UK Ag Week focuses on food

Seth Riker  

 LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

Everyone eats. It’s a simple, but common phrase heard throughout the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. It’s also a message that will soon reach the greater UK community. 

 Food is the primary theme of CAFE’s upcoming National Agriculture Week celebrations March 19-25. Thanks to UK Collegiate Farm Bureau, students and supporters from Central Kentucky Ag Credit, the commodity kickoff breakfast is a new event with more than a dozen agriculture organizations including the Kentucky Beef Council, Kentucky Pork Producers and others. 

 “We are thrilled to start our week with Kentucky’s agricultural leaders and extend a small token of appreciation for their immeasurable impact on the commonwealth,” said Nancy Cox, vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “Even better that we can connect these groups with our student leaders and encourage new collaborations with our campus partners.” 

 In addition to thecareer-focused commodities kickoffand other food-related events, CAFE staff created a commemorative set of infographic food posters for K-12 educators, community groups and other ag-related organizations. Available by request, while supplies last, the 16” x 20” posters highlight little-known statistics and information at the intersection of food and consumerism, food and gardens, and food and health.

 “Food, of course, is fundamental to human health, but food also has a special way of connecting families, communities, and cultures,” said Aaron Schwartz, lecturer and director of undergraduate studies in theUK Department Dietetics and Human Nutrition. “And for young adults with a passion for food, there are plenty of meaningful careers to be found.”  

 In addition to on- and off-campus events, organizers encourage the UK community to join ag week celebrations by following daily themes on social media and using #UKYagweek for a chance to win several UK CAFE prize packs.  ∆

SETH RIKER: University of Kentucky