At the end of the school year, Troy FFA members traveled to William Cappel Elementary (WCE) to take part in the National FFA’s Food for America Program. Food For America is an educational program focusing on agricultural literacy in elementary schools and communities.
It is a program developed to assist FFA members and all agricultural education students in leadership skill development as they reach out to youth, peers and their entire communities by sharing the world of agriculture. Additionally, it provides FFA members an opportunity to gain valuable leadership, teamwork and communication skills much needed to be successful in their future career path. During a 50 minute lesson, Troy FFA members engaged 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in learning activities and vegetable planting instruction designed to educate students about where their food, clothing and shelter is derived. WCE students participated in learning activities to enhance their knowledge about where their food derives and took part in student centered projects such as planting vegetables. At the conclusion of the lesson, students were challenged to research what ingredients their favorite food is comprised of and write a paragraph explaining how it’s processed from agricultural products. Julia Chesser said of the event, “I really enjoyed the Food for America program because it was great to educate younger kids about the importance of agriculture and its ever-changing demands. Additionally, it was an amazing leadership experience for us as FFA members to be exposed to as we had to address students in a classroom setting; it really made me appreciate what teachers do.”