What is Growing Minds?
A Library-Based Agricultural Literacy Program
- Integrates agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability into summer reading programs
- Engages youth and adults across all 170 libraries in WV
- Combines hands-on activities, guest speakers, and community partnerships
- Connects participants to local farmers, farmers’ markets, and specialty crops
Project Purpose:
- Increase understanding of:
- Specialty crops
- Sustainable agriculture
- Farm-to-table connections
- Encourage healthier eating habits
- Strengthen connections to local farmers & markets
Project Overview:
- Statewide initiative through summer reading programs or at any time of year at WV libraries, 4-H programs, after-school programs, etc.
- Reach 170 libraries and approx 50,000 participants annually
- Combines education, hands-on activities, and community partnerships
Challenges:
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
How It Works
- Educate: Specialty crops, nutrition, and farm-to-table connections
- Engage: Hands-on activities like planting, tasting, and cooking
- Connect: Bring farmers, families, and community partners together
Structure:
8-Week Programming for Adults and Youth
Key Feature:
- 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 & farmers markets → guest speakers, market tours, produce sourcing
- WVU Extension → nutrition education, cooking demos, gardening workshops
- Library staff & volunteers → program facilitation and community outreach
- Conservation District → representatives conduct workshops on composting or rain barrels
- Local chefs & producers → food demonstrations and specialty crop promotion
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
