Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7672-8289
Date Available
12-20-2024
Year of Publication
2024
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems (MSNFS)
College
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Department/School/Program
Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Advisor
Dr. Dawn Brewer
Abstract
Farm to School (FTS) programs provide experiential learning opportunities to children that have the potential to shape eating patterns and, in turn, improve health and learning outcomes. Participation in FTS programs in Kentucky is growing. However, programming varies widely across schools, and few have an edible school garden. This study examined the feasibility of establishing an edible school garden while incorporating FTS programming by evaluating teachers' observations and experiences. Six rural Kentucky schools were selected to receive a $5,000 grant to initiate an edible school garden and incorporate FTS programming. A Qualtrics survey measured six categories regarding implementation. The results found that four of the six schools successfully started and maintained an edible garden and conducted FTS programming after one year. Key findings included increased positive attributes of students who participated in the program. Notable challenges by teachers involved implementing the educational components of programming, a decrease in volunteer support, and lack of interest in the garden in the second season. Funding, knowledge of gardening, and supplies were among the lowest challenges, which we believe is due to the detailed garden plan required for this study. The findings of this study contributed insights for future FTS programming in Kentucky.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2024.523
Funding Information
This study was supported by the USDA Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program Grant and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P42E007380.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Christina, "Examining the Feasibility of Implementing Farm to School Programs in Rural Kentucky Schools: Barriers and Successes of Initiating Programming as Identified Through Teacher’s Observations" (2024). Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems. 106.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/foodsci_etds/106
