmers, Families, & Community Partners Together
Structure
8-Week Programming for Adults & Youth
Key Features:
- Knowledge builds week by week through stories, activities, and guest experts.
- Hands-on learning reinforces agriculture, nutrition, and sustainable practices.
Adult Programming
Key Topics
- Sustainability
- Nutrition
- Farm to Table
Youth Programming
Key Topics
- Seeds
- Crops
- Pollinators
- Cooking
- Preservation
Hands-On Learning Experiences for Youth
- Seed planting and take-home gardening kits
- Farmers’ market role-play and interactive learning
- Specialty crop tastings and nutrition activities
- Cooking demonstrations with local partners
- Pollinator, water, and sustainability projects
- Food preservation and seed-saving activities
Learning in Action
- Combines stories, crafts, workshops, and guest speakers
- Engages both youth and adults through age-appropriate programming
- Reinforces concepts week-by-week from seed to table
Community Connections
Collaboration at the Core:
Farmers & Farmer's Markets
Guest Speakers, Market Tours, Produce Sourcing
WVU Extension
Nutrition Educatin, Cooking Demos, Gardening Workshops
Library Staff & Volunteers
Program Facilitation & Community Outreach
Conservation District
Representatives conduct workshops on composing or rain barrels
Local Chefs & Producers
Food Demonstrations & Special Crop Production
Farmers Market Field Trip Guide
Step-by-step guide for planning visits to local farmers’ markets that includes tips for logistics, group coordination, and age-appropriate activities
Designed For:
Libraries, Schools, 4-H Clubs, and Other Community Organizations
Key Features;
- Introduces participants to specialty crops and local farmers
- Includes interactive activities:
-Market scavenger hunts
-Seed planting
-Food label investigation - Encourages direct purchasing to support local farmers