in a Farm to School project where salad greens from the garden will be served at a salad bar in the cafeteria once a week. Farm to School enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education settings. “The gardening program opens the door for kids to get exposed to agriculture. Most of the kids don’t know anything about this lifestyle. They are so interested in where their food comes from,” said Coach Troutman. Growing up in inner-city Little Rock, 70 percent of the students that attend JA Fair have never stepped foot into a garden. “I grew up around technology. Arriving at JA Fair and working in a garden is a new experience for me and it’s very enjoyable,” said Deandre Dolphus, a student at JA Fair. Couch Troutman said this program is teaching students to “create life to sustain life.” “I have kids that work in agriculture now because of this program,” said Coach Troutman. At least three to five students every year go into an environmental or agriculture program in college after being involved in the JA Fair EAST program. JA Fair and Couch Troutman are working diligently to incorporate an environmental focus into EAST. By including agriculture, environmental sciences and community service in students’ daily lives, JA Fair is truly cultivating the next generation of agriculturalists who will both create and sustain life in Arkansas. 24 ARKANSAS GROWN
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