K-State Student Applied Learning Opportunities

Throughout the year, the Council mentors many K-State students from across colleges and curriculums. We host many interns and scholars to help us with our work while skill-building for their future. The Council is known for challenging the “project in a box” thinking and encouraging students to meet course requirements while at the same time investing their time and energy in real-world experiences applied in the local food system.

Impact

Each school year our Council works with approximately 30 students individually and 200+ through classroom presentations and one-time programs/events.

Testimonials

“I’ve never had such real-world experiences as working with the Food and Farm Council programs. This will be something I’ll take with me wherever I go.”

Food Security Scholar

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work and learn from you through the Food and Farm Council diversity, equity and inclusion work. This has been one of my favorite experiences in Manhattan, and has been one of, if not the best, learning and growth opportunities I've had to date. You've been a fantastic mentor and I am excited to keep working with you!”

K-State Student

Local Food Fellow

The K-State Research and Extension Local Food Fellows Program provides individual Fellows to food system partners across the state. Fellows work on site-specific local food system projects including research, education, marketing or community engagement. The Food and Farm Council has been awarded two Fellows for Summer 2024.

Food Security Scholars

The K-State Staley School of Leadership Food Security Scholars Program: Each Spring semester the Food and Farm Council provides community service experiences for 3-4 Food Security Scholars.These are practical application opportunities to work alongside our Council and partners in each of our nine programs. Examples of student engagement include social media plan development, creation of infographics and promotional materials, observation and assessment of program needs, and a seat at the table in creating change.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Local Food System: K-State student leaders assisted with focus group planning and facilitation with seven different populations of focus across our community. Groups included teens at True Colors, Spanish only speaking households and Seniors. The information collected has been used to further program planning and conscious efforts to be inclusive and equitable with all our work. More focus groups are planned as an annual effort to include voices often not heard in government and community decision making.