Success StoryNewburg Middle Taste Test



Newburg Middle Taste Test

Author: Von Barnes

Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Educating & Empowering Individuals and Families to Make Responsible Choices and Develop Life Skills

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The problem students aren't familiar with eating locally.


The educational program response a majority of the class.


The participants/target audience were Newburg Middle School students. 


Other partners (if applicable) were the teachers in Newburg Middle.


Program impact or participant response were students with excited about eating locally. Roughly 80% - 85% were more excited while 15% - 20% of the student were not impressed with change.


Newburg Middle School recently held a career exploration day, and they invited a Kentucky State University (KYSU) Urban Agriculture Agent to speak about eating local and agriculture career paths. The agent spoke about career choices and explained the importance of supporting local food sources. The main idea was to help them understand the significance of knowing where their food comes from and the benefits of eating locally grown produce instead of imported fruits and vegetables.

To illustrate this concept, the scholars tried persimmons. The tannins found in them help teach the difference in local or imported fruits.

Tannins, which can make them taste less delicious, shows them why imports aren’t always so good. Ripe persimmons don’t have that issue. The scholars learned readiness by looking at their ripeness and firmness.

During the demonstration, one student exclaimed, "These fruits are super sweet and taste sugary!" While another student picked a firmer one, her facial expression tells a different story. Overall, the career exploration day at Newburg Middle School was an informative and eye-opening experience. It helped the scholars to enjoy eating local.






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