Abstract

Inspired by my first year studying sustainable agriculture and food systems at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), I sought to get a better handle on the food system by diving into a research project with my mentor, Dr. Joanne Burke, a professor in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems. Together, we planned a full summer investigating various aspects of New Hampshire’s food system, allowing me to better understand what goes on from farm to fork and to think through potential opportunities that exist to improve food system viability in our state. Using the food system framework of the New Hampshire Food Alliance to structure the research, we looked at opportunities to improve food system education, increase market development for local producers, and increase food access for New Hampshire residents. To do so, I worked with a middle school farm‐to‐school education program, surveyed farmers and consumers, and volunteered with an organization called NH Gleans. By the end of the summer, I witnessed how education can influence students’ knowledge about food, explored the feasibility of establishing a food hub in the seacoast area, and learned how gleaning can assist food assistance providers in supplying fresh produce to those in need.

Publication Date

Spring 4-2019

Series

UNH Undergraduate Research Journal

Journal Title

Inquiry Journal

Mentor

Joanne Burke

Publisher

Durham, NH: Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, University of New Hampshire

Document Type

Commentary

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