We’re coming to the end of our Buy Haywood week! To close it out, here are some of the latest outreach initiatives, as well as a final message from Project Coordinator, Tina Masciarelli.
Farm Stewards Youth Project
This project is designed to complement existing “Farm to School” initiatives already active in our community by taking learning outside the classroom to offer students an innovative interdisciplinary learning experience layered with connections to farming and agriculture in our home community. Our goal is to foster relationships between educators and the agricultural community to create meaningful connections while supporting the growth of our next generation of farm stewards. According to the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, “Younger generations in particular are largely responsible, and subject to, the long-term ‘livability’ of the future. As such, it is both timely and fitting to address this pivotal audience.” (Source: www.jhsph.edu)
In an era where America loses, on average, two acres of farmland per minute to development—sowing the seeds of preservation and leadership for farmland preservation has never been more important. For more information about national farmland preservation efforts, visit American Farmland Trust.
By utilizing our online database, students Pre-k to high school to adult learner have an opportunity to visit more than 40 Haywood County sites—such as local farms, tailgate and farmers markets, historic and preservation efforts such as the Francis Grist Mill and the Backcross Chestnut Orchard at Cataloochee Ranch.
After a six month pilot, we have documented overwhelmingly positive results! We are thrilled to announce the participation and support from Dr. Anne Garrett, Haywood County Schools Superintendent. We will be reaching out to area daycare centers as well.
Expansion of Buy Haywood’s Marketing and Branding Campaign
This project is funded by a grant from the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund and is designed to increase market competitiveness for our farmers, growers and producers through development of a Haywood County grown designation label.
Cooking Local Together
This project is currently in the funding development stage and we are searching for both funding and collaborative partners!
It is inspired by our highly successful two-year Cooking Local Project that has concluded as of December 2013. The design of “Cooking Local Together” draws on the most successful aspects of our previous Cooking Local Project while also expanding to include interactive components rooted in the national, evidence-based program—Food is Elementary from the Food Studies Institute.
“Cooking Local Together” aims to foster healthy eating and increase consumption of local in-season fruits, vegetables, and farm-fresh products for children and families in Haywood County. Through collaborations with social service agencies and other community partners, special outreach efforts will be made to engage low-income families across diverse age, cultural and income barrier demographics.
To date, we have received a $2,500 matching funds pledge from the Haywood Advancement Foundation in support of this project.
For more project information or to discuss potential partnership, contact Tina Masciarelli, Buy Haywood Project Coordinator, at 828.734.9574.
A Message from Tina:
As we approach the end of 2013, the Buy Haywood community is enthusiastic about the wealth of opportunities on our 2014 agenda—and beyond. However, our work isn’t done alone! We rely on the growing base of community-minded consumers to utilize their purchasing power to support agripreneurs in communities across the region.
What can consumers do? Here are five action steps to drive support for farming and agriculture every community:
- Shop at a Farmers Market, Roadside Stand, Tailgate or On-farm Market
- Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and become a stakeholder in a local farm
- Ask for fresh locally grown and raised items at your favorite grocery store chain
- Dine at restaurants that feature local ingredients in their menu items
- Most importantly, tell your friends! Word of mouth remains the most effective marketing tool.
Best regards,
Tina Masciarelli