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Seeds of change (continued)
"The students worked very hard," said David Baumbauer, manager of MSU's horticulture farm. "They were constantly harvesting and then sowing again."
While the farm has only recently taken root, the land itself has long been used for agriculture. It was deeded to MSU in 1909 when it belonged to E. Broox and Ella Martin. Since then, the university has used the land for research studies and agricultural education. Buildings near the land provide studio space for art students. The farm's name -- Towne's Harvest Garden -- comes from the surname of one of five farmers who used to own land in the area.
Educating students about small-scale farming is a good reason to invest in Towne's Harvest Garden, Jacobsen said. But one of the main reasons the university decided to support the project, he said, echoes the students' sentiments: To help the community understand the connection between farming and food.
Encouraging people to visit a real farm can be a powerful tool for educating them about how food is produced, Jacobsen said.
"It gives people ownership and a face to the food they eat," he said. "They've driven a dusty road, walked onto a field, and seen things they may not have seen before."
Another factor in Jacobsen's support is Montana's tremendous growth, which he said has the potential to create both conflicts and opportunities in communities.
"In a broad view of teaching and research, community involvement could potentially lessen growth conflict," Jacobsen said. "And land is a finite resource. With building going on, agriculture is important."
The partnership with the Gallatin Valley Food Bank is one example of how the farm directly contributed to the community.
"It has been a huge asset for our customers to have fresh produce," said Heather Grenier, the Food Bank's program director. "The food has been great quality, and it has brought increased dignity to our programs to have fresh produce."
Food Bank staff members are happy with the arrangement, not only because the produce included items that their customers might not normally use, but also because the items were healthier than what food banks traditionally distribute.
"Normally we would get produce when it was nearly expired," Grenier added. "The great thing about this (arrangement with Towne's Harvest Garden) was we had time (to distribute the food) because the produce was fresh."
She points out that studies have linked food banks to obesity because people on limited incomes generally don't have access to fresh foods. The Towne's Harvest Garden filled the need for fresh vegetables for local customers.
It has been a huge asset for our customers...the food has been great quality, and it has brought increased dignity to our programs to have fresh produce.
--Heather Grenier, Gallatin Valley Food Bank program director |
Food Bank staff members secured grant money from the Gilhousen Family Foundation and then used that money to fund two part-time MSU student interns -- Matt Larsen and Jennifer Odermann -- who served as nutrition educators. The salaries of two additional MSU student interns primarily responsible for farming, Hess and Brian Wirak, were paid through sales of vegetable shares.
Grenier said she couldn't have been more pleased about how the partnership worked.
"On the Food Bank's side, it was one of the most beneficial partnerships we ever had with MSU, or with anyone," she said, adding the quality and amount of the food were more than she had anticipated.
Community members who bought weekly shares of the produce also were enthusiastic.
"The vegetables last all week long," said Heather Bentz, assistant dean in the College of Arts and Architecture, after one of the final food pick-ups last fall. "I just love it.
"I feel like I'm getting a good value," she added.
> Spring 2008 Contents
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